Detroit Lions: 5 things you need to know about the Dallas Cowboys
Following their big win over the New England Patriots Sunday night, the Detroit Lions will now face off against the struggling 1-2 Dallas Cowboys. Here’s what you need to know.
Hot off their win over the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football, the Detroit Lions now head to Arlington, Texas to face off against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. This is a very winnable game for the Lions as the Cowboys are struggling offensively.
That’s just one of five important things Lions’ fans need to know about this upcoming matchup against the Cowboys in Week Four.
The Cowboys passing game is struggling
The Cowboys possess one of the worst passing attacks in the NFL. With Dez Bryant no longer in Big D, Dallas has shifted to a wide receiver-by-committed approach. And through the first three games of the season, it’s resulted in the 31st ranked passing offense in the NFL averaging a lowly 145 yards through the air per contest.
The Cowboys can still run the football
Despite their struggles through the air, Dallas is still lethal on the ground. Running back Ezekiel Elliott is currently tied for the league led in rushing with 274 yards. And the Cowboys rank seventh in the NFL on the ground, averaging 132.7 yards per game. An important aspect of their rushing attack is mobile quarterback Dak Prescott, who can gain big yardage escaping out of the pocket.
The Cowboys defense is legit
The Cowboys defense currently ranks third in the NFL. Their defensive line has multiple pass rushers including defensive ends Taco Charlton, Randy Gregory, and DeMarcus Lawrence. The latter is currently posting nearly a sack a game. But the fact nine of their defenders have record a sack or more this season means Detroit’s offensive line will have a tough challenge on their hands across the board.
The Cowboys safeties are a weakness
Despite how great the Dallas defense as a whole has been, safety is their biggest weakness. After failed attempts to acquire All-Pro safety Earl Thomas from the Seattle Seahawks via a trade, the Cowboys are left with Jeff Heath, Xavier Woods, and Kavon Frazier at the position. This trio was dissected by a struggling Seahawks passing game in Week Three. So, Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford could post big numbers this Sunday.
Next. The Detroit Lions All-Time Offensive Team. dark
The Cowboys will be without their top defender
Although it could be argued that Lawrence is actually the Cowboys top defensive player, veteran Pro Bowl linebacker Sean Lee is more vital to the unit as both a player and leader. Dallas struggled last season when the quarterback of their defense missed five games due to injury, winning only one contest without Lee in the lineup. The 32-year old will miss Sunday’s game with the Lions due to a hamstring injury, leaving young linebackers Jaylon Smith and first-round rookie Leighton Vander Esch to pick up the slack.