On Sunday at AT&T Stadium, the Detroit Lions running backs could have yet another exciting day on the field when they play the Dallas Cowboys. This season, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs have already caused havoc for NFL defences. They particularly shine when teams aren’t at full strength, particularly when it comes to the defensive line.
A good illustration of that occurred in the Lions’ Week 4 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, when they faced a defensive front that was missing Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe, and Uchenna Nwosu.
The skillful offensive line exploited the Seahawks’ defensive gaps, and although quarterback Jared Goff and the Lions passing offence performed remarkably well, Gibbs and Montgomery combined for 118 yards on 26 rushes and three touchdowns. Mike Zimmer, the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, has already discussed his team’s injured defence and the difficulties it will present on Sunday. Due to their placement on the injured reserve, Dallas is without DeMarcus Lawrence and Durrell Johnson. Micah Parsons (ankle) and Marshawn Kneeland (knee) are also possible absences.
Zimmer told reporters on Wednesday, “Obviously, you’re losing four good players at basically one spot (edge).” “You try to figure out what these (other) guys can do best, how they can fit in?” Dallas is ranked 24th overall in run defence, while the Lions are averaging 151 yards per game. Zimmer discussed his opinions about Detroit’s offence in general as well as Gibbs and Montgomery. Zimmer stated, “It’s not just [Gibbs and Montgomery].
” “They have a really good offensive line that does a great job of scheming to get guys reached and cut off, and these backs can really hit the hole.” Once more, it will be an excellent test for us.”
Mike McCarthy, the head coach of the Cowboys, added that the offence routinely fools defences with its shifts and moves. The Cowboys defence will only have greater difficulties if Goff plays well, since Gibbs and Montgomery will almost certainly cause issues anyhow.