ZB Game of the Week: Cowboys at Lions

Normally in a week when the Giants play the Eagles and the Vikings play the Packers, I’m not sure the Cowboys and Lions registers much of a blip on my radar. But 2013 is different. Three of those four teams suck this year and the fourth looks like a M*A*S*H unit. And, more importantly, Dallas and Detroit are fighting for playoff positioning and for respect.

Both teams, in recent years, have been up and down – or, in Detroit’s case – mostly down. But both teams are 4-3 this season and, for both, a win in this game would go a long way toward providing respect, legitimacy – and an improved path to the playoffs.

So that’s why we asked Steven Mullenax, editor and head writer for The Landry Hat, and Zac Snyder, editor at SideLion Report to share some thoughts on their team’s keys to victory.

Steven Mullenax, The Landry Hat (Twitter: @LandryHat)

WHY THE COWBOYS WILL WIN:

The main reason the Dallas Cowboys could win this Sunday against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field is their defense. The Cowboys are fresh off a strong victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in which their “no-name” defense held the high-octane Chip Kelly offense to just three points. They did this without their All-Pro defensive end DeMarcus Ware, who missed his first game due to injury in his nine year career. They also achieved this feat getting great production from players like defensive end George Selvie and defensive tackles Nick Hayden. Both of whom weren’t even in the league last season. Now they are productive starters on this Cowboys defense. With both linebacker Sean Lee and corner Brandon Carr having Pro Bowl worthy seasons, the Dallas defense should give the Lions’ offense all it can handle.

HOW THE COWBOYS COULD LOSE:

The Cowboys have not been a good team on the road so far this season. In fact, their first road victory came just last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. And it is a win greatly attributed to the Cowboys’ defense. On the other side of the ball, the Dallas offense has struggled. That’s a bit hard to believe as this is the same team that went toe-to-toe with the Denver Broncos three weeks ago in a 51-48 shootout. But since that slug-fest, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has seemed more uncomfortable in the pocket. Although his offensive line is doing a decent job in pass protection, it’s their inability to establish the running game that has really hurt them. If this continues in Detroit on Sunday, I can see the Cowboys offense continuing to sputter throughout the game. That would tire out their defensive players and give the Lions an opportunity to take this game over offensively.

PREDICTION: Despite my concerns about the Cowboys offense, I do believe their defense is stout enough to stifle the Lions offensively. With Carr playing at such an exceptional level, and Lions wideout Calvin Johnson not quite 100 percent, I believe the Cowboys no-name defense will give Romo and his offense just enough time to outscore the Lions and to pull out their second straight road victory of the year. COWBOYS 27 LIONS 23

Zac Snyder, SideLion Report (Twitter: @SideLionReport)

WHY THE LIONS WILL WIN: The Lions have been known as an offensive team for several years now but this year’s edition is likely their best. The addition of Reggie Bush has not only given the Lions a home run receiving threat out of the backfield, he has also helped improve their running game. In becoming more balanced, the Lions offense has maintained their potency but been able to better control the game. With Bush and Calvin Johnson, the Lions can attack the Cowboys in a variety of ways and exploit matchups caused when the defense focuses too heavily on Bush or Johnson. A big offensive day will lead the Lions to victory.

WHY THE LIONS COULD LOSE: While the addition of Reggie Bush to the Lions offense has rightfully received a lot of attention, the biggest difference between this year and last year is probably the defense’s ability to make plays. The Lions have forced just one total turnover in their three losses compared to a total of 12 turnovers in their five wins.

If the Lions can’t force Tony Romo into throwing a couple interceptions or recover a fumble or two, the Lions chances of winning decrease dramatically. When the turnover battle is even or in the opponents’ favor, the Lions are 0-3. When it is in the Lions’ favor, they are 4-0. Protecting the ball is the Cowboys’ number one objective. Do that, and they may leave Detroit with a win.

PREDICTION: The Cowboys and Lions are relatively even teams, both with playmakers on offense and some problems on defense. With home field advantage and a Cowboys offense more prone to turning the ball over, I give a slight edge to the Lions. Final score: Detroit 27 Dallas 21.

Zoneblitz’ Take: Snyder and Mullenax are correct that these teams are tightly matched. Both teams have some great playmakers on offense. And the defenses are playing better – Dallas has been rock solid and Detroit at times has as strong a front four as exists in football.

I think one of the keys will be which of those defenses can keep the other team’s playmakers on the bench. As of now it sounds like Dallas might have DeMarco Murray back and it’s sounding less like Reggie Bush will play for Detroit. If that happens, I think the Cowboys have a slightly better chance of limiting Detroit than the Lions have of limiting Dallas. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least, however, to see this game come down to the last minute. In my picks earlier this week I went with Detroit. As the week has passed, I’ve been feeling a stronger Dallas vibe. It’ll be tight, but I’m going 27-24 Cowboys.

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