Buckle up, Cowboys fans, Dallas is about to run the gauntlet. Philadelphia, Buffalo, Miami, Detroit. Each of those teams are playoff if not a Super Bowl contender. Each team has consistent play both on offense and defense. The Cowboys are going to have their work cut out for them. Here is how the Dallas Cowboys can run the gauntlet and make it out alive.
Dallas Gauntlet: What the Cowboys Must Do to Defeat Each Opponent on Their Toughest Four-Game Stretch
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles may be coming off of their worst loss in the Jalen Hurts era, and it’s Dallas’s turn to capitalize. 42-19 to their least favorite family member. The Niners got under their skin, starting fights with players and even security personnel. The Eagles got exposed both on offense and defense by San Francisco. It’s time for Dallas to do the same.
This time, the Eagles will be coming to the Lone Star State. The last time Philly traveled to Dallas in December, it didn’t end well for them. Dallas has a simple recipe to follow for the Cowboys to start their gauntlet with a win. First things first, CeeDee Lamb. Lamb is going to be matched up with several Eagles corners. Especially when matched up with Darius Slay and Eli Ricks, Dak should be throwing to CeeDee. He proved himself last time, he can do it again.
Second of all, Dallas can’t let Jalen Hurts getaway. Hurts scored the game-winning touchdown vs the Buffalo Bills on a rather expected quarterback draw. The Cowboys can’t afford to let him do it to them. Dallas’ Micah Parsons, Jonathan Hankins, and Damone Clark keep their heads on swivels. They’ve been up and down in run-stopping in 2023. They must stay alert and watch Jalen’s eyes closely. If Dallas gets CeeDee Lamb going early and bottles up Jalen Hurts, they can win this game by 10.
Buffalo Bills
6-6…a loss to the Jets…Josh Allen might be Blake Bortles… What’s going on in Buffalo?
Dallas will travel to Orchard Park to take on the Bills in a polarizing matchup. Unfortunately, Cowboys and Bills fans won’t be able to see Trevon Diggs guarding his brother. However, don’t turn the game off yet, as Dallas has a very unique chance at New York’s strongest NFL team.
The first key to success is to keep suppressing the explosive plays. The 2022 and 2023 Buffalo Bills are completely different animals. One was filled to the brim with big plays, and the other had to scavenge for them. It will be DaRon Bland’s duty to cover both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. He has an opportunity to atone for last week’s mistakes and bounce back big time.
Next, it’s time to wake up the Offensive Line. Leonard Floyd and A.J. Epenesa are both having career years. Ed Oliver can wreck your game. As long as Tyron and Tyler Smith play physically and don’t get beat, Dak will have time. Terrence Steele is in for a very big game too. Prescott’s ability to pick apart a defense revolves around the time his line gives him. If they can hold up against Buffalo’s pass rush, there’s a chance it gets ugly for the Bills. Look for a high-scoring, offensive affair in this matchup.
Miami Dolphins
The Dallas Cowboys toughest stretch on their gauntlet comes on Christmas Eve. The defense will face Tyreek Hill, Jalen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, DeVone Achane, and Cedrick Wilson. It’s going to be a track meet out there, and Dallas’ defenders aren’t quite at Tyreek Hill’s speed. Let’s assume some points will be given up.
The first key to defeating the Dolphins is to get Micah Parsons in Tua Tagovailoa’s head. The Dolphins just lost OT Terron Armstead, Tua’s main bodyguard. Micah are you hearing this? Ever since midseason, He has been all over the D-line. Expect to see several key matchups between Parsons and backup LT Kendall Lamm. Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, and Sam Williams must get in the backfield to secure a win. The impact of Parsons and Lawrence goes far beyond the numbers. Applying pressure on Tua physically and mentally gives Dallas much more room.
Next, it’s time to shut down Jalen Waddle. Tyreek Hill is a guaranteed factor, averaging the most targets in his career. Taking away Jalen Waddle leaves Miami with one less option. Forcing Tua to throw to TE Durham Smythe or Cedrick Wilson gives the Cowboys DBs a chance. Look for S Jayron Kearse and S Juanyeh Thomas to match up with the speedier receivers. Donovan Wilson’s struggles might lead him to the bench. This game will ultimately decide the fate of the Dallas Cowboys Gauntlet run.
Detroit Lions
One could also make the argument that the Detroit Lions are the toughest competition. Detroit’s culture has seen a dramatic transition since 2020. The Lions now have character, speed, and a reliable quarterback. Their defense isn’t to be trifled with either. The Dallas Cowboys can finish out their Gauntlet strong against Detroit. But it’s not going to be easy sledding.
The first order of business, plug up the run game. One of the biggest X-factors in Detroit’s culture shift has been their new-look run game. Detroit picks up yards by the kiloton with David Montgomery and exciting rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. Dallas can’t afford to let Detroit gash them down the gridiron. LB/S Marquese Bell and LB Damone Clark will prevent anyone from bouncing it to the outside. As long as the Lions don’t trample the Dallas Cowboys, this gauntlet is in the books.
Next, send the house! The more blitzes Jared Goff faces, the more likely he is to turn it over. Look at the Bears game from November, the Lions came back from the dead. They ended up six feet under after four Jared Goff turnovers. Four. The Cowboys can’t pretend he doesn’t have the weapons. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams? If the Cowboys let Goff find these targets consistently, their chances will drop dramatically.
Dallas has the fourth-highest turnover differential in the NFL, meaning the heat will be on. Expect Dallas to blitz Jared Goff more often than not.
Main Photo: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
