3 changes the Dallas Cowboys need to make to capitalize on Eagles’ potential downfall in NFC East race
The Dallas Cowboys need to get themselves in a position to capitalize on the Eagles’ woes.
The Philadelphia Eagles are leaving the door ajar in the NFC East, and it’s up to the Dallas Cowboys to capitalize on it.
Whether or not the Eagles do their part, the Cowboys need to worry about winning out. And one thing is for certain, playing like they did last week isn’t going to cut it. Here are three changes the Cowboys need to make to go on a final-stretch run and position themselves to cash in on their rival’s mistakes if they keep coming.
Start someone not named Kenneth Murray at middle linebacker
There are many defensive issues on the Cowboys, I know. And switching starters at one position won’t fix the 29th defense in the NFL per EPA/play, per RBSDM. But I don’t know how you keep Murray in the lineup this long. Against the Lions, he looked lost in more ways than one. At times, it was missing tackles in the open field, at others it was backpedaling against blocks instead of taking them head on, and most frustratingly, misreading a play and taking himself out of position to make a play.
None of these are new problems for Murray. Logan Wilson—whom the Cowboys traded for last month—might not be his old self due to injury but at this point, he has to play over Murray. Worst case scenario, play Shemar James and think about the future by developing him. But Murray is and has been one of the biggest problems on defense all year long.
Shake up Matt Eberflus’ defensive plan
Speaking of the defense, the Cowboys need to start playing to their roster’s advantages ASAP. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is reluctant to play more man coverage despite his cornerbacks being better accustomed to. That would be the biggest change I’d wish they made.
Additionally, the Cowboys need to be more willing to send pressure. Not only do you have a perfect linebacker to do so with in DeMarvion Overshown, but we just saw the defense allow Jared Goff to be comfortable in the pocket despite a seriously banged-up offensive line. It cannot be all “let’s hope Quinnen Williams gets a sack.” Eberflus needs to manufacture QB pressure, even if it means gambling a little bit.
Run game needs to come back to life
I’m not sure what the fix is here. But the Cowboys’ run game has been a shell of itself compared to early in the year. Javonte Williams—and at times RB2 Malik Davis—can still get big gains but the down-to-down success hasn’t been there for Dallas lately. Before the bye week, the Cowboys ranked 10th in rush success rate, per RBSDM. Since then, they are 24th in the league.
That leaves one of the Cowboys’ biggest weaknesses exposed: Pass protection.
Early on, Dak Prescott’s offense consistently faced third-and-short situations but now, third-and-long is common place. That allows defenses to tee off on the Cowboys’ tackles, who have been a liability in pass pro all year long. Simply put, Dallas needs its offensive line to block better in the run game.
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