The Detroit Lions have to find a way to beat the Dallas Cowboys somewhere that they've done nothing but improve in for their last three games: their run defense.
After trading for Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, the Cowboys' defense has improved significantly in stopping the run and providing a pass rush that has been missing since they shipped Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. That's an issue for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Gibbs, specifically, has to have a huge game in Week 14 in order keep the Lions' postseason hopes afloat. While Jared Goff continues to struggle to find open receivers in the face of poor pass protection, Gibbs can be the spark plug that keeps things even in this primetime game. That's a ton of pressure to put on Gibbs, and pressure that could be alleviated if the O-line holds up.
Gibbs can make or break Lions game vs. Cowboys
Gibbs has been on a tear as of late, averaging 5.8 rushing yards per carry and totalling 1,019 rushing yards on the year. That's good for fourth overall, with 10 touchdowns to show for it. He single-handedly won the Lions' game against the Giants in overtime, running rampant over their porous defense. It was so bad that New York fired their defensive coordinator, Shane Bowen, the next day.
Don't expect the same level of resistance - or, lack thereof - from the Cowboys. They've prided themselves on their ability to remain a force defensively despite losing Parsons. Per ESPN, the Cowboys are 6th in the league in run stop win rate, and 15th in pass rush win rate. They're plugging holes and preventing success on short yardage situations, something the Lions have struggled with all year.
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This won't be the first time that Gibbs faces major resistance, as seen in Detroit's games against similarly great defenses. Gibbs has been stopped effectively by the Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings thanks to their defensive lines placing an emphasis on stopping the run.
Letting it open up for Detroit opens up their passing game, as well, and that can lead to some dangerous territory for an offense always ready to burst.
Gibbs can't be the only player relied upon to help with the run game in this one, though. The Lions' IOL, likely composed of Tate Ratlege, Kayode Awosika, and Graham Glasgow in Week 14, has to step up to open up these running lanes with physical, winning run blocking. But, at this point, it just sounds like a lot to ask out of a group that simply can't perform to that level this season.