The Dallas Cowboys were 3-5-1 going into the bye just a few short weeks ago, with fans talking about draft picks and positioning. Then, owner and GM Jerry Jones made two trades to help the defense, pairing them with one of the best offenses in the league, to make a run at the playoffs. To his credit, the Dallas owner and general manager nailed the moves, and Dallas has won three straight including wins over the Super Bowl champions and the AFC champions from last season.
The Cowboys are a new team heading into their Week 14 game against the Detroit Lions, but they have to keep doing the things they’ve done to get better. Continue to play desperately, because every week is a playoff game for them.
Prescott has to continue beating pressure
When under pressure, Prescott was undeniable. He is the first quarterback all season to have over 100 passing yards, two touchdowns, and take no sacks while under pressure. Prescott completed 15 of his 19 attempts against the blitz and did so against one of the best defensive coordinators in the entire NFL. The Lions’ defense will get pressure with guys like Aidan Hutchinson, and Dallas will need Prescott to continue to make plays in those situations.
Don’t shy away from the opponents best corner
An offense as good as the Cowboys, with a quarterback playing like Prescott, has no reason to shy away from any corners.
Suppose defenses put their top corner on George Pickens because of how on fire he is, throw him the ball. He has already beaten top guys like Sauce Gardner, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jaycee Horn.
CeeDee Lamb has torched top corners, double teams, and even put up big numbers with Cooper Rush at quarterback last season. He went up against Trent McDuffie on Thanksgiving and caught four of five targets for 44 yards and a touchdown. McDuffie hadn’t given up 40 yards in a game overall, let alone to a single receiver. McDuffie was called for three penalties for 50 yards on Lamb as well. The top two receivers in Dallas should fear no defenders.
Big time runs from players other than Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams has been a revelation for the Cowboys and is earning himself a big payday this offseason with his tough running and incredible pass protection. Behind him, though, the team has struggled to make any plays. Miles Sanders had a big run and was ok before he was injured for the season. Jaydon Blue was drafted as the change-of-pace backup but has been a healthy inactive for weeks. KaVontae Turpin has struggled running the ball and fumbled against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Malik Davis has had 10 attempts on the year.
The team finally hit some runs by a rusher not named Williams. Turpin took one for 25 yards, and Davis hit a 43-yard touchdown on the ground. If Dallas is to go on a run and try to make the playoffs, it can’t be running on the shoulders of only Williams. Someone has to step up to make plays around Williams on the ground.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 Positives Dallas must continue heading into the Lions game
