Lions vs. Cowboys: 5 Halftime Adjustments Dallas Must Make

The Cowboys come into this matchup vs the Lions with a record of 2-1. Dallas is dealing with a banged -up squad, but the team is still finding ways to win games. The Lions are looking like a very powerful team early and should be a tough test for the Cowboys.

Dallas' offense has looked amazing, and the defense has put a ton of pressure on Matthew Stafford. Stafford has been constantly throwing off of his back foot and has missed a lot of open receivers. The Lions need to get their offense on track to get back into the game.

Here are five things Dallas must do in the second half against Detroit:

1. Force Turnovers

With the offensive still fighting off a ton of injuries, turnovers are going to be a key to the Cowboys putting up points today. Turnovers can give the Cowboys a short field to work with and greatly increase the chances for Dallas to score points each drive.

The Lions interception on the first drive looked like a miscommunication between Johnson and Stanford where the Cowboys safety was in the right place at the right time.

2. Get the Ball to Dez

So much for injury questions for Dez Bryant. Dez's thigh bruise doesn't appear to be limiting his explosiveness at all. Dez showed he could dominate the Lions secondary despite being slowed by an injury.

Romo needs to look for Dez early and often. Dallas needs to keep calling plays to get the ball to Bryant and should be the first option until the Lions are forced to double-team him.

3. Keep the Offense Balanced

The Cowboys have done a great job keeping the offense balanced, and this will need to continue in the second half. They have done a good job gaining yards each play and working with manageable 3rd-down distances.

They are really opening up the playbook to keep the Lions defense guessing. They are mixing in a variety of run plays with screens and passing plays. The Cowboys are showing an aggressive game plan that is proving to be very effective.

4. More Touches for Felix Jones

Felix Jones may have an injured shoulder, but there is nothing wrong with his legs. He looks very explosive so far and is hitting the running lanes hard. He has come close to breaking a huge run on a few separate occasions.

The threat of Felix getting the ball will open the play-action pass that can lead to huge gains. I would suggest a heavy dose of Felix and Dez until the Lions defense can stop them.

5. Force the Lions into Obvious Passing Situations

Getting the Lions into long 2nd and 3rd downs is allowing the Cowboys to unleash their amazing pass rush. The sacks haven't been piling up just yet, but Stafford is clearly feeling the heat.

By keeping the Lions offense one-dimensional, the Cowboys defense can play to their strength. Rob Ryan will continue to mix up coverages and blitzes to keep the Lions offense guessing.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/875091-lions-vs-cowboys-5-halftime-adjustments-dallas-must-make

Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez John Baker Brad Davis Logan Morrison Mike Stanton