Bengals vs Cowboys Expert's Take: Micah Parsons isn't the only pass rusher Cincinnati needs to worry about
One last night game remains for the collapsing Cincinnati Bengals as the Dallas Cowboys will host them on "Monday Night Football."In many ways, these clubs have experienced similar frustrations this year. Both rosters feature expensive quarterbacks and lackluster defenses that were built by front offices under plenty of scrutiny. High expectations were met with somber […]
One last night game remains for the collapsing Cincinnati Bengals as the Dallas Cowboys will host them on "Monday Night Football."
In many ways, these clubs have experienced similar frustrations this year. Both rosters feature expensive quarterbacks and lackluster defenses that were built by front offices under plenty of scrutiny. High expectations were met with somber results for two franchises that have more in common than you'd think.
This will be just the 15th all-time meeting between Cincinnati and Dallas. To breakdown a matchup this rare, we need an expert on the opposition. I turned to A to Z Sports' Cowboys beat writer Mauricio Rodriguez to get the inside scoop.
JS: Bengals fans have begun having flashbacks to when Cooper Rush diced up a much better Cincinnati defense back in 2022. How's Rush been faring since Dak Prescott's injury?
MR: He's been doing well for a backup quarterback, not being asked to do much other than not turning the ball over. He certainly has had a fumble problem with seven on the year. However, the last couple of weeks have been his best for a specific reason: He's rarely been pressured. The o-line has done a good job of keeping him clean and combined with the NFL's quickest time to throw, the offense isn't explosive but it can get the ball out to playmakers like CeeDee Lamb and lately, the speedy KaVontae Turpin.
JS: Both CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks are dealing with injuries right now. It's too early to ask if they'll be able to play Monday night, but if they don't, where will Dallas turn to on offense?
MR: I won't hesitate to say running back Rico Dowdle. Even though he's far from being a big name player, he's been one of the most efficient backs in the league this year, ranking 11th in success rate. Lately, the Cowboys have been leaning more and more on him as a true RB1 instead of trying to make a committee work with an unproductive Ezekiel Elliott. It's paid off and he's definitely a name to watch.
JS: Micah Parsons is a certifiable alien and will obviously be a point of emphasis for the Bengals. Who's benefitted the most from his presence and is worthy of the Bengals' attention up front?
MR: I'm glad you asked because it gives me a chance to talk about linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. He's been the key to unleashing Mike Zimmer's pressure schemes, as Overshown's crazy athleticism makes him a weapon in every area. He's proven to be an explosive run defender covering sideline to sideline but his speed makes him a threat as a pass rusher when asked to blitz. His 17 pressures rank fourth among off-ball linebackers and is second in sacks with 5, per Pro Football Focus. With Parsons back, Overshown has played his best football and you could make the case for him being one of the best players on the roster right now.
JS: Ultimately, this will be a game between two of the worst defenses in the league squaring off on primetime. The Bengals have not beaten the Cowboys since 2004 and haven't won in Dallas since 1988. Do you see that streak continuing?
MR: I don't, actually. I know the Bengals have struggle a lot this season but I also know Joe Burrow is playing some elite football and there's an argument to be made he's been the best quarterback in the NFL this season. Terrible defenses or not, I just struggle to envision the Cowboys offense keeping up with the Bengals' high-powered attack. There's a chance, but it'll take an MVP-caliber performance from Parsons and the defense to make it happen.
Check out all of Mauricio's written work and his coverage of the Cowboys on the A to Z Sports Dallas YouTube page!
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