There’s no doubt the 2019 Cowboys have been disappointing through the first half of the season. But one area which has actually surpassed preseason expectations has been their offense, specifically their passing attack.
Despite the loss Sunday night, Dallas’ offense still ranks first in DVOA- ahead of high powered attacks like the ones in Kansas City, Baltimore, and Seattle. Things have fallen into place for Dallas’ offense nearly perfectly, with Dak Prescott positioning himself among the elite passers in the league, and La’el Collins having a breakout season at right tackle.
This week’s matchup is yet another favorable one for this Cowboys offense, as the Detroit Lions come in reeling on the defensive side of the ball. Detroit ranks 25th overall in terms of defensive DVOA, and have been equally below average against both the run and pass (23rd and 20th in DVOA respectively).
Roster talent wise, there isn’t a ton to get excited about on the Lions defense. Where last week’s opponent had potential game breakers on each level of their defense, Detroit’s talent is much more modest.
Still, free agent acquisition Trey Flowers has proven to be a solid defensive end and Damon “Snacks” Harrison has long been an elite run stuffer on the interior. In the back end, Darius Slay is a legit number one cornerback, but even he isn’t enough to bolster this unit on his own.
In theory, the Cowboys should be able to get whatever they want offensively against the Lions this week, making it imperative they remain aggressive through the air. Jason Garrett coached teams love to try to “impose their will” with their offensive line and run game, but this is yet another week where the Cowboys’ biggest advantage is likely driven by Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper.
If all works according to plan the Cowboys will be able to utilize Prescott to win this game, and then lean on Ezekiel Elliott to kill clock late. The exact formula we had hoped for heading into the season months ago.
Of course, this would require something the Cowboys haven’t really done whatsoever this season: start fast offensively.
But if you look at the remaining schedule, it’s really now or never for this version of the Dallas Cowboys.
