The biggest challenge the Dallas Cowboys offense will face vs Vikings
It doesn't matter which teams you're discussing. When it comes to the NFL, games are won or lost in the trenches. But when the Dallas Cowboys visit the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday night, it will be even more important. Football fans will get to watch two of the most productive units go at it on […]
It doesn't matter which teams you're discussing. When it comes to the NFL, games are won or lost in the trenches. But when the Dallas Cowboys visit the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday night, it will be even more important.
Football fans will get to watch two of the most productive units go at it on primetime television. The premier match-up of the game will take place when the Cowboys have the football.
Through seven weeks of the season, the Minnesota Vikings have established they can rush the passer. They lead the NFL in pressure rate at 32.1%. Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen have been able to consistently win in the edged and Mike Zimmer's defense is now playing with better depth at defensive tackle.
The Vikings have been able to place themselves atop of the league in this category even without blitzing, as their blitz rate ranks 17th in the league. Although the importance of sacks totals is controversial, they've also been able to translate that pressure rate into sacks, as they're tied for the NFL lead at 21.
Against other teams in the league, this might spell trouble. But it just turns out, they might meet their match when facing the Dallas Cowboys. According to PFF, the Cowboys' offensive line is second-best in the NFL in pressure rate allowed.
Although Connor Williams and Tyler Biadasz have struggled inside, the Cowboys have seen quality play from one of their top units. Tyron Smith and Zack Martin have been having strong seasons and even Terence Steele has done his job well with La'el Collins away.
Next Sunday, Collins will be back just in time to provide assistance versus this Vikings' defense.
It's worth pointing out that although the Vikings have generated pressure, they've struggled against the run. Through seven weeks, they rank 24th against the run in the league in DVOA and allow 4.8 yards per carry.
Poor gap integrity and late adjustments have contributed to the Vikings' woes versus the run. The Dallas Cowboys could aim to exploit that given how efficient they've been running the football, including their performance out of 12 personnel.
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Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
