Facing playoff pressure, Dak Prescott and his wide receiver group must keep 2023 in mind.

During their 2023 clash with Detroit, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott narrowly avoided a safety as Lions defenders closed in. On a critical third-and-13 early in the first quarter, Prescott dodged the oncoming rush, scrambled right, and launched a 41-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb, who sprinted 51 yards for a touchdown. That 92-yard score helped Dallas secure a 20-19 victory and serves as a blueprint for Thursday nights showdown, with Detroit favored by three points at home.

The Lions, known for aggressive defense and creative offense, have shown vulnerabilities this season. While Detroit ranks 14th in total defense and 15th in points allowed, teams exploiting their coverage weaknesses have seen success. Green Bay, for instance, gained several big plays on Thanksgiving, including two touchdowns of 51 and 22 yards.

The Cowboys offensive weapons, led by Lamb and offseason addition George Pickens, may replicate such explosive moments. Dallas already ranks 11th in completions of 20+ yards and sixth in plays covering 10+ yards this season, hinting that the 2023 long touchdown wasnt a fluke.

The Lions play physically and wont back down, Lamb said. Its going to be tough, long, and intense. Essentially, its a playoff game. Handling both Lamb and Pickens will challenge Detroits secondary. Prescott and Lambs 2023 performance remains a high-water mark: 68.4% completion, 345 yards, two touchdowns for Prescott, and 227 yards and a touchdown for Lamb. Last years meeting saw lower efficiency, emphasizing the impact of Detroits physicality.

Prescott highlighted the importance of matching Detroits intensity, especially in press coverage. We have to be physical, win at the line, and make the officials recognize any defensive interference, he said.

The Cowboys have faced similar defensive schemes, such as Week 5 against the Jets and on Thanksgiving against the Chiefs, using Prescotts poise under pressure and the receiving duos skill to secure victories. Pickens has excelled against press coverage, while Lamb continues to create mismatches from the opposite side, forcing Lions defenders to cover the entire field.

Currently, the Lions hold a slight edge in standings at 7-5, just above Dallas at 6-5-1. Detroit has struggled to maintain consecutive wins since early October, while Dallas rides a three-game winning streak, including upsets over the Eagles and Chiefs.

A Cowboys victory would boost their playoff odds from 23% to 41%, while a loss would drop them to 9%. For Detroit, a win would raise playoff chances to 45%, with a defeat lowering them to 12%.

Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard emphasized urgency: We need to recognize the importance of each game. Theres no margin for error now. Dallas shares that urgency, looking to leverage explosive plays and Prescotts ability against blitzes to maintain playoff contention.

Prescott noted the teams growth: Were finding our rhythm offensively and defensively. This is the most crucial part of the season, and the locker room understands it. Preparation and confidence are high, and were excited for the challenge ahead.

Author: Lucas Grant