Sunday provided the Cowboys with an advantage ahead of their Week 2 clash against the Giants, in part thanks to a familiar face
The Dallas Cowboys’ pass rush can find a good rhythm.
The Dallas Cowboys are getting a long week before facing the New York Giants in Week 2. And they’re already in a position to take advantage of it.
That’s because the Giants’ loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday made it very clear they have a weakness the Cowboys defense can take advantage of. Though Micah Parsons is no longer on the team, the team’s pass rush should be able to tee off on the weak link of New York’s offensive line. That would be backup left tackle James Hudson III.
And they have a familiar face to thank for the intel. Former Cowboys DL Dorance Armstrong had nine pressures on Sunday, according to NextGen Stats. Most of them happened against Hudson III. Now granted, starting tackle Andrew Thomas could be back by Week 2 but Giants HC Brian Daboll has been ambiguous about his availability this season thus far. It’s safe to say they’ll be careful about Thomas given how important he is to the franchise.
The Cowboys should be able to pressure Giants QB, whoever that is
Assuming Thomas doesn’t play next Sunday, the Cowboys defensive ends should have a blast against the Giants offensive line. That starts with Sam Williams, who led Dallas with five pressures against the Philadelphia Eagles, per PFF. Additionally, Marshawn Kneeland recorded a sack. Dante Fowler Jr. and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku had a couple of moments against the Eagles’ quality tackles, too. For Week 1, The 33rd Team had the Cowboys as the team with the second-highest pressure rate.
There’s a lot of context that goes into that number—like the fact that Jalen Hurts made 23 pass attempts and countered Dallas pressures with 62 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns—and in no way does it mean the Cowboys have one of the best pass rushes in the league. At least not yet. They have plenty to prove.
Going up against the Giants should help them find a good rhythm though. On Sunday, the offensive line allowed pressures in 49% of Wilson’s dropbacks. Expect the backup left tackle to be the main target but if Thomas winds up playing, there are still other opportunities to take advantage off, particularly in the interior offensive line. Armstrong’s lone sack of the game came from rushing inside, for example.
As for who will be playing quarterback, it remains to be seen. Giants head coach Brian Daboll didn’t commit to Russell Wilson after the veteran had a bad debut for the Big Apple. It will come down to him and first-round rookie Jaxson Dart.
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