Detroit Lions: Keys to Beating the Dallas Cowboys

The Detroit Lions are now 3-0 in what is starting to become a dream come true for Detroit fans. 

The team takes to the road once again in Week 4 to face the 2-1 Dallas Cowboys.

While the Lions may be 3-0, there's plenty of things to work on as the season progresses. Being undefeated to this point is mighty nice, but fans have to be concerned with some persistent issues the Lions have been having.

Regardless, the Lions fan base will take a 3-0 record with a few problems over what used to be the typical absurdity any day.

Still, the team must improve. 

Week 4 brings about more checks to be marked off the laundry list for the Lions. Detroit hasn't won three road games in a season since 2004 and hasn't won in Dallas since Week 17 of 2006. As for 4-0, the year was 1980.

Here are the keys to beating the Dallas Cowboys.  

No. 5: Get to Tony Romo Early and Often

Everybody knows that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is playing with a broken rib these days. While he led his team to victory the last two weeks, he looked like he was in plenty of pain.

The Detroit Lions need to live in the backfield of the Cowboys come Sunday afternoon. The Lions sacked Minnesota Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb four times in Week 3, and they will need a similar effort this week. 

The "Silver Crush" has to be licking their chops knowing that their prey is already wounded heading into the game.

While Romo has exuded toughness the last couple of weeks, if and when he's hit enough, he won't get back up. Look for defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham to dial up a plan that attacks Romo early and often.

No. 4: Get Back to Creating Turnovers

After creating eight turnovers in the first two games, including six in Week 2, the Detroit Lions failed to create any against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. 

The Dallas Cowboys have coughed up the ball seven times in just three games on offense this season. While their record is 2-1, they narrowly escaped in their two victories and turnovers cost them the game in Week 1 against the New York Jets. 

The Lions need to force turnovers on Sunday in order to win. While fans have fallen in love with the improved defense, we simply can't get enough of the high powered throwing arm of quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

Expect the defense to feel some pressure to create turnovers in Week 4. Don't expect to be disappointed. 

No. 3: Remember— Jason Witten Is Tony Romo's Favorite Target

Fact: Jason Witten is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. 

Witten is quarterback Tony Romo's favorite target without a doubt. In just three games this season he has 19 catches for 272 yards. Witten has yet to score a touchdown on the season, but he had nine last year. This shows that Witten is due for pay dirt. 

With the receiving core of the Dallas Cowboys tattooed with injuries, Witten is Romo's trusted source to catch the ball.

Wide receiver Miles Austin is battling a hamstring injury and may not be able to play in Week 4. Dez Bryant is a great up-and-coming receiver in the NFL but he too is hampered by injuries. He played in Week 3 and made an impact, but isn't 100 percent yet. 

With this said, Romo will target "old reliable" Jason Witten and the Detroit Lions need not forget. 

No. 2: The Offensive Line Must Play Better

If this Detroit Lions team is to make it to the playoffs, the offensive line must play better. 

Week 3 in Minnesota was reminiscent of old times in Detroit: The offensive line looked pitiful. Given that, Minnesota is one of the loudest places in the world when the Vikings play, but everyone knew that coming in.

After not allowing a sack in the first two games, the Lions offensive line allowed Matthew Stafford to be sacked five times and to be hit seven times. To be honest, seven times is too many, but this is the NFL and the whole job of the defense is to get to the opposing quarterback. Eventually, it will happen, and it did on Sunday versus the Vikings.

The real problem is the lack of the running game. The Lions leading rusher, Jahvid Best only had 14 yards in Week 3. The team is 26th in the league at 78.3 yards/game. 

This is frustrating to all fans. In order to keep Stafford healthy, a solid run game must be implemented.

Rookie running back Mikel Leshoure was supposed to bring balance to the running game but went down for the season with an Achilles injury. In any event, the running game must change for the better—the offensive line must step up.

Week 4 will be telling for the Lions offensive line. The game against the Cowboys is shaping up to be "make or break" for the men up front.

If the fans are to believe in them, they must perform magnificently on Sunday. 

No. 1: Halt Dallas' Momentum and Remind Them They're Not That Good

Okay, the Dallas Cowboys are 2-1 on the season, but the only thing that has impressed is quarterback Tony Romo's fortitude. 

He's proved that he's old-school NFL tough the last couple of weeks, but his team doesn't look very good. The Cowboys won on six field goals in Week 3 and it looked like the first time on a football team for many members of the Cowboys offense. Romo was constantly barking out orders like a leader amongst children.

Romo put the Cowboys on his back the last couple of weeks and willed them to victory.

Now it's time for the Detroit Lions to put Romo on his back and win in Dallas.