Dallas Cowboys Week 17 Preview

Introduction

As we wrap up Week 17 of the 2023 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a familiar position: pondering what went wrong in their last outing against the Miami Dolphins. After a nail-biting 20-22 loss, the Cowboys are looking to bounce back and secure their playoff position. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how they stack up against last week’s performance as we gear up for a critical matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Power Ranking

The Cowboys currently sit at a respectable power ranking of 2, boasting a win rate of 72.0% against a median opponent. This is a testament to their overall strength throughout the season, despite the hiccup in Week 16. However, with the playoffs looming, it’s essential to maintain this high ranking and prove that they can compete against the best. The Cowboys need to channel their inner gladiators and show the league that they are not just a statistical anomaly but a force to be reckoned with.

Overall Drive Efficiency

The Cowboys have demonstrated impressive overall drive efficiency, ranking 6th in the league. This is a slight dip from their previous week, but it’s still indicative of a team that can move the ball effectively. The fact that they managed to gain 339 yards against the Dolphins, despite a turnover, shows they have the capability to drive down the field. However, they need to tighten up and convert those drives into points to avoid close losses in the future.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

Here’s where the Cowboys need to address some glaring issues. Currently ranked 24th in defensive drive efficiency, it’s clear that their defense has been more of a sieve than a wall. Allowing 375 yards to the Dolphins last week is a red flag, and if they want to make a serious playoff push, they need to step up their game on this front. The defense must find a way to stifle opposing offenses and create more pressure to prevent long drives that can sap their energy and morale.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

On the bright side, the Cowboys' offensive drive efficiency remains stellar, ranking 3rd in the league. This is a significant achievement and highlights their ability to execute plays effectively. With the offensive unit consistently moving the chains, they have the potential to outscore any opponent. However, they must ensure that their efficiency translates into touchdowns rather than field goals, especially in high-stakes games.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

The Cowboys have been a turnover-generating machine, ranking 1st in defensive turnover efficiency. This is a critical aspect of their game, as creating turnovers can change the momentum of a match in an instant. However, in Week 16, they failed to capitalize on this strength, allowing the Dolphins to maintain possession without any turnovers. To improve their chances in the upcoming game, they need to find ways to force turnovers and convert them into scoring opportunities.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

On the flip side, the Cowboys' offensive turnover efficiency ranks 2nd, which is a double-edged sword. While they are generally good at maintaining possession, the one turnover against the Dolphins proved costly. In a league where every possession counts, the Cowboys must focus on ball security and avoid critical mistakes that can swing the game in favor of their opponents. Protecting the ball will be paramount as they head into the final stretch of the season.

Drive Time

The Cowboys rank 10th in drive time, which indicates they are capable of moving the ball down the field efficiently. However, they must find a balance between maintaining possession and scoring quickly. While longer drives can chew up the clock, they can also lead to missed opportunities if the team stalls in the red zone. Against the Lions, they’ll need to be strategic with their time management, ensuring they maximize their scoring chances while keeping the opposing offense off the field.

Preview For Next Week

As we look ahead to Week 17, the Cowboys will face off against the Detroit Lions, who are no slouches themselves. The Cowboys are favored by 4.5 points, and the over/under is set at 52.5 points. Simulations predict the Cowboys will score 34 points while the Lions will tally 24. With a 56.1% probability of winning, the Cowboys need to leverage their offensive strengths while tightening up their defense. The Lions will be looking to exploit any weaknesses, so the Cowboys must come prepared and ready to fight for every yard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but consistency is key as they head into the playoffs. With their high offensive drive efficiency and stellar turnover creation, they have the tools to succeed. However, they must address their defensive inefficiencies and maintain ball security to secure a victory against the Lions. As the season winds down, every game counts, and the Cowboys are poised to make a statement. Let’s hope they can deliver a performance that matches their potential!

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Dallas Cowboys' journey throughout the 2023 NFL season.