Cowboys' recently found solution to crucial problem frustrated by latest news
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins will miss the remainder of the regular season, per Jerry Jones via 105.3 The Fan. Hankins suffered a pectoral strain on Sunday's win over the Houston Texans after making an impressive tackle. Although the injury is severe enough for him to miss the four remaining weeks of the regular […]
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins will miss the remainder of the regular season, per Jerry Jones via 105.3 The Fan.
Hankins suffered a pectoral strain on Sunday's win over the Houston Texans after making an impressive tackle. Although the injury is severe enough for him to miss the four remaining weeks of the regular season, the Cowboys are holding out hope for a return in the playoffs.
Although he's done it from a discreet position, Hankins helped the Cowboys run defense a lot since the front office traded for him ahead of the November deadline. In just five games with the team, he recorded seven defensive stops while just playing in four out of ten plays.
The stat below via Sports Info Solutions reveals how much of an impact Hankins has had on the Cowboys' run defense:
Now granted, there are countless other variables that play into those numbers but Hankins is one of the biggest explanations for it as the Cowboys' nose tackle did a great job occupying blockers and cleaning up looks for the linebackers.
It's no coincidence the Cowboys traded for Hankins after allowing big rushing performances against the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions.
Now it's back to square one.
About two weeks from now, the Cowboys are scheduled to host the Eagles again on Christmas Eve. Not having Hankins against the NFL's best rushing offense is something to be concerned about.
It's Dan Quinn's turn to figure out a way to make up for his absence with the players at hand. A tall task for the Cowboys defensive coordinator.
Featured image via Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
