The more things change, the more they stay the same. After the Dallas Cowboys beat the New York Giants 21-6, you could repeat the same talking points that have been prevalent over the last month or so. Yes, the Cowboys are on a three game winning streak and have found some momentum in late December. Yes, the Dallas defense are creating turnovers and among the league’s best in takeaways. Finally, yes, the Dallas offense is still less than efficient and without the same high-level production from earlier this season. It’s a matter of good news/bad news for the Dallas Cowboys.
The great news is the Dallas Cowboys have clinched a playoff spot and are very much in the running for a first-round bye. With offensively deficient opponents like Washington and Philadelphia – plus a struggling Arizona left to play – the Cowboys may find themselves as one of the NFL’s hottest teams entering the playoffs. Before we look forward, let’s look back and trace this Murder by the Numbers.
6.2 – Tony Pollard’s Yards Per Carry
It’s safe to say this is the best the Cowboys running game has looked over the last few games. Placing Connor Williams back in the starting lineup may have something to do with it; but let’s spotlight Tony Pollard.
After suffering a torn plantar fascia, it was uncertain if Pollard could play against New York. Reportedly, he was cleared with no limitations on his usual workload. It’s very fortunate that he did, because he was arguably Dallas’ most reliable option. Once again, the Cowboys’ passing game stalled due to self-inflicted mistakes and questionable playcalling.
Despite the injury, Pollard looked like his normal self and ran pretty well. On a few times he was able to get around the edge and outrun the defense to the perimeter. In total, Pollard rushed for 73 yards on only 12 carries.
As we approach the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys offense has to find consistency and get back to making explosive plays. If Dak Prescott and the receivers continue their negative trend, that may hinge on the health and involvement of Tony Pollard.
4 – Passed defended by Jourdan Lewis
A lot of the praise given to the Cowboys’ secondary is going to be directed at Trevon Diggs, who recorded his 10th interception of the season on Sunday. However, there’s not enough credit given to the other cornerbacks on this defense: Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis.
Aside from two games this season, Brown has quietly played good football. Against the Giants, he played in great position. He didn’t allow receivers to get over the top, and made sure to locate the ball in the air while in coverage.
Lewis also deserves some recognition. When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys defense, it’s said that while they get a lot of turnovers; they also allow a lot of yards. Such can be the case with Jourdan Lewis. He is allowing a passer rating of 107.0, 585 yards, and a completion percentage of 72.9% when thrown against (per Pro Football Reference).
In Week 15, Lewis played an excellent game. Not only did he record an interception, but he also made sure he held it down. Lewis was tested 13 times in coverage, allowing only 5 catch for 38 yards. If Lewis and the Dallas secondary can play like this, now aided by a refreshed pass rush, you have to like their chances in the postseason.
4.1 yards per attempt by Mike Glennon
Speaking of the pass rush, when’s the last time you’ve seen a pass rush be so effective generating only 1 sack for a 3-yard loss? You probably haven’t, but that’s how good the Dallas pass rush was. For added context, Dallas played without two of their interior pass rushers, Osa Odhighizuwa and Trysten Hill. They were placed on the Reserve/Covid-19 list and the Dallas Cowboys didn’t miss a beat.
Playing shorthanded, they asked Demarcus Lawrence to rush from the inside, and he did a great job; as did Carlos Watkins. Sure they were flashes from Randy Gregory and Micah Parsons, but you also saw those flashes from Dorance Armstrong and Tarell Basham. The defensive line has become very dynamic in the way in which everyone is contributing and getting after quarterbacks.
Mike Glennon threw for 99 yards on 24 attempts and you can’t be sure he ever looked comfortable on a handful of those attempts before being benched late in the game. Glennon’s longest pass play was for 16 yards on a short crossing route to Collin Johnson. There simply was no time for Glennon to do anything.
With the return of Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, the Dallas Cowboys pass rush and defense as a whole has reached a new standard. So much that safety Jayron Kearse was asked if that is a championship standard. As Kearse alluded to, time will tell. Still, it’s a great time to be a Cowboys fan with the way this defense is playing.
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