Post by Matt Meyer “Sports Morning” Producer and host of College Football coverage on Twitter @bluto51
Weird game last Sunday inside AT&T Stadium. Dallas 24 Detroit 6, Cowboys 5-2 on the season.
Biggest story going in was the return of Dak Prescott, and all things considered he played okay: 19-25 for 207 and a score with no turnovers. Couple of passes came close, including one thrown into triple coverage that hit a Lions DB in the hands. You could see Prescott become more comfortable and find more rhythm as the game went on, but he wasn’t asked to do too much and he didn’t. Lions had been terrible defensively all season long but coming off a bye week, they played fast and inspired. Jeff Okudah was everywhere. Cowboys offense had success on the ground and were able to take advantage of five (!!!!!) second half turnovers, the biggest of which was a fumble recovery by Anthony Barr at their own 1 yard line early in the 4th quarter, Dallas clinging to a 10-6 lead. Cowboys went nowhere on the ensuing drive, but the Lions would turn it over on their final three possessions, leading to consecutive TD’s that put the game away.
Dallas’ defense continues to play very well. Detroit has been very good offensively this season, but they missed RB D’Andre Swift and others on offense. No TD’s allowed, five second half turnovers created, and five sacks is a pretty good recipe. Hope that continues.
Potentially a tough matchup for the Cowboys next as the Chicago Bears come to Arlington. Chicago’s offense isn’t much of a mystery: number 1 in the league in rushing, number 32 in passing. Weakness of Dallas’ defense is defending the straight ahead running game so I’ll be interested to see how Dan Quinn game plans defensively. Cowboys have to keep Justin Fields in the pocket. You’re begging for problems if Fields breaks contain.
I don’t mind the trade for Johnathan Hankins at all. Cowboys get him and a 7th round pick from the Raiders for a 6th rounder. Not a superstar, wasn’t even playing a lot in Vegas, but he brings size on the interior that the Cowboys don’t have. Dallas still has Dalvin Cook, Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, and Derrick Henry to deal with down the stretch. Jerry would probably screw up the draft pick anyway.
Much like their offense, there’s quite a contrast with Chicago’s defense. Bears are third against the pass but 29th against the run. No secret what the Cowboys have to do when they have the ball. Chicago only has 12 sacks, tied for 22nd in the league, and they just traded Robert Quinn, who was having a down year after setting a team record for sacks a season ago. LB Roquan Smith is a big problem for any offense.
Can’t assume anything in this league. Cowboys are the better team and they’re catching the Bears on a short week, but Chicago’s ability to run the ball concerns me. Ezekiel Elliott is very much in question with a right knee injury suffered against Detroit. Hyperextension that has caused swelling and bruising. I’d sit him. Let him heal up. Going to need him not only in the running game but in pass protection throughout the season. Tony Pollard is more explosive and has a burst that Elliott doesn’t have right now. I worry about Pollard in pass pro because he’s not as good as Elliott there.
Tricky game the day before Halloween. Dallas wins in another struggle. Cowboys 20 Bears 13.