DALLAS, TX.- Through six games of the 2004 season, the Dallas Cowboys have run into white-hot competition, in Minnesota, Green Bay, Pittsburgh and New York Giants -- resulting in the club's disappointing 2-4 start.

And yet, has the team played all that poorly? Based on statistical analysis, the Cowboys have been on-par with their opposition in key areas -- first downs, third-down efficiency, total yards, sacks and turnovers -- except for one glaring deficiency: rushing yards.

On the heels of Green Bay tailback Ahman Green's 163-yard, two-touchdown performance on Sunday, the Cowboys are now surrendering 140 yards per game -- while the offense is only posting 97 per outing.

The Cowboys were not a dynamic running team in 2003, going 10-6 and reaching the playoffs -- so it's not missing a key ingredient from last year, per se. But in a league ruled by parity and paper-thin discrepancies in overall talent, perhaps the breaks are just harder to come by for Coach Bill Parcells and "America's Team."

Offense

Vinny Testaverde has been an NFL staple since 1987, ranking among the league's all-time leaders in passing (more than 41,000 yards -- good for ninth-place). Perhaps more amazing, the venerable quarterback has posted near-stellar numbers in his first season with the Cowboys, completing 127-of-209 passes for 1,609 yards and six touchdowns. But amid this output, it should be pointed out Testaverde has yet to make a game-changing play, leading to a Dallas victory. But all in all, he has been an unexpected plus for Dallas.

Tony Romo is the official No. 2 signal-caller this week. But it's no secret that Drew Henson is the future fixture of the franchise. The former University of Michigan standout (who could've been the league's No. 1 draft pick in 2001) has returned from professional baseball and has quickly re-established himself as one of the NFL's top developing talents. If Testaverde were to suffer a sustained injury, Henson would probably leapfrog Romo to the No. 1 spot.

With rookie Julius Jones out indefinitely (shoulder), Eddie George (250 yards rushing on 72 carries) has assumed the duties of the primary ball carrier. But with only 3.5 yards per carry (numbers reminiscent of last year with Tennessee), his production has not prompted opposing defenses into focusing on stopping the run. Even as a rushing-receiving threat, George will have to post better numbers in the last 10 games for Dallas to have any shot at making the playoffs.

George's backup, Richie Anderson, has been productive in limited carries, rushing for 165 yards on 30 carries and one touchdown. A versatile player who could also handle the fullback slot, Anderson even completed the game-winning touchdown pass to Terry Glenn against Washington on Sept. 27. Starting fullback Rashard Lee has also played well, rushing for 85 yards and serving as a quality pass-blocker in the backfield.

The recieving group is an enigma, with four standout pass-catchers; but it remains to be seen if any possess the requisite speed, size and route-running ability to adequately stretch the field. Thus, Testaverde has four productive midrange options in Keyshawn Johnson (368 yards and 2 TDs), Terry Glenn (out for two weeks, due to injury), the newly acquired Quincy Morgan (via trade with Cleveland) and emerging tight end Jason Witten (team-high 30 catches for 307 yards).

The super-sub Anderson has also been Testaverde's preferred backfield target, hauling in 13 catches for 121 yards.

Defense

The Cowboys' front four -- ends Greg Ellis and Marcellus Wiley and tackles La'Roi Glover and Leonardo Carson -- has accrued mixed results through six games. Emphasizing the positive, Ellis ranks among the league leaders in sacks (six); Glover (three sacks) has also been a consistent presence in the backfield. However, the defense is allowing 140 rushing yards per game.

Even with the Cowboys' great teams of the 1990s, the linebacker corps was always underrated. Boasting three versatile linebackers this year -- but little depth -- Dallas has Dat Nguyen (1st on team in tackles), Al Singleton (5th) and Dexter Coakley (6th). Aside from registering 56 tackles in six games, Nguyen also lights up the defensive tote board -- tallying interceptions, forced fumbles, quarterback pressures and pass deflections.

Featuring an interesting blend of youth, experience, talent and toughness, this unit -- perhaps the Cowboys' best defensive area -- has two burgeoning All-Pro talents in safety Roy Williams and cornerback Terence Newman (both were high draft picks in 2002 and 2003, respectively). Both Newman (a two-time Big 12 Conference sprinting champion) and Williams are very familiar with the Lions' No. 1 receiver, Roy Williams (no relation). The terrific duo is ably complemented by cornerback Tyrone Williams and strong safety Tony Dixon.

Black 'N Blue Jungle Prediction

The Cowboys come into this game struggling. They have virtually no running game. Terry Glenn is out & Vinnie is 1 hit away from the bench.
The Lions have been Road Warriors this year, playing away from home with confidence. They should have also learned a lesson from the Green Bay Game. While Dallas is struggling, the Lions are exploding. Kevin Jones is looking good carrying the ball & Roy Williams is dominant recieving.

Prediction: Lions 28 - Rams 14