Don’t get it twisted, Dallas Cowboys fans, this team has all the marbles they need to be an elite contender. However, the injury bug continues to sting the team and the amount of depth left. Surprisingly, Ndamukong Suh is trying out for the Miami Dolphins after Dallas loses defensive tackle, Jonathan Hankins. He was a no-show against the Bills and may be out in their upcoming matchup.
The defense is continuing to be torn apart or they’re the ones doing the tearing. That’s the Cinderella story and Dan Quinn is working hard to get the happy ending. The defense is rich with talent like Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence, of course, but the workload is wearing them out.
The pass-rush defense is the surprising unit that’s lacking and the Cowboys need to find more answers than questions to respond to adversity.
What's Wrong With #Cowboys Run Defense? Bills Loss Reignites San Francisco 49ers Fear https://t.co/hwb0J4kHge via @DallasCowboysFN
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This Defensive Unit on the Dallas Cowboys Is Lacking
The Cowboys Should Ease the Burden on Micah Parsons
One thing that Dallas needs to avoid is having Parsons run out of gas. Once that tank is drained, all hell may break loose and the Cowboys can’t afford it in time for the postseason. ‘Tis the season for Dallas to go narrow and go digging.
Damone Clark and Markquese Bell are the only active linebackers on the roster as depth. Just imagine if one of them falls to injury, that would be a no-no. Dallas needs to wrap up the season on a strong note, not another player to the IR. Simply put, it’s a longevity game for this defense, but their egos were bruised recently in the loss against the Bills.
At 10-4, they are firmly still contenders but that spark may come to a close early in the postseason if they can’t answer regular-season issues. They are still surprisingly ranked the third-best pass-rush defense behind the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers, but the opposing team’s run game has been ripping them apart.
It’s Not the End of the World for the Cowboys
Dallas still has one of the best defenses and puts up big numbers. The defensive unit would be okay with an injury or two, but they should avoid that. They still have an exceptional group of pass rushers, including Dante Fowler Jr. and Sam Williams. Of course, it would be detrimental if Dallas loses either Parsons or Lawrence.
However, Dallas could make one late call for a Pro-bowl pass-rusher or defensive tackle to complement this doomsday defense. The “Jack of all Trades” of the defense may not be done if Jerry Jones plays it right.
It Might Be Justin Houston or Suh Time in Big D
The Carolina Panthers recently announced they released the four-time Pro-bowler. The star pass-rusher is now looking for a contender, which sets up the perfect opportunity to find one in time for playoffs next month. It’s the obvious answer to the run-stopping woes, but signing a player at the last minute is just a temporary fix.
They can sign Suh or Houston but it might be a playbook issue or getting too comfortable for their troubles. This is something they can easily fix with their game plan and how they want to use their talent. The Cowboys might want to consider moving Parsons to the glaring hole of the Linebacker position. In his early days at Penn State, he started as an off-ball LB specializing in the run defense.
Whatever the Cowboys decide to do, they can take the risk now before taking it in a playoff game. They may test this new system by moving Parsons to see his production. However, the only issue is that playing as an edge rusher is completely different than playing at LB. It would solve a problem, but it opens another wound, however the Cowboys should take a jab at it.
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