Important area of Thursday's game the Dallas Cowboys can't take lightly
While the Dallas Cowboys (11-4) are figuring out their pass defense using multiple players, what is being done about the run defense? This week they'll try to answer that question against a Tennessee Titans team that's lost five straight. However, star RB Derrick Henry is not the focus of this. It is looking more and […]
While the Dallas Cowboys (11-4) are figuring out their pass defense using multiple players, what is being done about the run defense? This week they'll try to answer that question against a Tennessee Titans team that's lost five straight.
However, star RB Derrick Henry is not the focus of this. It is looking more and more that Henry won't be active for this game to not risk further injury. Preparing them for a de facto AFC South Championship in week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In the absence of both Johnathan Hankins and Leighton Vander Esch, this Cowboys defense is showing serious susceptibility to the ground game. What's worse is how ineffective they have been all season against quarterbacks who can carve them on the ground.
The Cowboys are allowing the 15th-most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks. Having given up 280 yards on the year.
While that may sound like a small number, they have only played a running threat (not just mobile) QB five times. New York Giants twice, Philadelphia Eagles (Hurts), Chicago Bears and Houston Texans (Jeff Driscol).
Allowing 216 yards and six yards per carry in those contests. Expected Titans QB Malik Willis has struggled for much of the season as a passer in his rookie season. However, If there is anything Willis has shown all season he can do, it's get yardage with his legs.
Willis to date only has three career starts. Having thrown no touchdown passes, no games over 100 yards and only one start over 20 passing attempts. Completing just over 50% of his passes.
On the ground, he has eclipsed 40 yards in two different games and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry. His real threat at quarterback against this Dallas Cowboys defense will definitely be with his legs.
Considering the health concerns all around the defense, the Cowboys might be in trouble. At least from a single offensive aspect.
The return of Sam Williams will help defend the edges but QB's have shown all year if they can get past the first level of the Cowboys defense, they will cause problems.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
