Cowboys' savvy move paying off now and should continue to help moving forward
The Dallas Cowboys did not make a splash on NFL Trade Deadline Day. Reports indicated that the team was close to making a move for Brandin Cooks. In the end, Dallas stayed put. With that said, the Dallas Cowboys did make a trade to upgrade the roster. Dallas traded for former Las Vegas Raiders defensive […]
The Dallas Cowboys did not make a splash on NFL Trade Deadline Day. Reports indicated that the team was close to making a move for Brandin Cooks. In the end, Dallas stayed put.
With that said, the Dallas Cowboys did make a trade to upgrade the roster. Dallas traded for former Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins ahead of the matchup against the Chicago Bears.
That was not a move that was going to make many headlines. Still, it was a needed acquisition that has already shown signs of paying off in a crucial way. Even if it may not feel like it — yet.
Cowboys made important trade
It is no secret that the Dallas Cowboys have struggled to stop the run. In fact, that is where the Chicago Bears attacked the Cowboys in a big way.
The Bears have one of the better rushing attacks in football. That showed up on Sunday, as Justin Fields and Khalil Herbert put stress on Dan Quinn's otherwise stellar unit. Even in what was a frustrating defensive showing, Johnathan Hankins was a bit of a bright spot.
Hankins has a 6-3, 320-pound frame that clogs up gaps and running lanes. His effort in his first game with the Cowboys helped Dallas defend the ground game. Chicago averaged only 3.5 yards per carry with Hankins on the field.
Granted, the sample size is one game and isn't very big. Still, Dallas identified Hankins as a player that can make a difference in a weak spot on the team. He is already showing why the Cowboys went out and acquired him.
This is important because the Cowboys will need to stop dangerous running games in the NFC. That includes the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings — the two teams that the Cowboys will play after the bye.
More importantly, stopping the run is the key to beating the Philadelphia Eagles. And the Dallas Cowboys failed to do that in the earlier meeting this season. Hankins should help in that department when the teams meet up on Christmas Eve in AT&T Stadium.
Dallas did not trade for an All-Pro or make a huge splash before the NFL trade deadline; however, the move to add Johnathan Hankins to the defense should pay off in the short- and long-term.
Featured image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
