Cowboys Keys to Victory Against Lions

2009 was the Cowboys last playoff appearance, and today will mark the first time Jason Garrett has head coached the Cowboys in a playoff game. The lions pose a very tough challenge against the Cowboys bread and butter – the running game.

The Cowboys have a 4-4 record at home, but today the fans will need to be there in loud playoff form if they are going to be a part of the victory rather than a whimpering loss. We need AT&T Stadium to be rocking whistle-to-whistle.

Here are my keys to victory:

— Stick with what has gotten the Cowboys this far. Force feed Murray and let the passing game open up for Bryant & Co.

— Play fast and play confident. If you see Dallas flying around, then you’ll know the confidence is there.

— Get Lawrence going from the LE. We saw him move down to the left defensive end, and he was the most disruptive we’ve seen him. Will we see him more from the LE? Let’s watch this one.

— Big game from Tyrone Crawford. With Melton on IR and likely done in Dallas, the keys are officially Crawford’s. With the Lions Larry Warford out, there will be opportunities from the Dallas DTs. Let’s get the QB.

— Rolando McClain will need to come up with big hits and big plays. We need another nice game from all the linebackers. Anthony Hitchens will start despite missing practice all week.

— Terrance Williams will need to keep his resurgence going. He disappeared the 2nd half of the year, but has made an in-season comeback with some big plays. We’ll need more of that play from TWill.

— We need a good game from Brandon Carr and the safeties. We’ll have our hands full with Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. Let’s see how we defend them.

— No turnovers from anyone.

— Force turnovers. Reggie Bush is a fumbler, let’s get that ball.

— Containment. This gameplan could likely mirror what we did with the Eagles last game around. The Lions like to spread you out like the Eagles and the Cowboys defense will need to play sound, fundamental football. Swarm to the ball and make the tackle.

— Big plays from the complementary players. If this becomes a tooth & nail fought game, expect Beasley and Escobar to be involved more in this game.

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Let’s go Dallas, let’s get the win here at home. Let’s go Dallas fans, be loud and feed our defense. #FinishTheFight