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Jermey Parnell Will Be X-Factor For Dallas Cowboys In Week 7

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By @DFWSportsFlo

Jermey Parnell, X-Factor, Dallas Cowboys, Doug Free, Week 7

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As you might have heard by now, Doug Free is expected to miss three to four weeks.

Fry, who has started 77 consecutive games for the Dallas Cowboys, might see his streak end on Sunday thanks to a broken bone in his foot, which he suffered in the closing minutes of the Cowboys’ win in Seattle.

Through six games in 2014, Free has played 204 offensive snaps, allowing three sacks and one quarterback hit. He’s been pretty good against the pass, but where he’s been most impressive is in his run blocking. In fact, when running behind Free, DeMarco Murray averages 5.4 yards per carry.

To replace Free at right tackle, the Cowboys will be rolling out Jermey Parnell, who has been on the team a few years now. For what it’s worth, I don’t think the drop off from Free to Parnell is that huge, but there is something to be said about Parnell’s inability to unseat Free for the starting gig.

I expect the New York Giants coaching staff to line up with their best pass-rushing defensive lineman to Parnell’s side, as to expose any weakness along the Cowboys’ offensive line. That, however, might not be the best idea because the Cowboys can still keep Jason Witten in to help block, and chances are that their second-best pass-rusher isn’t going to get around left tackle Tyron Smith.

The Cowboys obviously think Parnell can contribute on a larger scale because they signed him to a three-year, $4 million contract that included a $1 million bonus in 2012.

On Sunday, it will be time to see if the Cowboys are going to get any return on their investment in Parnell.

Jesus Flores is a Dallas Cowboys writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SSgtFlo1 or add him to your network on Google

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