IRVING – Over the first nine games of the season, the Cowboys had 11 sacks and created six turnovers on third-down plays. In the last six – or since Greg Ellis went down for the season – the Cowboys have two sacks and forced three turnovers on third down.
In the first nine games of the season, the Cowboys allowed opponents to convert at least half of their third-down chances three times. But in the last six, they haven't held a team below 50 percent.
"We've got to get pressure on the quarterback, which I will admit we are having trouble doing," coach Bill Parcells said. "I'm going to change a couple of things this week in an effort to help that, but I don't know that we can. I'm not sure."
Parcells would not divulge what the Cowboys would do differently against Detroit on Sunday, but he said he could possibly dress more defensive linemen. The Lions, with offensive coordinator Mike Martz, pass 69 percent of the time, which puts a premium on the pass rush.
Although they don't like to get out of their base 3-4 scheme often, the Cowboys could use their nickel defense package more because they have a variety of players who can rush the passer from either the outside linebacker spot or defensive end.
Linebackers DeMarcus Ware, Bobby Carpenter, Kevin Burnett and Akin Ayodele have experience playing defensive end. Defensive ends Jason Hatcher, Kenyon Coleman, Jay Ratliff, Chris Canty and Marcus Spears have experience playing defensive tackle.
"It gives us more versatility as a team when you have the type of personnel we have you can go back and forth a little bit," Carpenter said. "Talking to some of the offensive guys it causes protection problems, so hopefully it's something we will take advantage of, jumping back and forth between the 3-4 and 4-3."
Jones has plenty in tank: Entering December, the Cowboys wanted Julius Jones to have gas in his tank for the final push. But he hasn't had more than 13 carries since Nov. 19.
Jones' 257 carries are seventh-most in the NFC and 12th-most in the league. After carrying the ball at least 20 times in four of the first five games, he has had three 20-carry games the rest of the season.
"I consciously tried to reduce his runs five or six weeks ago," Parcells said. "I do not think he is a 350 carry-a-year guy. I think he is in the range where I would want to be."
Foundation gets $10k: David Rodriguez, who helped found the Assist the Officer Foundation after he was paralyzed in the line of duty, was named the winner of the Dallas Cowboys Community Quarterback Award on Thursday.
The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Charities gave the foundation a $10,000 grant in Rodriguez's name. The ATO Foundation assists officers who face injury and hard times.
Briefly: Ratliff (shoulder) did not practice for the second straight day but Parcells is hopeful he might be able to do practice today. ... CB Jacques Reeves (elbow) practiced for the second straight day. ... Stephen Peterman, a third-round pick by the Cowboys in 2004, is listed as the Lions' starting right guard. The Cowboys cut Peterman, who suffered a knee injury as a rookie, in training camp.
Staff Writer Calvin Watkins contributed to this report.
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
