Our Q&A series with the Lions Wire’s managing editor Jeff Risdon continues with a focus on the two team’s run games.
Cowboys Wire: David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs have two completely different body types, but they talk about being interchangeable and that keeping defenses in a state of confusion. How does that work?
Lions Wire: The interchangeability is more theoretical than in practice, although it tends to lean more toward folks who think Montgomery can only run between the tackles. He’s proven to be an excellent receiver and off-tackle runner, too. Gibbs doesn’t run with the inside power but his ability to read blocks and accelerate through cuts off them makes him work between the tackles.
We’re still waiting for them to be used together. They do tend to get away from Montgomery for long periods of games, too.
Read: Behind Enemy Lines: Linebackers and Ben Johnson
Lions Wire: The Dallas run offense ranks near the bottom. Is there much hope for that improving anytime soon?
Cowboys Wire: There was a glimmer of hope with Rico Dowdle busting out for a whopping 87 yards on Sunday night. He added another 20+ on receptions and a tuddy, but the Cowboys haven’t had a 100-yard runner in the last 19 games. Mike Solari’s blocking scheme hasn’t taken well with the talent over the last year plus (as I unfortunately predicted) and now integrating two rookies hasn’t helped. Things didn’t get better until rookie Tyler Guyton was injured and Tyler Smith kicked out to LT, but it looks like they will return to the original configuration this week.
Lions Wire: Even without a run game, Dak Prescott and the passing offense continue to thrive. How well are they playing this year?
Cowboys Wire: Prior to a couple picks against the Steelers last week, Prescott was playing heroically, and even with those mistakes (and a fumble), he still leveled up and led the game-winning drive against the vaunted Pittsburgh defense. Brandin Cooks was struggling and we finally found out he had a balky knee that has now landed him on IR. CeeDee Lamb is always the truth, and now there’s hope after his 87-yard performance and GW catch that Jalen Tolbert is ready to step into the No. 2 role. Jake Fergsuon at TE is pretty special as well… not Sam LaPorta special, but still special.