On the surface, it sure seems like a gross mismatch. The Dallas Cowboys possess arguably the best running back in the league in Ezekiel Elliott and one of the better offensive lines clearing holes for him. Elliott has led the league in yards per game in both his seasons in Dallas.

On the other side, the Detroit Lions run defense ranks last in the NFL after three games. No team allows more yards per carry or per game than Detroit:

Elliott is tied for the rushing lead with 274 yards. The man he’s tied with is 49ers RB Matt Breida, who racked up over half of his total against Detroit in Week 2. The Lions defense has been on the wrong end of two of the three longest runs in the league this year, too.

The Lions defense did tighten up vs. the run against New England, holding the Patriots to just 89 yards on 19 carries. Having a lead and forcing the Patriots to pass effectively reduced the impact of the rushing attack. That’s something the Lions should aim to replicate against Elliott and the Cowboys.