Facing the Baltimore Ravens and their dynamic offensive duo of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the formidable Derrick Henry would strike trepidation into any defense. Considering Jackson's track record, it's no surprise. The quarterback, who has been lauded as the "best dual-threat quarterback in the league and in history, today," by Dallas Cowboys' three-time All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, continues to post outstanding numbers.
Jackson's Commanding Stats
In 2023, during the second of his two NFL MVP seasons, Jackson recorded 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions, highlighting his efficiency. His touchdown-to-interception ratio ranks fourth-best in the NFL during that span, a testament to his skill both in the air and on the ground. Adding to his legacy, Jackson has accumulated over 750 rushing yards in each of his first five NFL seasons from 2019 to 2023, a feat unmatched by any other quarterback in NFL history.
Dallas Cowboys' Defensive Struggles
However, while Jackson's performance remains stellar, the Cowboys' defense has had its share of challenges. The recent clash with the New Orleans Saints saw Alvin Kamara rush for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, underlining the struggles Dallas has faced in containing high-caliber offensive players. Kamara's performance didn't just stop there; he also amassed a total of 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, showcasing the Cowboys' defensive vulnerabilities.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Cowboys' defensive tackles have been underperforming at the start of the 2024 season. Osa Odighizuwa's defensive grade is an unimpressive 45.6, placing him 91st out of 115 defensive tackles. Mazi Smith, Linval Joseph, and Jordan Phillips fared even worse, with grades of 28.9, 31.7, and 29.6 respectively, positioning them near the bottom of the league rankings.
Defensive Adjustments Needed
In light of these struggles, it’s no wonder that Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks emphasized the need for the team to "buck up." The words of Micah Parsons echoed this sentiment, highlighting a need for collective effort and mental toughness. "At some point, all 11 [on the field] got to have the same mindset, and that's just toughness," he stressed.
The 2024 season has seen Parsons off to another strong start, with 14 quarterback pressures, the third-most in the NFL. Yet, despite his individual efforts, Parsons has often faced double-teams, something he dealt with on 35% of his pass-rush plays in 2023, the highest in the league among edge rushers.
Game Plan Adjustments
Amid these defensive challenges, Cowboys' defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer admitted to possibly over-utilizing Parsons in varying roles. "Maybe I tried to use him a little bit more in a lot of different things... It may have affected some of the other players and asked them to do too many things this week," Zimmer noted.
Still, Parsons remains undeterred by these adjustments. He communicated a clear expectation for himself and his teammates: "The expectations is like I'm the person that's gonna get the slide, I'm the person that's going to get the majority of the chips and the double teams… So it would be shocking to me if you were to limit me because I would think [it] would be the worst thing."
Mounting Pressure and Future Outlook
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming battles, facing a versatile and potent offense helmed by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will undoubtedly test their mettle. Parsons is well aware of the challenge Derrick Henry presents: "Toughness. Step up. Ain't no other choice. Derrick Henry's going to come downhill, like it or not. So it's not like a matter of are you going to stop it. It's just, are you going to do it or not. I know I'm ready for the matchup."
The Cowboys’ next outing will reveal whether their defense can synchronize and elevate their performance. As Parsons and his teammates galvanize around the principles of effort and mental toughness, their upcoming games will be a true test of their resilience and adaptability.