The Dallas Cowboys must lean on their defense this Sunday against the New York Giants. The Cowboys defense has been one of the most surprising units in the NFL this year. Defensively, the team has consistently played above expectations and has been a solid anchor for the Cowboys. With their offensive struggles of late, Dallas must continue to lean on their defense to maintain control of the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys Lean on Defense Yet Again
Week 14 vs. Washington Football Team
Dallas was poised to get back on track and dominate the Washington Football Team from start to finish. Dallas jumped out to a big lead, before letting Washington back into the game-winning 27-20. Taylor Heinicke and Cam Simms were able to connect for a long touchdown pass followed by a pick-six from Dak Prescott to make the game interesting. Dallas was able to come away with the victory thanks to a great defensive performance. Dallas sacked Heinicke four times and Randy Gregory deflected, then intercepted a pass while the defense forced and recovered three fumbles.
Without this impressive defensive performance, Washington likely comes back to tie this NFC divisional showdown. The Dallas offense struggled in the second half, falling into their slump yet again. Washington will have another crack at Dallas in week 16. Hopefully, the defense can have a repeat performance with an improved offensive effort.
Week 15 vs. New York Giants
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Dallas has another divisional matchup against the Giants. New York’s offense has struggled the past few seasons with the delayed development of Daniel Jones. Saquon Barkley has also been a disappointment in recent years battling injuries and offensive inefficiency.
Dallas Dominated the First Matchup
Dallas beat New York 44-20 in their first matchup knocking Daniel Jones out of the game and forcing a switch to Mike Glennon. While the Giants mustered 367 yards, they only scored 20 points. The Defense held the Giants to two touchdowns on the day and scored at will on the other side of the ball. Dallas fans are hoping for another impressive defensive performance on Sunday.
Great D in Big D
The Dallas defense has played much better than expectations this season. If Dallas fans knew the Cowboys would have released Jaylon Smith, there would have been panic preseason. However, the emergence of rookie Micah Parsons has solidified a once porous defense. Parsons is on the shortlist for defensive player of the year, as well as the NFL’s defensive player of the year. If Parsons can continue tormenting opposing offenses, Dallas has a real chance to make a deep post-season run.
Micah Parsons is (+400) to win Defensive Player of the Year 👀
📷 via @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/KrFtdEOIrf
— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) December 13, 2021
Prescott in a Slump?
The Cowboys quarterback has struggled ever since returning from his injury against the New England Patriots. The Cowboys have suffered losses against the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Las Vegas Raiders. Prescott struggled mightily against the Chiefs and Broncos, while Dallas suffered too many penalties against the Raiders.
Prescott has seen a lot of pressure with injuries to the offensive line and passed poorly against a zone defense. Dallas and Prescott have also struggled to pass against man coverage on the outside thanks to injuries to Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb in recent weeks. Prescott needs to bounce back and return to form to gain momentum before their playoff run.
Jerry Jones: "Fair" to say Dak Prescott is in a slump, but Cowboys QB will "figure it out"https://t.co/5dJCLcjDyH pic.twitter.com/56RXrNXD8M
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 14, 2021
NFC East Run
Dallas needs to get back on track offensively if they want to make a deep playoff run. Until Prescott climbs out of his rut, Dallas will lean on the defense to keep games close. The Cowboys need to get Ezekiel Elliott healthy, as well as the offensive line, in order to take pressure off the offense. If the offense and defense can both get rolling on Sunday, Dallas should take care of New York easily. If the offense continues to stagnate Mike Glennon and company could take advantage of a flat Dallas team and spoil the Cowboys plans of running the NFC East.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
