Cowboys Face ‘Must Win’ Road Game Against Lions

The Dallas Cowboys are facing another “must win” game against the Detroit Lions this weekend. Holding on to a slim margin in the NFC East and playing another team with a losing record, albeit on the road, should be enough to motivate the Cowboys to finish off their opponent and win the game. Close is only good in…well you know and neither of those are American football.

The Detroit Lions will be without their quarterback Matthew Stafford which changes the abilities and complexities that a very respectable Lions offense can pursue. The Cowboys have won three straight against the Lions and look to make it four in a row against a team that has a backup quarterback, Jeff Driskel, lead it in rushing yards in his first start. Given these limitations at quarterback, the Dallas defense should be able to enforce its will all afternoon. The strength of the Lions is their passing game and Jeff Driskel is no Matthew Stafford although he is an NFL quarterback who is starting. This is much different than a starting NFL quarterback like Stafford.

Detroit lost their game last week to the Chicago Bears with all the Bears scores coming from pass plays. Here, is a golden chance for Dak Prescott, who is second in the NFL in passing yards to set the tone for the Dallas offensive attack. I would like to see Dak keep the ball on the run-pass options (RPOs) at least a little to keep the Lions defense honest as teams seem to key on and want to stop Ezekiel Elliott from beating them. Stopping the Cowboys run game which the team has meticulously build seems to make sense, however, with the likes of wide receivers Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, emerging veteran Randal Cobb and tight end Jason Witten among others, the passing game gives many more choices of success for Dallas.

The injury report for Dallas lists several players including Amari Cooper but presently all are scheduled to see action this Sunday. Defensive linemen DeMarcus Lawrence and Antwaun Woods along with offensive linemen Zack Martin and La’el Collins made the list also. Defensive back Jeff Heath is listed as well although the coverage last week did not suffer in his absence.

This is one of the early games on Sunday in which the Cowboys need to lock down their opponent early and often as well. Do not give hope to a team with a losing record any reason to be more valiant than usual during this NFL season. Dallas needs this win to continue to stay atop the NFC East and strive to make and excel in the playoffs during this NFL season.