Between the Lines: Inside the Cowboys’ Defensive Front Heading Into Detroit
When we talk about where the Dallas Cowboys can win or lose a game, it often starts up front - and this week, it's all about the trenches. Specifically, the interior defensive line, where power meets precision and one good push can flip a drive on its head. Against a Detroit team that’s quietly become one of the NFL’s most balanced offenses, the battle between the tackles could be the key to everything.
Interior Defensive Line: Holding the Fort Between the Guards
Let’s start with the core of this Dallas front: Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark, and Quinnen Williams. These three have been the engine room for the Cowboys’ defensive front, and the numbers back it up. Dallas ranks 14th in Pass Rush Win Rate (39%) and a strong 6th in Run Stop Win Rate (32%), showing just how important the interior has been in keeping this defense on schedule.
Odighizuwa’s 40 pressures and 5 tackles for loss are no fluke - he’s been a steady disruptor, ranking ninth among defensive tackles in pass-rush win rate. Kenny Clark, who’s logged over 530 snaps this year, has mirrored that impact with 36 pressures and 3 sacks of his own.
But the real game-changer here? Quinnen Williams.
Since arriving, he’s brought a different level of explosiveness. His 41 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks - along with three forced fumbles - have made him a force in both phases of the game.
He currently holds the top spot in Run Stop Win Rate among all defensive tackles. That’s not just good - that’s dominant.
The Cowboys’ interior rotation also includes veterans like Solomon Thomas and young depth pieces like Jay Toia, but this matchup will lean heavily on the top trio. The goal is clear: collapse the pocket from the inside and muddy the run lanes before Detroit’s backs can get going.
Detroit’s Offensive Line: Still Tough, But Not Untouchable
Detroit’s offensive line has long been considered one of the league’s best, but this version isn’t quite the same five-man wrecking crew we’ve seen in years past. The edges are still elite - Penei Sewell is playing like a first-team All-Pro, leading all tackles with a 95.7 PFF grade.
Opposite him, Taylor Decker remains a savvy vet who knows how to win with technique. And rookie Tate Ratledge has flashed in the run game, even if his pass protection is still catching up.
But inside? That’s where things get interesting - and potentially vulnerable.
The Lions rank 28th in Pass Block Win Rate (55%) and 17th in Run Block Win Rate (71%), according to ESPN’s trench metrics. That tracks with the film. They can move people in the run game, but when it comes to pass protection - especially up the gut - there are cracks in the armor.
Injuries have only made things tougher. Center remains a question mark after Frank Ragnow’s attempted return from retirement fell through due to a failed physical.
Graham Glasgow (knee) is working back into limited practice, but if he can’t go, Michael Niese, who’s only played nine snaps this season, would get the nod. Christian Mahogany is on IR, leaving Kayode Awosika to hold down left guard.
And even on the outside, Decker is dealing with a shoulder injury and is listed as questionable. The tight end group is also banged up, with Brock Wright stepping in for the injured Sam LaPorta - and Wright himself is now uncertain for this week.
That’s a lot of moving parts. And for a defensive line like Dallas’, that’s an opportunity.
The Goff-Gibbs-Montgomery Equation
Now, let’s talk about the weapons. Jared Goff has been efficient - 25 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions - but he’s also been sacked 26 times, and that number has spiked lately.
Over the last three games, he’s taken the fifth-most sacks in the league. That’s a trend Dallas would love to keep going.
But it’s the backfield duo that really powers this offense. Jahmyr Gibbs has been electric, ranking fourth among running backs with 1,019 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
He’s the shifty, explosive threat who can turn a crease into a chunk play. Meanwhile, David Montgomery brings the thunder with 543 yards and six touchdowns of his own.
Together, they’ve helped Detroit climb to fourth in rushing yards per game (138.1) and third in rushing touchdowns per game.
Detroit’s formula is clear: run the ball, stay ahead of the sticks, and let Goff work off play-action and quick reads. If the Lions can keep things clean up front, they’ll be tough to stop.
But that’s where Dallas’ defensive line comes in.
Defensive Ends: The Edge Group is Deep and Dangerous
While the interior sets the tone, the edge rushers are the ones who can flip a game in a single snap. And this year, Dallas has more depth and versatility on the edge than they’ve had in a long time.
Dante Fowler Jr. has been the most consistent force, generating pressure at a 12% Pass Rush Win Rate clip. Donovan Ezeiruaku, the rookie, has been a revelation - earning an 81.2 grade from PFF, the highest among first-year edge defenders. He’s brought energy and efficiency, giving Dallas a reliable rotational piece who doesn’t drop the standard.
Then there’s Jadeveon Clowney, who’s playing some of his best ball in years. With 26 pressures, 4 sacks, and a 14.9% Pass Rush Win Rate, he’s been the kind of edge defender who can hold up against the run and still collapse the pocket. His top-20 PFF pass-rush grade (77.5) speaks to his well-rounded impact.
James Houston has quietly become a closer - five sacks on just 218 snaps - while Sam Williams remains a bit of a roller coaster but has shown flashes of turning the corner.
The plan for this group is simple: set the edge hard against the run, funnel everything back inside, and then pin their ears back on third down. If they can keep Gibbs and Montgomery from getting outside and force Goff into long-yardage situations, that’s when the pass rush can really take over.
Injury Watch: Clowney’s Status Looms Large
One thing to monitor heading into game day: Jadeveon Clowney is nursing a hamstring injury and is officially questionable. His availability may not be known until pre-game warmups. If he can’t go, it’s a significant loss for Dallas, especially against a team that loves to run the ball outside the tackles.
Final Thought: The Battle in the Trenches Will Decide This One
This game is going to be won - or lost - between the guards. Dallas has the personnel to control the interior, especially if Quinnen Williams continues to play at an elite level.
Detroit’s offensive line, while still dangerous on the edges, is dealing with injuries and inconsistency inside. That’s the window for the Cowboys.
If the defensive tackles can win early downs and force Goff into predictable passing situations, Dallas’ edge rushers can feast. But if Gibbs and Montgomery start ripping off five- and six-yard gains, the Cowboys could be in for a long afternoon.
It’s trench warfare - and Dallas has the firepower to make it count.