Coming off their first back-to-back losses since 2021, the Dallas Cowboys return home on Saturday to take on the Detroit Lions. The Cowboys still have much to prove to be considered contenders in the postseason.
What key aspects and players in this game could be game-changers for both teams?
Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions Game Preview
The Cowboys have struggled with playing complementary football consistently throughout all four quarters. The offense is getting down the field, but their inability to score on drives has been the issue.
Dak Prescott has played his best football, especially at home, with the team averaging nearly 40 points at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys can use the vertical threat against the Lions’ defense, especially with CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Michael Gallup, and KaVontae Turpin.
The run game will be impacted, as Rico Dowdle was ruled out on the injury report. So it will be up to Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke to relieve Tony Pollard when needed.
As for the defense, turnovers will be crucial. Dallas’ unit has gone two weeks without creating turnovers, and they haven’t created them in all five of the team’s losses.
Jared Goff will struggle to create explosive passing plays if pressure is put up front. But this means the run defense with Mazi Smith and Carl Davis must be at its best.
Cowboys-Lions Stats From Inside Edge
- The Cowboys have run 19.9% offensive plays in the red zone this season — the best in the NFL.
- The Lions have allowed their opponent to run 16.1% of plays in the red zone this season — third worst in the NFL.
Analysis:
The Cowboys had solved their red-zone struggles early in the season. But the last two weeks have been an issue inside the 20, with just three touchdowns total against the Bills and Dolphins.
For this game, Dallas’ offense could utilize the running backs in the red zone, even with Dowdle out. All eyes will be on Pollard, Luepke, and Vaughn, even if they’re used in the passing game to score touchdowns.
- The Lions have run successful plays on 53.1% of pass attempts on their opponent’s side of the field since Week 13 — tied for second in the NFL.
- The Cowboys have allowed successful plays on 55.2% of pass attempts on their own side of the field since Week 13 — second worst in the league.
Analysis:
The Cowboys’ secondary will be battle-tested in this game. However, it starts up front with the linebackers Damone Clark and Markquese Bell. If Dallas can contain Detroit’s offense up front, the secondary will have a better chance to eliminate big plays.
- The Lions have gained at least five yards on 45.9% of first-down plays this season — fourth best in the NFL.
- The Cowboys have allowed at least five yards on 46.3% of first-down plays this season — fourth worst in the NFL.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys Playoff Scenarios
Analysis:
One of the keys in this game will be keeping the Lions behind the sticks as much as possible, starting on first and second down. Detroit is seventh in the league with a success rate of 43.6% on third down.
If the Cowboys can prevent Jared Goff from having success on first down, they can better their chances of getting the Lions’ offense off the field.
- The Cowboys have scored on 48.9% of their drives in the fourth quarter this season — best in the NFL.
- The Lions’ defense has allowed scores on 41.5% of opponent drives in the fourth quarter this season — fourth worst in the NFL.
- The Cowboys have scored on 46.7% of their second-half drives this season — best in the NFL.
- The Lions’ defense has allowed scores on 43.6% of opponent drives in the second half this season — fourth worst in the NFL.
Analysis:
The Cowboys’ offense has been uncharacteristic the last two weeks, struggling to score touchdowns. Against Detroit, it will be vital for Dallas to score consistently in all four quarters and not wait until the fourth quarter to play catch-up.
Adjusting throughout the game to what the Lions’ defense is doing will be the difference-maker.
- Lions RBs have averaged 2.7 yards after contact per carry since Week 13 — third best in the league.
- The Cowboys have allowed 2.2 yards after contact per carry since Week 13 — tied for third worst in the NFL.
Analysis:
The Cowboys will be without Johnathan Hankins in this game, meaning the run defense will again be tested.
The tackling issue that plagued Dallas two weeks ago seemingly improved against Miami. If the Cowboys can contain the run up front in the trenches and the box, they can shut down David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
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