Dallas Cowboys: Kearse's Return is Key to Stopping Rams Secret Weapon
The Dallas Cowboys are getting some much needed reinforcements for their matchup against the LA Rams. Safety/Linebacker Jayron Kearse will return for the first time since week one, after missing weeks 2-4 with a knee injury. Re-joining forces with Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson to make up the Cowboys three-headed monster of safeties. Even without […]
The Dallas Cowboys are getting some much needed reinforcements for their matchup against the LA Rams. Safety/Linebacker Jayron Kearse will return for the first time since week one, after missing weeks 2-4 with a knee injury.
Re-joining forces with Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson to make up the Cowboys three-headed monster of safeties.
Even without his presence on the field, the defense has played well as a unit. Especially Wilson, who's having a Kearse-like season, being ranked among the best safeties early in 2022.
However, the biggest return with Kearse is his ability to neutralize and erase opposing tight ends. One of the main reasons he was brought back on a two-year deal to begin with.
For the most part, the Cowboys have done well in coverage against opposing TE's. Allowing a combined 26 targets, 20 receptions for 101 yards in the past three games combined.
However, looking at the film on an expanded view, much of this is due to the heavy pressure put on opposing QBs. Often the TE is open and the QB misses them in the pocket, or they're overthrown.
LA Rams QB is unfortunately one of the best in the league when facing the blitz. So coverage over the TE will be key. Especially this week, going up against Tyler Higbee, who's having a career resurgence.
WR Cooper Kupp is the name people most associate with the Rams skill position players. Higbee, however, is on pace for career numbers of absurdity.
Through four games, Higbee has 26 catches for 244 yards on 38 targets. Including his (career-high) 6.6 yards after the catch per reception, 172 yards after the catch in total., despite his career low 3.4 ADOT (average depth of target).
Meaning the majority of his yards have come after first contact, despite how close he is to Stafford in relation to the pass.
This is an area that Jayron Kearse excels. Even before his time with the Dallas Cowboys. His length, size and coverage ability have made him the defenses most reliable weapon against opposing TE's.
Higbee is only his first test on this these three games stretch. Afterwards includes TJ Hockenson and Dallas Goedert.
Kearse's arrival is just in time for what will start off with one of the best TE's in the game this season.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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