With injuries to both EDGE rushers, the Dallas Cowboys defense is in a bit of a bind. The power of the defense has rested in the hands of DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons for so long. It’s time that some other players stepped up to the plate.
Here are five defensive players who will have to be on top of their game with the absence of these powerhouses.
DE Injuries Open the Floor for Cowboys Defense to Step Up
Current DE Options for Cowboys Defense
DE – Marshawn Kneeland
The most obvious player who will need to step up and fill in some very large shoes is rookie EDGE rusher Marshawn Kneeland. Kneeland was originally drafted for his abilities against the run game. However, both Parsons and Lawrence are better pass rushers.
In the last few games though, the Cowboys defense hasn’t managed to put much pressure on any of the opposing team QBs. The completion percentage against the Cowboys was high. Derek Carr completed 68.7% of passes, Lamar Jackson had an 80% completion rate, and even Daniel Jones finished with a 72.5% completion rate.
What they’ve needed isn’t necessarily pressure. What they’ve needed is consistency. And that’s the task before Kneeland on this defense.
DE – Carlos Watkins
Watkins spent two years with the Cowboys before he was released in the off-season. Now, he returns to a new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer.
Because he is a recent acquisition, Watkins didn’t see any playing time on Thursday night against the Giants. Originally, Watkins was added to supplement the loss of Jordan Phillips, who suffered a wrist injury. But now, with two more significant injuries to the defense, Watkins will be needed sooner rather than later.
Some of his previous stats were very underwhelming, which could be why the Cowboys let him go. If he wants different results this time, then he has to utilize this opportunity.
DE – Chauncey Golston
Golston is a 2021 third-round pick who is another player that needs to kick it into high gear. Overall, Golston hasn’t been notable. He also hasn’t received much playing time in his three years with the Cowboys defense.
If he wants to be the kind of guy that does more than collects one or two tackles a game, then this is his big opportunity. Time to bring out the raw energy.
Huge Steps for Cowboys DTs
DT – Mazi Smith
Along with Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith had a great game against the Giants. Finally, Smith was able to manage multiple offensive linemen and still make the play, finding himself in the backfield on numerous occasions.
In the past, Smith was often lost in the shuffle. He wasn’t creating plays–he just was there with the rest of the defense.
Now, without his trusted EDGE rushers, Smith will have to learn how to stand up and keep fighting on his own. It’ll be very telling what this time makes him into.
DT – Linval Joseph
A recent addition to the squad during training camp, Linval Joseph is a big veteran with a lot of experience that he hasn’t replicated on the field. Sure, he’s helped plug a hole and stop a run, but just like Smith, he has to do more.
Big guys aren’t always going to get to the QB in time. But they can make a way for their linebackers to eat. This is where Joseph has to step up. He has to make those paths so that the team can be successful. He hasn’t been doing that so far, and now is the perfect time to fix that.
Cowboys Defense to be Tested Repeatedly
The Cowboys don’t have any time to relax. They play the Steelers October 6th, the Lions October 13th, followed by a bye week and then the team that has their number: the 49ers on October 27th.
All these players and the entire defense will have to step it up or risk being left in the dust by the rest of the NFL.
Main Image: Brad Penner – USA Today Sports
