Dallas Cowboys Could Struggle Mightily Without Gregory and Lawrence
The Dallas Cowboys will have their hands full when they take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Vikings are hot as they've won their last three games in a row and are finding a rhythm on offense with Dalvin Cook back. Unfortunately, the Cowboys might not be complete on defense when the game kicks […]
The Dallas Cowboys will have their hands full when they take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Vikings are hot as they've won their last three games in a row and are finding a rhythm on offense with Dalvin Cook back. Unfortunately, the Cowboys might not be complete on defense when the game kicks off.
After putting up their best performance of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cowboys' defensive line could be missing two of its most important players. According to the team's injury reports, pass rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory have missed practice due to "illness."
In most seasons, "illness" might not cause a lot of concern among fans. But 2020 is different. COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the NFL and although no Cowboys' players have been place on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the team should be extremely careful.
Gregory and Lawrence are huge for the Dallas Cowboys' defense especially considering they're about to face one of the best running backs in the league. The Vikings own the 3rd best rushing offense in the league in DVOA.
While Antwaun Woods and Neville Gallimore shined against the Steelers, the Cowboys will need to be successful defending the edges against the run or they'll allow Cook to work the outside runs for big, big gains.
Not to mention the passing game. Although Kirk Cousins at times seems like an unreliable quarterback, his accuracy can be lethal. With Trevon Diggs out for a handful of weeks and Chidobe Awuzie returning to action after missing plenty of time, the defensive backs might be in for a long day if the Dallas Cowboys fail to pressure Cousins.
Keep in mind, the Vikings rank 23rd in the NFL in adjusted sack rate. If there's one thing the Cowboys can exploit to upset the Vikings, it's their unreliable pass protection and Cousins' tendency to take sacks.
Hopefully, none of these guys miss the game but if they do there are still some interesting things to look forward too. More than anything, I'd be interested to see just how much playing time Bradlee Anae gets.
Throughout training camp, many spoke on Anae's strong performance and preparation to have a role right out of the gate. Yet 10 weeks into the season Anae has only played in six total defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Reference. It'd be great to finally see the rookie out in the playing field.
But fingers crossed, the Dallas Cowboys show up on Sunday with both Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence ready to go as they try to earn their third win of the season.
Featured Image Via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
