Pride of Detroit
Less than a week ago, the vibes were at an all-time high in Detroit. Frank Ragnow was set to return, the Detroit Lions had a chance to get even with the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, and it was finally time to re-join the playoff picture.
What a difference a week makes.
This week, we had the pleasure of connecting with David Halprin, Deputy Manager for Blogging the Boys, to give us some insight into Jerry’s world. We learned about how this team has responded in the face of tragedy, why Dak Prescott is the main reason this Dallas Cowboys’ offense is humming, and how their defense has turned things around since the trade deadline.
The loss of Marshawn Kneeland was a tragedy. How have you seen this Cowboys team respond to such a devastating loss?
I can only say what I’ve observed from the outside. I’m sure much more important stuff happened internally. Since the team was on a bye when it happened, the players had some time to properly grieve instead of having to immediately prepare for the next game. This allowed them to have remembrance ceremonies, and create things to honor Kneeland, they still carry a flag every game with his name/number on it. Coach Brian Schottenheiemr also deserves a lot of credit with guiding the organization through that time. He has really connected with his players, and the players have connected with each other as they are brought together by the tragedy. This team seems to have some of the best chemistry that I’ve seen in a while, and part of that is coming together to honor the memory of Kneeland.
On offense, it feels like a big ol’ culmination of bounce-back performances. Dak Prescott is in the midst of a productive and effective season, the receiving threats are dynamic and productive, especially with the boost George Pickens has supplied this passing attack–and the run game has looked reinvigorated with Javonte Williams, a true candidate for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year.
What’s been the secret to this entire offense (9th in DVOA) having as much success as they’ve had this season, and do you feel there’s room for them to reach their ceiling? Which player should the Lions defense be spending extra time to gameplan for this Thursday?
I know Dak Prescott gets short-changed sometimes because of his lack of success in the playoffs, but don’t get it twisted, he is the main reason this offense operates as well as it does. Prescott can sling it with the best of them, and his experience allows him to read defenses, make changes at the line, and to know where to go with the ball. He is also very adept at avoiding the pass rush while keeping his eyes downfield to make a play. He is playing at an extremely high level right now, just like in 2023 when he was second in the MVP voting.
*Of course he has had some help. Javonte Williams is...
