Dallas Cowboys: 3 Keys to Beating Lions on Wild Card Weekend
By Joe Wedra
Somehow, someway the Dallas Cowboys have found a way to cruise into the playoffs. On the horizon, the Detroit Lions bring one of the team’s toughest tasks of the season – one that Jason Garrett and Co. should roll through.
It won’t be easy, but with a few offensive fireworks and defensive stands, the fans at AT&T Stadium could be treated to a coveted playoff win in the Tony Romo era.
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Run to set up the pass, utilize playmakers
This one is pretty simple. DeMarco Murray has been a one-man wrecking ball in 2014. If this offense can once again lean on his skills and early production, Romo can effectively lead a smooth offensive attack without much stress.
Don’t be surprised to see backup RB Joseph Randle get a few carries throughout the game if things are going as planned. Keeping Murray, an MVP contender, healthy might end up being Dallas’ biggest priority throughout the matchup.
Generate pass rush early and often
The Cowboys’ front-seven can get the job done — this one simply comes down to who’s hot and who’s not.
Aside from DE Jeremy Mincey having the big number, getting to the quarterback has been more of a team effort in 2014. The unit has only tallied 28 sacks on the year, but they’ve shown flashes of brilliance when all pieces are working together.
Although the middle of the defense lost former Chicago Bears standout Henry Melton to a season-ending injury, it should have a healthy rotation that includes Tyrone Crawford.
Don’t play below average
Does this one seem pretty simple? If it does, the point has gotten across.
Dallas is the better team. If the Lions win this game, it’s going to take much more than perfect play. The only way the Cowboys slip up is if they play down to their opponent and prove to be playoff letdowns yet again.
Watch out for the status of linebacker Rolando McClain to play a big role here. If he plays, this defense improves mightily. Without him, rookie Anthony Hitchens will have the spotlight in the middle.
A Detroit win simply shouldn’t happen. If it does, you’ll likely be able to blame the coaching staff for lack of preparedness. At the end of the day, this should be a minor bump in the road for Jason Garrett’s squad.