Will the Dallas Cowboys defense do what it should in Detroit?

The Detroit Lions are down several key weapons on offense. Will the Dallas Cowboys defense do what we know it should on Sunday?

To put it simply, the Detroit Lions offense is in trouble. After losing their star young running back Kerryon Johnson to the Injured Reserve earlier this season, quarterback Matthew Stafford is now injured as well.

Although Detroit has several great wide receivers, will backup quarterback Jeff Driskel be able to deliver them the ball efficiently? If things go as planned, the Dallas Cowboys should have no problem shutting down the Lions.

According to CBS Sports, Stafford is officially ruled out against Dallas on Sunday. One of the biggest stat sheet stuffing quarterbacks in the entire NFL, this is great news for the Cowboys. In eight games this season, Stafford has produced 2,499 passing yards on a 64.3 percent pass completion percentage for 19 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Driskel, who made his first start of the season last week in Stafford’s absence was very mediocre, throwing for 269 yards with one touchdown and one interception, completing only 58.7 percent of his passes.

If Detroit still has Kerryon Johnson, they would have the option to use him as a workhorse while Stafford is sidelined. Since he is not available, the Lions will roll out Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic who have combined for 329 yards and zero touchdowns on 74 rushing attempts. These are not numbers that are going to scare any defense in the NFL.

Although the Dallas defense is talented enough to be successful against nearly any NFL team, they should thrive against a depleted Detroit offense. So far this season, the Cowboys defense has  been in the top half of the league, allowing 219.8 passing yards (7th) and 103.4 rushing yards (14th).

The Detroit Lions defense is 30th in the NFL in total yards allowed per game. It is safe to say the Dallas Cowboys offense should have no problems putting up points. The Lions typically have to outscore their opponents to win games, which will be more difficult without Stafford and Johnson. With weapons at receiver in Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay, if the Cowboys can shut them down, the Lions offense should be extremely stagnant.

Although the Cowboys will be favorites in this game, anything can happen in the NFL. After losing four of their last six, Dallas desperately needs a win. After playing the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys will face the most difficult part of their 2019 schedule.