Cowboys Roundup: McCarthy on Lions: ‘Biggest challenge of the year’
The Detroit Lions are now focused on earning a postseason spot after winning their first NFC North championship. They will begin by traveling to Dallas to play the 10-5 Cowboys.
Last game: Detroit’s 30-24 victory over the Vikings sealed the NFC North. In addition to his two scores, running back Jammyr Gibbs averaged 5.3 yards per rush for 80 yards and grabbed four catches for 20 yards. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was found by quarterback Jared Goff 12 times for 106 yards and a touchdown. With a systematic approach, the Lions’ offense nearly doubled the Vikings’ time of possession, from 21:38 to 38:22.
The Vikings utilized a one-dimensional attack gaining 373 yards through the air after being held to just 17 on the ground. The Lions’ secondary found ways to make big plays, registering four interceptions from Kerby Joseph (2), Ifeatu Melifonwu (1) and Brian Branch (1).
Dallas was just edged out by the Dolphins last week, 22-20. Miami kicker Jason Sanders hit five field goals including a game winner. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott went 20 of 32 for 253 yards, two touchdowns and a 107.9 passer rating. Prescott’s one blemish came after he fumbled on the first possession of the game on first-and-goal. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was the favorite target, catching six passes for 118 yards.
The Cowboys’ defense sacked Tua Tagovailoa four times and held the Dolphins to just one-for-four in the redzone. However, they were unable to create a turnover or keep Miami out of Sanders’ field goal range.
Comparison: The Cowboys are a red-hot team when they play at home, as they currently hold a 15-game win-streak at AT&T stadium. The Lions are a formidable team on the road with a 6-2 record, but they will have their hands full on Saturday.
Matchups: At the line of scrimmage, there will be combat. Being among the finest, Detroit’s offensive line has only allowed 29 sacks while averaging 141 yards a game of running. Their mission will be to slow down Micah Parsons, who is a gifted athlete. With 13 sacks this season, the Dallas linebacker is tied for sixth in the NFL in sack total. Watching how the Lions handle Parsons will be interesting.
In their last meeting: A 21-0 second-half performance from the Cowboys solidified their 24-6 victory. Dallas forced five turnovers – three fumbles and two interceptions – in that 2022 contest.
The overall series: The Cowboys have taken the last five games between the two teams and lead the series 18-12.
Matchup odds: Dallas is a heavy favorite according to ESPN Analytics. They are given a 70.1 percent chance to win.
1. McCarthy on Lions: ‘Biggest challenge of the year’
Head coach Mike McCarthy previews the Week 17 contest against the Lions and opens up on the team’s mindset in their return to AT&T Stadium after a two-game road skid
2. Dak Prescott sees opportunity to correct course before playoffs
Quarterback Dak Prescott discusses the team’s frustrations after dropping the last two games but is confident the team can fix their shortcomings before the playoffs
3. CeeDee not stat-focused: ‘Obsessed with winning’
CeeDee Lamb is on the verge of breaking the Cowboy’s all-time record for most receptions in a single season but is more focused on what it takes to win in Week 17
4. Micah on no-calls: ‘There’s not another rusher like me in the league’
It’s been almost 10 games since Parsons attracted a holding call and the star linebacker believes the unique speed in his pass rush may be making it harder for officials to cal
5. Nick at Nite: These few things happen in Dallas losses
The Cowboys have lost five games this season and in those five games there are a few common themes such as a lack of rushing yards and losing the turnover battle.
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