Position battleground (defense): Cowboys vs Lions head-to-head breakdown

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Do you believe in the Lions defense?

Previously we broke down the offense for this week’s upcoming game for the Dallas Cowboys. Now we dive back into the position battleground, this time looking at how the defensive positions and special teams stack up against each other

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Dallas defensive line demonstrated significant improvement last week. The unit collaborated effectively, limiting the Steelers to a mere 92 rushing yards, marking the lowest total for Pittsburgh this season. While the news regarding Marshawn Kneeland is disheartening, it is fortunate that it does not entail a season-ending injury. However, this situation will considerably test the depth at defensive end, especially as they prepare to confront a highly capable offensive line.

The Detroit offensive line excels not only in pass protection but also in run blocking, which exacerbates the challenges faced by the Dallas defense, particularly given their struggles in run defense this year. In response to these challenges, Carl Lawson has been promoted to the active roster, and the front office has also added Luiji Vilain to the practice squad. Vilain, who played college football at Michigan and Wake Forest, was initially signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 and has since been part of the practice squads for both Carolina and Cleveland.

The Lions’ defensive line is anchored by standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Last season, Hutchinson notched 12 sacks, and this year he’s already racked up 6.5, putting him at the top of the league. His six tackles for loss place him third overall, but what’s truly remarkable is his 40 total pressures this season. Not only does that lead the league, but he’s also significantly ahead of the competition, with the second-highest at 29. Keep in mind, Hutchinson had a bye last week, which means he’s averaging an impressive ten pressures per game.

Levi Onwuzurike follows as the second-best on the team in both sacks and pressures, proving to be a reliable, albeit undersized, defensive tackle. Alim McNeil and Marcus Davenport also contribute to the pressure stats, although the team will be without Davenport due to a tricep injury.
Win: Lions

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LINEBACKER

DeMarvion Overshown and Eric Kendricks were the top tacklers for the team last week. Marist Liufau had a bit of a chaotic game, but he excelled in coverage and even managed to break up a pass. The significant issue for the linebacker position this week is the fact Kendricks could be out with a shoulder issue.

Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell are the top linebackers for the Lions. Unfortunately, Derrick Barnes has been placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. While neither of the starting linebackers excels in pass rushing, they both excel at defending against the run.

Conclusion:
This is a challenging situation to assess. Both Kendricks and Overshown excel in tackling, with Kendricks leading the pack with 52 total tackles, placing him second in the league, while Overshown follows with 37 tackles, landing him in the top 30. In contrast, Anzalone, with 24 tackles, sits at 118th. However, the Lions linebackers benefit from the ability to move freely and fill gaps, thanks to the impressive performance of their defensive line. Additionally, since the Cowboys’ running game is still searching for its rhythm, the Lions’ box defenders are likely to have a more manageable day ahead.
Win: Lions

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DEFENSIVE BACKS

There’s buzz that the Cowboys are eager to bring DaRon Bland back into the fold as soon as they can. It’s a bit puzzling on why they would rush this with a bye week coming up, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. The team will likely ease Bland back into things rather than overwhelming him right away, so keep an eye on his practice updates this week.

Jourdan Lewis had a standout performance last week, really getting into George Pickens’ head. He showed great form during training camp, and his solid play is a big plus as they prepare to face Amon-Ra St. Brown, who can switch between playing out wide and from the slot. Trevon Diggs also had a strong showing against Pittsburgh, allowing just one catch for six yards and making two significant tackles. Malik Hooker nearly snagged an interception, while Markquese Bell is currently battling an illness, so be sure to check his practice status.

Ifeatu Melifonwu will be sidelined for this game after being placed on IR two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Brian Branch’s recovery from an illness will need to be monitored this week, but it appears he is on track to play. Branch has been performing well this season, recording one interception and leading the team in pass breakups. Keep an eye on Kerby Joseph, he’s been impressive with three interceptions, four pass breakups, and 22 tackles, boasting an astonishing passer rating against him of just 11.0. Carlton Davis, who leads the team in tackles, excels at defending against the run as a cornerback, but he’s facing challenges in coverage this year. He has allowed a 71% completion rate, resulting in 313 yards and two touchdowns. Terrion Arnold is also struggling, permitting a 65% completion rate. Together, the two corners have accumulated a total of 12 penalties this season.

Conclusion:
The Lions defense has its strengths, but its most significant vulnerability lies in pass defense. While the defensive line excels at stopping the run, ranking fourth overall, the team struggles with total yards allowed, sitting at 11th worst in the league. The defensive backs are giving up the sixth-most passing yards, and in their recent matchup against Seattle, they surrendered almost 400 passing yards. In summary, the Lions are effective against the Cowboys’ primary offensive weakness, yet they falter against the Cowboys’ strongest asset.
Win: Cowboys

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SPECIAL TEAMS

This segment is now regularly started off by highlighting Brandon Aubrey and his remarkable achievements. He currently tops the NFL in field goals made, although his blocked attempt will sadly count as a miss. His impressive 55-yard kick set the tone for Dallas last week, showcasing his talent as an exceptional kicker.

Jake Bates, the Detroit kicker from Arkansas, had a perfect record last year with five successful field goals from five tries, and he has already matched that feat this season. However, he has missed one extra point.

KaVontae Turpin is emerging as a key player for the team, getting more opportunities on offense. He had a 38-yard kickoff return last week. Since his touchdown on a punt return in Week 1, opposing punters have been trying to keep him contained, resulting in no punt returns for Turpin since then.

Kalif Reymond has contributed with just one 26-yard kickoff return for Detroit. He has also recorded 11 punt returns, which is the fifth most, but his average of 8.7 yards per return places him 23rd among return specialists.
Win: Cowboys