Cowboys at Lions: 3 ways Dallas can get a win in Detroit

#2 – Stop the passing game

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has been playing quite well this season. He is throwing for the second-most yards per game and is second in passing touchdowns. He is also third in first-down percentage behind only Deshaun Watson and Ryan Tannehill.

To Dallas’ advantage, they won’t need to worry about Stafford. That is because he is out with a back injury, meaning backup quarterback Jeff Driskel will start.

He played well, passing for 269 yards, one touchdown, and one interception last week. He also managed to run for 37 yards. Sure, Driskel is in no way as good as Matthew Stafford, but he should not be underestimated.

After a bit of a slow start to the season, the Lions’ offense picked up significantly. Wide receivers Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay are having quite good seasons. They showed they can still contribute with Stafford out when Golladay caught a touchdown and Jones had 77 yards last week.

Another reason to stop the passing game is that the Lions don’t have a running game. They are 14th in the league in rushing yards per game, and their top running back, Kerryon Johnson, is out after undergoing surgery on his knee, and backup Ty Johnson is questionable.

Forcing Driskel to hand the ball off is the best-case scenario for the Cowboys. This will prevent Jones or Golladay from making a big play. They are the only two players, and sometimes tight end T.J. Hockenson, that can make a play on offense.

Notice, they are all receivers. I am not worried about their run game at all, regardless of Dallas’ issues containing the running back this season.