Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions: Week 7 Know Thy Enemy

What We’ve Seen and Possible Offensive Gameplan Against Dallas

You might not think it from their record, but the Lions have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL this season coming in 3rd overall so far this season. They are currently averaging a little over 400 yards a game in total offense, and if not for injuries at receiver and offensive line, they could be scoring more.

Led by the two-headed monster of D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, the Lions have been able to wear down defenses with this impressive one-two punch. Their success has opened the field up for Goff to take shots downfield, which has led to him throwing for 11 touchdowns this season.

Now, it’s not all roses for this Lions offense as they are dealing with a banged-up receiver core, and injuries at offensive tackle, and guard as well. There’s no doubt that head coach Dan Campbell and his offensive staff are going to be worried about a Cowboys defensive line that is “pissed” according to Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn this week.

That banged-up offensive line might not be able to slow the Cowboys’ disruptive pass rush long enough for Goff to hit the deep crossing routes and fades this offense likes to run off play-action. Detroit might not be able to handle the Dallas defensive tackles in the running game either. Instead, they may resort to short and quick passes to try and give Goff a clean pocket to throw out of. They also have a tough tight end in Hockenson who can be used in the screen game along with Swift and Williams.

For Dallas to combat this, they will need their cornerbacks Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown, and DaRon Bland to be physical at the line of scrimmage to disrupt Goff and his receivers’ timing. Doing so will force Goff to hold the football longer than he anticipated and give Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and company a chance to do what they have been doing all season, racking up sacks.

America’s Team is also going to need strong games for Quinton Bohanna, Neville Gallimore, and Osa Odighizuwa to slow down a Lions running game that prides itself on being physical at the line of scrimmage. If they can slow the running game and force Goff to win this game then they will be forcing the Lions to play right into their strengths.