Dallas Cowboys keep fighting, Beat Lions 42-21 on Monday Night Football

The Dallas Cowboys scoffed at the idea of rest and kept the pedal down on their 2016 campaign, beating the Detroit Lions 42-21.

With one game still left to play before the postseason, the Dallas Cowboys made it a baker’s dozen in the win column. The Cowboys now stand at an NFL best 13-2 after beating the Lions 42-21 on Monday Night Football.

The Dallas Cowboys opted to field most of their starters Monday night, despite playing for “nothing”, having already locked down the #1 seed in the NFC. NFL MVP candidates Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott led the way, following their dominant offensive line en route to 42 offensive points.

The defensive line, thinned the most by injury and rest, was reduced to largely a five man rotation. Rod Marinelli and the ‘boys still managed to dial up the pressure, even when only rushing three.

In the dime package, which featured three down linemen and two linebackers, the Cowboys constantly taunted the Lions with a double A-Gap blitz of their LBs. Whether sending the LBs or not, the Cowboys kept the Lions confused in their blocking assignments.

Now for this week’s Quick Takes:

Dink Kearney

The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up another convincing 42-21 victory over the Detroit Lions, proving once again they’re the best team in the NFC and definitely capable of winning their sixth Lombardi Trophy.

Dak Prescott threw for 3 touchdowns for 212 yards, while going 15 for 20. Dak even ran for 35 yards. Dak continues to impress with his poise, leadership, and quarterback IQ. Tonight, his throws were beyond accurate. America you’re watching your next great QB with Dak.

Mr. Ezekiel “Zeke” Elliott scored twice and ran for 80 yards on 12 carries, but could have rushed for more yards if not for the Cowboys taking him out and replacing him with Darren McFadden in the fourth quarter.

It was good to see Pro Bowler Dez Bryant get back into the action and catch two touchdown passes and throw for one in a nicely executed pass play to Jason Witten.

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The defense deserves some credit for rebounding from its lousy play in the first half as it gave up 21 points to the Lions offense. But in the 2nd half, the defense matched the Cowboys offense and took control of the game with 4 sacks, an interception, and and a forced fumble. That gives the defense 14 sacks and and 12 turnovers in the last four games. Defensive linemen Maliek Collins and David Irving are getting better with each game. And pass rusher Randy Gregory played well, too, after a 14 game suspension.

This defense played this good with several key players out, like DeMarcus Lawrence and Tyrone Crawford.

The Cowboys are for real people! Get your popcorn ready because America’s Team are on their way!

Dan Ruppert

With a depleted defensive line the game started off looking like the Cowboys would need to put up 40 points. Well they did just that and then the defense showed up and manhandled a potent passing game. It was good to see a strong showing by the defense.

The offense is clicking again and is rolling heading into the playoffs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Romo next week for a little bit. This was a strong showing that has been needed.

Next: How Randy Gregory can be a Difference Maker in the Playoffs

The only things one could point a finger at is the ill-timed penalties, the average return game, and a fear of injuries taking their toll. It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys rest players or not next week.

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