The Dallas Cowboys are coming off their biggest win of the season, but there’s little time to celebrate as they prepare to face one of the NFL’s best teams, the Detroit Lions. There are several reasons this Week 6 matchup could be a rough one for Dallas, particularly with their defense being short-handed and the Lions coming off a bye week.
Here are three reasons Cowboys fans should be concerned about the upcoming game:
#1. Lions Fresh Off a Bye Week
The schedule is not doing the Cowboys any favors. While Dallas is recovering from a hard-fought Sunday night win in Pittsburgh, which ended in the early hours of Monday morning due to a weather delay, the Lions have had extra rest thanks to their Week 5 bye. A well-rested Detroit squad could be a problem, especially for a Cowboys team battling injuries on both sides of the ball.
The Lions will come into this matchup fresh and motivated. The Cowboys’ last-second win over Detroit last year—thanks to a controversial two-point conversion call—adds extra fuel to the fire for Dan Campbell’s team, who have had this game circled since the schedule was released.
WHAT AN ENDING.
Cowboys win it after three 2pt attempts from the Lions
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 31, 2023
#2. Dangerous Offensive Weapons
The Cowboys’ defense has already been ravaged by injuries, and missing key players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence could spell disaster against Detroit’s explosive offense. The Lions, led by QB Jared Goff, have a balanced attack that will test Dallas’ defense.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the top young players in the league, already on track for another 100+ catch season. Meanwhile, Jameson Williams is emerging as a big-play threat, averaging over 22 yards per catch with two touchdowns from 50+ yards out.
Tight end Sam LaPorta, though not as dominant as his rookie year, remains a key target in Detroit’s passing game. Add in the two-headed rushing attack of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and the Cowboys will have their hands full trying to contain this potent offense.
#3. Aidan Hutchinson’s Disruptive Presence
Dallas has faced its share of elite pass rushers this season, but Aidan Hutchinson might be the toughest test yet. The Lions’ defensive star leads the NFL with 6.5 sacks through just four games and will look to disrupt the Cowboys’ offensive game plan.
Last year, Hutchinson was a nightmare for Dallas, racking up three sacks and four tackles for loss in their matchup. If the Cowboys’ offensive line can’t contain him, Dak Prescott could find himself under relentless pressure, making it hard for Dallas to execute their offense effectively.
Conclusion
The Lions are not only one of the best teams in the league but are coming into this game rested and hungry for revenge. With a battered Cowboys squad and a defense missing key pieces, Dallas will need to play near-perfect football to avoid falling to 0-3 at home this season.
