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Five Players To Watch For Detroit Lions V Dallas Cowboys

By Tony Fischer

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When the Detroit Lions kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys in todays wild card game they had better be prepared.  The Lions don’t have to play perfect football to beat the Cowboys, but they must play mistake free.  The Lions defense is definitely good enough to contain the Cowboys offense but they won’t be successful if the Cowboys are given extra chances throught turnovers.

Whether or not the Detroit Lions are successful in playing mistake free football will depend largely on their ability to control the ball of on offense and defensive lines effectiveness in the trenches.

Here are five Detroit Lions players to watch in their match0up agaiant the Dallas Cowboys.

Matt Stafford

All Matt Stafford has to do is to play to the level of an average NFL quarterback.  That means minimizing turnovers, completing passes at around 60% and taking what the defense gives him in the passing game.  If the NFL’s regular season was an indicator, the Dallas defense should be giving plenty.  The Cowboys ranked 26th against the pass in 2014 giving up 4031 yards and 22 touchdowns trough the air.  Part of the reason for their poor pass defense is their inept pass rush.  The Cowboys defensive front only got home 22 times this season good for just 28th in the NFL.

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Stafford has a good track record against Dallas especially if you consider his performance against the Cowboys in 2013.  Stafford passed for 488 yards and a touchdown when the Lions hosted Dallas in 2013.  He also threw for two interceptions.  It was a win but took a trick Marino-like play on a QB sneak to score the go ahead touchdown.

If Matt Stafford can be patient and use his protection to find gaps in the Dallas defense he should have a pretty good day.  If he starts forcing the ball into tight coverage it could be another one and done playoff run for the Detroit Lions.

Ndamukong Suh

The Detroit Lions were lucky to have Ndamukong Suh reinstated for todays match-up with the Cowboys. They will need him clogging up the middle to stop the Dallas Cowboys prolific rushing attack.  With the spotlight on and possible free agent suitors watching, fans expect Suh to play like a bat out of hell on national TV.

Fans should also expect the officials to have a quick trigger when calling a penalty if Suh steps out of line.  That could limit his effectiveness in the pass rush but shouldn’t hurt the Lions because they will need Suh against the run today.

Golden Tate

After having a chance to shine when Calvin Johnson was injured Golden Tate has been relatively quite in recent weeks.  That could change to today as the Dallas Cowboys will likely be trying to neutralize Megatron in the passing game.  That should leave some space for Golden Tate get some yards against and already soft Dallas pass defense.

Darius Slay

The Lions second year corner will have hs hands full against Dez Bryant.  Bryant is having an excellent season in Scott Lineahan’s high-powered offensive scheme and will be looking for a little payback after being frustrated last season at Ford Field.  Slay will have some help with Bryant for the safeties but must limit the damage when one-on-one with the Cowboys leading receiver.  Slay’s ability to keep Bryant from making the big play will be a key factor in this game.

Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush has been healthy the last couple of weeks but has only been a minor contributor.  Bush shines in the spotlight and there is no bigger spotlight than the NFL playoffs.  Bush should have some space underneath for a few catches in this game.  A big game against Dallas today could be redemption for an otherwise disappointing injury filled 2014 season.

Detroit Lions V Dallas Cowboys Game Information

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington Texas

When: Janaury 4th, 2014

Start Time: 4:40 pm

TV: FOX

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