FRISCO, TEXAS — The Dallas Cowboys (3-2), led by veteran quarterback Dak Prescott, are looking to build on their recent momentum after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers last week with a thrilling game-winning pass from Prescott to Jalen Tolbert. This win showcased Prescott’s ability to perform under pressure and highlighted Tolbert’s emerging role in the offense. However, the Cowboys now face a significant challenge as they prepare to take on the Detroit Lions without two of their biggest stars: Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, both sidelined due to injury. This will put extra pressure on the rest of the Cowboys’ defense to step up against a high-powered Lions offense.
The Cowboys aim to get their running game off to an early start in this matchup. In Week Five against Pittsburgh, Rico Dowdle tallied a career-high 20 carries for 87 yards, proving he can be a reliable option in the backfield. Establishing the run will be crucial for Dallas, as it can help open up the passing game and keep the Lions’ offense off the field.
The Lions (3-1), meanwhile, are coming off a strong performance, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 42-29 before enjoying their bye week. Jared Goff has silenced doubters with his efficient play, orchestrating an offense that has been both balanced and explosive. Detroit is averaging 26 points per game, and much of that success comes from their standout backfield duo—David Montgomery and the electrifying rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery’s bruising, downhill running complements Gibbs’ speed and versatility, creating headaches for opposing defenses.
The Cowboys’ last win against Detroit came in a thrilling 20-19 victory on Dec. 30, 2023, at AT&T Stadium. In that game, CeeDee Lamb erupted with a monstrous performance, hauling in 13 receptions for 227 yards. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against the Lions’ secondary was key to Dallas securing the win. This season, Lamb continues to be a major weapon, and alongside him, tight end Jake Ferguson has emerged as a significant contributor.
Ferguson is off to a fast start in 2024. Despite missing one game due to injury, he ranks in the top five among NFL tight ends in several key categories: third in targets (30), third in receiving yards (229), and fourth in receptions (22). His connection with Prescott has grown stronger, and he’s becoming a dependable target in the middle of the field.
But the Lions’ offense doesn’t stop there. Goff has a reliable group of pass-catchers, led by the dynamic Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has been a consistent target all season. Whether it’s finding soft spots in the zone or making tough catches in traffic, St. Brown has been Goff’s go-to receiver. The Lions’ offense is well-rounded and will challenge the Cowboys’ defense in every phase of the game.
Defensively, with Parsons and Lawrence out, Dallas faces a steep challenge in getting pressure on Goff. The Cowboys have built a reputation for creating turnovers and getting after the quarterback, but without their top two pass-rushers, they’ll need other defensive linemen and linebackers to step up. This could open the door for Detroit’s offense to take control.
The Lions, meanwhile, have seen a major improvement on defense. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s unit has shown grit and determination, often coming up with key stops when needed. With playmakers like Aidan Hutchinson leading the charge, the Lions’ defense is much more formidable than in recent years. They’ll aim to put pressure on Prescott, force mistakes, and contain the Cowboys’ offense.
This game has all the makings of a classic NFC showdown, with both teams playing at a high level. The Lions are looking to prove they’re legitimate contenders in the NFC, while the Cowboys will want to maintain their position as one of the conference’s powerhouses. With both offenses firing on all cylinders and defenses capable of game-changing plays, this matchup promises to be a dogfight in Dallas.
Key Matchup to Watch: Dallas’ Running Game vs. Detroit’s Defense: Can the Cowboys establish their run game early, especially with Dowdle coming off a career-high performance? The effectiveness of their running attack could be key to keeping Detroit’s offense off the field.
