By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
So, the last three years in the Dan Campbell tenure has not been kind to the Lions. Last year, Decker reported as Tackle eligible on a two-point conversion play, to find out the refs didn’t say he reported. Not calling it a rail job but, you can take what you want from my statement.
The Dallas Cowboys are dealing with 5 starters out for Offense and defense combined. And, the Detroit Lions had the bye week at the perfect time to lick their wounds and get healthy.
For the Lions, we get to see rookie UDFA Isaac Ukwu called up to action at the DE position. I personally felt he should have made the 53-man roster in the first place. It will be interesting to see what he’ll do in his first NFL regulation action.
Keys to the game:
Defensively, force the Cowboys to be one dimensional. Get pressure on Dak, and play mostly man coverages. Dak has feasted the 2nd half of games against Zone Defenses. The return of Brian Branch gives us a sure tackler next to Kerby Joseph. That alone, should help to stop a lot of big runs up the middle.
Offensively, continue to play like they did last week versus the Seahawks and run the ball a lot. The Cowboys have one of the worst run defenses in the league, which helps Goff to be comfortable in the pocket.
My Score Predictions both ways:
If it all goes right:
DET 34
DAL 17
If it all falls apart;
DET 21
DAL 24
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