What are the Dallas Cowboys talking about ahead of Sunday's NFC matchup against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium? Let's find out:

1. What challenge does the Cowboys' defense face playing a productive running game in Detroit that is averaging 151 yards per game on the ground led by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs? Dallas ranks 24th (135.0) in run defense. That question was posed to Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer this week, who quickly gave credit to the fuel for Detroit's potent rushing attack – the offensive line.

"It's not only them," Zimmer said of Montgomery and Gibbs. "The offensive line they have is really good and they do a good job in scheming and getting guys reached and cut off and then these backs can really hit the hole good. Again, it'll be a really good test for us."

2. After going undefeated at AT&T Stadium last season, including a Week 17 win over Detroit, the Cowboys are 0-2 at home to start this season.

"We have to win at home," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said this week. "We used to be pretty good at home. We've been really stressing the point to win on the road, we're off to a good start (3-0), but we need to get our first home win."

Expect the Cowboys faithful to be turned up Sunday for a national televised contest trying to get their Cowboys a win at home for the first time this season.

3. Dallas is really hurting upfront along their defensive line, especially along the edge. DeMarcus Lawrence and Durrell Johnson are on IR and the Cowboys could be without Micah Parsons (ankle) and Marshawn Kneeland (knee) for Sunday's matchup as well.

"Obviously, you're losing four good players at basically one spot (edge)," Zimmer said. "You try to figure out what these (other) guys can do best, how they can fit in? Those guys came in (Sunday vs. Pittsburgh) and did nice.

"I thought Chauncey (Golston) played well. (Tyrus) Wheat did a good job. Carl Lawson, I thought he did some good things. They are all here for a reason."

Golston, Wheat and Lawson all recorded a half sack as the Cowboys' defense held Pittsburgh to 226 total yards of offense in a 20-17 win Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

McCarthy said Parsons 'still has some work to do' to be able to play Sunday against the Lions. Parsons missed practice Wednesday.

4. McCarthy thinks quarterback Jared Goff is playing some of the best football of his career coming off an 18-for-18 performance Week 4 against Seattle. He thinks Goff has the offense playing in sync and playing with a ton of confidence.

He mentioned Detroit's shifts and motions on offense as something that's tough to deal with defensively and said the numbers don't lie when they show how good the offense is both running and throwing the football early this season.

5. What impresses McCarthy about defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson?

"Obviously he's an excellent, excellent player. His get off – he's doing the little things. His length at 6-6 and his motor. He has a patented move; his spin move has been really productive for him. He's got a relentless motor and he's definitely someone you have to account for, no doubt."