Why him

When healthy, he is a dangerous quarterback. Hasselbeck has missed five games this season with knee and back injuries. He's completed just 50.9 percent of his passes for a 54.9 quarterback rating and has five touchdown passes and nine interceptions. Last season, he threw for a career-high 3,966 yards with 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

How he does it

The three-time Pro Bowler has a strong arm and still can move around in the pocket. Hasselbeck isn't afraid to throw into tight coverage, especially if he has confidence in the receiver. Now in his 10th NFL season, Hasselbeck has seen lots of coverages, so nothing should surprise him.

How to stop him

Hasselbeck is not totally healthy, so if the Cowboys can put some hits on him it could throw off his rhythm and maybe even knock him out of the game. Hasselbeck is averaging only 5.43 yards per attempt, and with the running game ranked 17th in the league, there's added pressure on him to produce.

What about him

Born in Boulder, Colo. ... Hasselbeck's father, Don, played tight end for nine NFL seasons. ... Hasselbeck was a two-year starter at Boston College, finishing fifth on the Eagles' career passing list with 4,548 yards. ... Younger brother Tim was also starting quarterback at Boston College and was a backup with the Giants.

Matt Hasselbeck GAME LOG

Opponent Att. Com. Yds. TD Int

at Buffalo 41 17 190 1 1

San Fran. 36 18 189 0 2

St. Louis 20 12 172 1 0

at NY Giants 21 11 105 0 1

Green Bay DNP

at Tampa Bay DNP

at San Fran. DNP

Philadelphia DNP

at Miami DNP

Arizona 29 17 170 1 3

Washington 24 12 103 2 2

Totals 171 87 929 5 9