Lions, Cowboys take different vibes into battle of 1-2 teams
The vibes are vastly different for a pair of 1-2 teams trying to put rough starts behind them.
The Detroit Lions just secured their first win under new coach Matt Patricia, against longtime boss Bill Belichick and New England, in prime time no less.
The Dallas Cowboys can't fix a dysfunctional passing game even with the first 100yard rushing performance of the season for star running back Ezekiel Elliott in a loss to Seattle.
The vibes won't matter to Patricia on Sunday when he goes after his first road win, just three weeks removed from a jolting 48-17 loss to the New York Jets at home in his debut.
"They're all one-week seasons," the former Patriots defensive coordinator said.
The Cowboys can't find anything remotely resembling a rhythm with quarterback Dak Prescott and a new group of receivers trying to replace Jason Witten and former Oklahoma State star Dez Bryant. Three Detroit receivers — Golden Tate, Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones — have nearly 200 more yards receiving (690) than the entire Dallas offense (498).
Prescott is averaging 166 yards passing with a QB rating (74.9) exactly 30 points lower than his NFL rookie record when he was the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016.
Trainer’s room
•Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee has been ruled out Sunday against Detroit because of a hamstring injury, and defensive tackle Maliek Collins will be sidelined for a second straight week by a knee injury.
•The Philadelphia Eagles won't have running back
Darren Sproles and safety
Rodney McLeod for Sunday's game at Tennessee.
Sproles is missing his third straight game with a hamstring injury. McLeod had knee surgery Thursday and it's uncertain whether he'll return this season.
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is questionable after missing the past two days of practice because of an illness. Jeffery hasn't played this season after offseason shoulder surgery.
Running back Corey Clement is questionable with a quadricep injury.
•Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Allen did not practice Wednesday or Thursday due to soreness in his right knee and a tooth.
Benjamin has been inactive for the past two games due to a foot injury and will be a game-time decision.
•San Francisco 49ers running backs Matt Breida, among the NFL leaders in rushing, and Alfred Morris both were limited in practice with knee injuries Friday and are listed as questionable against the Chargers.
•The New York Giants placed Jonathan Stewart (foot), their most experienced running back, on injured reserve Friday.
•Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette
(hamstring) will be a gameday decision for the third straight week.
Fournette was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the New York Jets despite practicing in full on Friday.
•The Buffalo Bills list LeSean McCoy as questionable for their game at Green Bay on Sunday even though the running back vowed he'll play earlier this week.
McCoy spent the past three days practicing on a limited basis and in a non-contact jersey after missing one game with an injury to his rib cartilage.
•The Green Bay Packers are listing receiver Randall Cobb
(hamstring) as questionable against the Bills.