There's one Cowboys' unit obligated to bounce back vs. Jaguars
This season, the Dallas Cowboys have been better known for their ability to rush the passer. Despite a couple of back-to-back lackluster performances, they still rank first in the NFL in pressure rate (27.9%) and second in sacks (48). Micah Parsons -although now facing pressure from Nick Bosa in a two-man race for D.P.O.Y.- is […]
This season, the Dallas Cowboys have been better known for their ability to rush the passer. Despite a couple of back-to-back lackluster performances, they still rank first in the NFL in pressure rate (27.9%) and second in sacks (48).
Micah Parsons -although now facing pressure from Nick Bosa in a two-man race for D.P.O.Y.- is still one of the faces of the franchise and the NFL with his high-caliber play everywhere he lines up.
But in the NFL, teams won't get you to get away with your biggest strength. This is why the Cowboys defense has been getting fewer and fewer pass rush opportunities.
Last weekend, the Houston Texans played Dallas with a heavy running game and a ton of quick game. Since it was a close game for 60 minutes, the Texans were able to live in a world in which they didn't allow the most dangerous unit on the Cowboys to impact the game that much.
A hurt secondary also plays a factor in this. Dan Quinn's defense is now missing two of its original starting cornerbacks as DaRon Bland and Kelvin Joseph try to step up. Instead of the Cowboys' pass rushers elevating their level of play to make up for those holes, it's allowed opposing offenses to find holes in the secondary.
Although results haven't been as encouraging over the last couple of weeks though, this might be the unit that has earned the most level of confidence going forward. And boy, oh boy, the schedule demands the Cowboys' unit bounce back this weekend.
Cowboys' pass rush must find an answer to beat Trevor Lawrence
They know it's time to find an answer especially as they get ready to travel and face the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road.
Never mind the losing record. There's a reason why the Jaguars were able to beat the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans in recent weeks. Although they're not a very consistent team, QB Trevor Lawrence gives them a chance to win against any team in the NFL.
The Cowboys will be facing a Top 10 passing offense and the second-best in early down passing, too.
Despite playing behind a shaky offensive line, Lawrence's offense is top 10 in pressure rate allowed and sack rate allowed. The main reason why is that the former No. 1 overall pick knows when to get rid of the ball and is quite good at figuring out blitzes at the line of scrimmage. On top of that, he maneuvers the pocket beautifully. In other words, Trevor Lawrence is the guy we thought he was when he came out of Clemson.
So the Cowboys know it's hard to get Lawrence under pressure. But when he is pressured, his numbers have gone down quite drastically. In fact, he's ranked near the bottom of the NFL.
This is going to be the story of the game on Sunday. The Cowboys are facing a legitimately good rival that has a QB capable of picking apart holes in the opponent's secondary.
Will Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams, and friends make up for that by getting to Trevor Lawrence?
Stay tuned.
Featured image via Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
