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One of the key components for coming back to win last week's game at Minnesota was the performance of tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

Pettigrew caught nine passes in the second half - most of which were short, over-the-middle passes - for 88 yards and that "nickel and diming" helped Detroit close the gap.

While the Lions were on the positive end of that performance, the Dallas Cowboys have the same type of weapon within their offensive system.

Tight end Jason Witten is leading Cowboys in receptions (19) and receiving yards (272).

"He's an all-around tight end," said linebacker DeAndre Levy. "He's good in the run game, he's good at getting open and he's a good route-runner.

"He's a reliable guy. In a tough spot, they're going to look for him."

That's what happened on Monday night when the Cowboys hosted the Washington Redskins. Dallas quarterback Tony Romo went to Witten once in four of five second-half drives for a total of 53 yards.

The tight end was targeted the most out of any Cowboys' receiver (9) and led the team in receptions with six.

"They've played together for awhile and have that connection," said cornerback Brandon McDonald. "They've been in the same offense. Being that he has that size and he gets the ball a lot, we are really looking forward to that match-up."

Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is hoping it never gets to that point of Witten matching up with the Lions' back seven ... because he would prefer Romo not able to release the ball at all.

"We always go into every game wanting to stop the run, make them a one-dimensional team and get after their quarterback," said Suh. "If their quarterback can't throw the ball, those wide receivers and Jason Witten are null and void because he can't get the ball to them."