Week 14 Matchup: Cowboys at Lions
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX ), Ford Field
The Edge
Quarterback: Advantage Dallas
Running backs: Advantage Dallas
Receivers: Advantage Dallas
Offensive line: Advantage Dallas
Defensive line: Advantage Detroit
Linebackers: Advantage Dallas
Secondary: Advantage Detroit
Pass rushers: Advantage Dallas
Special teams: Advantage Dallas
Depth: Advantage Dallas
Coaching: Advantage Dallas
Prediction Cowboys 38 at Lions 27
War Room scouts break down every NFL game. Here is a excerpt of their Cowboys-Lions matchup:
Cowboys Keys For Success
1. Protect quarterback Tony Romo. When given time to find a receiver, Romo can pick apart opponents. The Cowboys' Pro Bowl quarterback ranks third in the NFL in passing yards (3,352), second in touchdowns (33) and first in passing plays of 20-plus yards (49). The Cowboys' big offensive line must recognize blitzes, hold its ground against defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and minimize the hits on Romo.
3. Stuff the Lions' running backs. Though the Lions' are known for their passing game, their offense simply is not as explosive when the running game limps. In last week's 42-10 loss to the Vikings, the Lions ground game only had 23 yards. On first and second downs, inside linebackers Bradie James and Akin Ayodele must anticipate the run and shut down running backs Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett. By shutting down the Lions running game, the Cowboys can render Detroit's offense one-dimensional, which will allow their pass rushers to get after quarterback Jon Kitna without fear of giving up a big running play.
Lions Keys For Success
1. Get wide receiver Calvin Johnson the ball. With wide receiver Roy Williams out with a sprained knee, Johnson must pick up the slack. The Lions' rookie first-round pick has only 32 catches for 502 yards and four touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz will draw up new plays and formations this week and try to create mismatches with Johnson. The Cowboys' defensive backs will make Johnson earn their respect before sending any double coverage his way.
2. Frustrate Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens. The Lions must double-team Owens, minimize his catches and be very physical with him. Owens is Romo's primary target and arguably the most explosive receiver in the NFC. He is having one of the best seasons of his career, with 71 catches for 1,249 yards and 14 touchdowns. He will kill the Lions' defense if they don't double-cover him and get in his head.
3. Stop Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware. The strength of the Lions' offense is their passing game, while the Cowboys' defense is weakest against the pass. However, for Detroit's aerial attack to work, it's crucial that Kitna get sufficient protection. He has been sacked 47 times, more than any quarterback in the NFL. Detroit's offensive tackles must find a way to keep the disruptive duo of Ellis (10 1/2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) and Ware (10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) from getting to Kitna. If he's given time in the pocket, Kitna will throw for 300 yards this week. However, if he's pressured, Kitna is quite capable of making a few turnovers.
The Edge
Quarterback: Advantage Dallas
Running backs: Advantage Dallas
Receivers: Advantage Dallas
Offensive line: Advantage Dallas
Defensive line: Advantage Detroit
Linebackers: Advantage Dallas
Secondary: Advantage Detroit
Pass rushers: Advantage Dallas
Special teams: Advantage Dallas
Depth: Advantage Dallas
Coaching: Advantage Dallas
Prediction Cowboys 38 at Lions 27
War Room scouts break down every NFL game. Here is a excerpt of their Cowboys-Lions matchup:
Cowboys Keys For Success
1. Protect quarterback Tony Romo. When given time to find a receiver, Romo can pick apart opponents. The Cowboys' Pro Bowl quarterback ranks third in the NFL in passing yards (3,352), second in touchdowns (33) and first in passing plays of 20-plus yards (49). The Cowboys' big offensive line must recognize blitzes, hold its ground against defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and minimize the hits on Romo.
3. Stuff the Lions' running backs. Though the Lions' are known for their passing game, their offense simply is not as explosive when the running game limps. In last week's 42-10 loss to the Vikings, the Lions ground game only had 23 yards. On first and second downs, inside linebackers Bradie James and Akin Ayodele must anticipate the run and shut down running backs Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett. By shutting down the Lions running game, the Cowboys can render Detroit's offense one-dimensional, which will allow their pass rushers to get after quarterback Jon Kitna without fear of giving up a big running play.
Lions Keys For Success
1. Get wide receiver Calvin Johnson the ball. With wide receiver Roy Williams out with a sprained knee, Johnson must pick up the slack. The Lions' rookie first-round pick has only 32 catches for 502 yards and four touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz will draw up new plays and formations this week and try to create mismatches with Johnson. The Cowboys' defensive backs will make Johnson earn their respect before sending any double coverage his way.
2. Frustrate Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens. The Lions must double-team Owens, minimize his catches and be very physical with him. Owens is Romo's primary target and arguably the most explosive receiver in the NFC. He is having one of the best seasons of his career, with 71 catches for 1,249 yards and 14 touchdowns. He will kill the Lions' defense if they don't double-cover him and get in his head.
3. Stop Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware. The strength of the Lions' offense is their passing game, while the Cowboys' defense is weakest against the pass. However, for Detroit's aerial attack to work, it's crucial that Kitna get sufficient protection. He has been sacked 47 times, more than any quarterback in the NFL. Detroit's offensive tackles must find a way to keep the disruptive duo of Ellis (10 1/2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) and Ware (10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) from getting to Kitna. If he's given time in the pocket, Kitna will throw for 300 yards this week. However, if he's pressured, Kitna is quite capable of making a few turnovers.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:34 PM
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