The Dallas Cowboys have gotten into a rhythm, winning three straight games. They sit at 6-5-1 and have a huge NFC showdown against the Detroit Lions in Week 14 on Thursday Night Football.
For a tight NFC playoff race, this game is massive for both sides, but the Cowboys' defensive line will have a chance to expose Detroit's massive flaw along the interior of their offensive line.
Cowboys Interior DL Should Dominate Lions Interior OL
Ever since the Cowboys traded for Quinnen Williams, it has given this unit a huge boost. There are times when the Cowboys line up Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa at the same time, giving opposing offensive lines fits. It's a different approach since these guys are defensive tackles, but it has been effective.
In two of the last three games, Dallas has allowed less than 60 rushing yards. They've been forcing teams into obvious passing downs, allowing the defensive line to feast. And considering they have three extremely talented defensive tackles, the Lions' offensive line should be in for a long night.
Trystan Colon started at center for the Lions in Week 13 and didn't play his best. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted a 49.6 overall grade, 63 pass blocking grade, and 46.7 run-blocking grade. Kayode Awosika has started at left guard for the past four weeks, but he has been anything but stable. On PFF, he owns a 58.9 overall grade, 51.5 pass-blocking grade, and a 62.3 run-blocking grade. In addition, he's allowed 10 pressures and three sacks.
Meanwhile, rookie guard Tate Ratledge is a better run blocker, yet he has a 46.8 pass-blocking grade on Pro Football Focus. This season, he's given up 19 pressures, seven QB hits, and two sacks.
Even if Colon goes back to the bench and Graham Glasgow starts again, the Cowboys still have the upper hand. Glasgow has given up 15 pressures and seven QB hits with a 59.3 overall grade, 59.8 pass-blocking grade, and a 58.6 run-blocking grade.
These stats are encouraging for this Cowboys defense, especially since Jared Goff is a pocket, rhythm passer. Having pressure directly in his face is something that will negatively affect him and the entire offense.
It also helps that Dallas is rolling right now, while the Lions are in a rut. The addition of Williams has been so impactful for the entire Cowboys team. Having the trio of Williams, Clark, and Odighizuwa all rush at the same time, with either Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler Jr., and Jadeveon Clowney coming off the edge, is an advantage for Dallas and should find a way to be productive once again against the Lions in Week 14.