NFL Week 4: Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys Recap

by
Former Writers
October 1, 2018

juniorwbr17 via Flickr

Cowboys Get A Much Needed Win

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Detroit Lions 26-24 on a last second, 38-yard field goal by Brett Maher. Thanks to a loss by the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys are now in a tie for second place in the NFC East. Dallas’ season was pretty much on the line today, and they delivered a huge win at home.

It’s evident to me that their formula for success is to feed Ezekiel Elliott the ball.

Feed It To Zeke

Ezekiel Elliott had 152 yards rushing on 25 carries. He had a single run of 41 yards. Zeke would also add 88 yards receiving on four catches with one touchdown. His last catch was a big one as it put the Cowboys in field goal range to ultimately win the game. One of the biggest reasons Dallas won 13 games two seasons ago was because of Elliott’s impact. For whatever reason, the coaching staff has gotten away from that philosophy.

As a result of letting Elliott have 20-plus carries, it takes pressure off of Dak Prescott. Prescott went 17/27 with 255 yards and two touchdowns. He had an average completion of 9.4 yards. His passer rating was the best this season at 118.6. The most important stat is that he didn’t turn the ball over. It’s not rocket science, but what do I know? I’m just a writer.

Detroit Heartbreak

The Lions were poised to win their second straight game after an emotional win last week against the New England Patriots. Matthew Stafford looked very good against the Cowboys’ defense. He had 307 yards with two touchdowns on 24/30 pass attempts. His passer rating was 131.5, but he was sacked three times.

All three of them came from Cowboys DE, DeMarcus Lawrence. WR Golden Tate had an explosive game with 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns on eight catches. Things were clicking almost perfectly for the Lions on offense, but the defense just couldn’t stop Ezekiel Elliott. Even though 2:17 left on the clock is an eternity in the NFL, that’s how much time was left when the Lions had the lead. I’m sure that was a demoralizing loss.

The Look Ahead

The Lions will lockup with the Packers in an NFC North division match. Dallas will travel to Houston to take on the Texans. They got their first win of the season in overtime against the Colts.