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Detroit Lions headlines: Stop Zeke from feeding, less sacks

By Steven Mullenax

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 26: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys splits Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions and teammate Tahir Whitehead #59 on his way to a touchdown during the first half at AT&T Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 26: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys splits Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions and teammate Tahir Whitehead #59 on his way to a touchdown during the first half at AT&T Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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With two games before their bye week, the Detroit Lions attempt to earn themselves a winning record. Let’s check out the latest headlines.

The Detroit Lions are traveling to Texas this weekend to face off against the 1-2 Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. It’s an important game for the Motor City, who would like to have a winning record going into their Week Six bye.

With their eyes on conquering the Cowboys this Sunday, let’s browse some of the headlines surrounding the Lions going into their Week Four matchup in the Lone Star State.

Detroit Lions must corral these two Dallas Cowboys in order to win – Detroit Free Press

One Cowboys player that is expected to get a heavy workload against the Lions this weekend is running back Ezekiel Elliott. Currently tied for second in the NFL in rushing yardage, Elliott ran all over the Seattle Seahawks in Week Three, posting a season-high 127 rushing yards on just 16 carries. Detroit’s defense has struggled to stop the run this season and must stop Zeke from feeding in order to win.

NOTEBOOK: Stafford currently the least-sacked QB in the NFL – DetroitLions.com

Despite the issues the Lions’ offensive line has had this season, Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford has been sacked just three times in three games. That’s tied for the 32nd lowest amount in the NFL.

Part of the reason is surely the fact this unit is starting to play better. But also, Stafford appears to be getting the ball out quicker, which has been key.

Lions mailbag: Receiving riches, Ragnow’s rise, Teez’s tumble – The Detroit News

One of the questions in the above article involves defensive end Kerry Hyder. The sack leader for this team in 2016 was a healthy scratch in Week Three. Hyder and former Lion Anthony Zettel figured to play an important in Detroit’s pass rush this year. Yet, the Lions have posted 10 sacks without them, which is tied for the fifth highest total in the NFL. Hyder may simply not be a good fit for this new scheme.

T.J. Lang on what stands out about Dallas Cowboys’ defense: ‘Everything’ – Detroit Free Press

The Lions offensive line may face their stiffest challenge this season against a stout Dallas defense. Currently ranked third in the NFL in overall defense, the Cowboys have playmakers on all three levels. Pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence has been dominate at defensive end, linebacker Jaylon Smith appears to be fully recovered from his devastating college knee injury and the cornerback tandem of Byron Jones and Chidobe Awuzie is one of the best in the league.

Next. Top Five Video Game Detroit Lions of All Time. dark

The small change Matthew Stafford made hoping for more success – ESPN.com

Stafford has made small changes to his approach, warm up and throwing mechanics all in an effort to get the football out of his hands quicker. The fact he’s only been sack three times this season is a testament to those changes.

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