Do you think the Cowboys can find success against the Texans defense?
Previously we broke down the offense for this week’s upcoming game for the Dallas Cowboys. Now we dive back into the position battleground, this time looking at how the defensive positions and special teams stack up against each other.
DEFENSIVE LINE
It’s become customary to start this article trashing the Cowboys defensive line, and for good reason. This defensive line is allowing the second-most rush yards per game and is one of the primary factors why teams so easily dominate the Cowboys. On top of the rush yards, the defensive line is also allowing the second-most rushing touchdowns and the 28 points allowed per game is the second-worst in the NFL. On the positive side, Micah Parsons came out and dominated from the start last week with two sacks, one a strip sack that almost went for a touchdown. Carl Lawson is finding his groove and registered a sack making it two consecutive games he’s managed to get to the quarterback. Chauncey Golston also needs some recognition for what he did leading the team in pressures last week and even made two very well timed tackles for loss.
Houston ranks in the top ten in rush yards allowed and is fourth-best in rushing touchdowns allowed. Adding to their impressive run stopping they have also generated 29 sacks which is sixth-most in the league. Will Anderson Jr. is the guy to watch and his 7.5 sacks this year is fifth-most among defenders and his 11 tackles for loss is second-most. Next to him is Danielle Hunter with 5.5 sacks. Keep an eye on Will Anderson on the practice report this week.
Win: Texans
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
LINEBACKER
So we definitely have a player in DeMarvion Overshown. It was touch and go if he would play this week but McCarthy announced he dodged a bullet and should be good to go. His constant pressure and speed around the field is amazing to watch and he’s been one bright spot on an otherwise disappointing defense. It was good to see Eric Kendricks get back to doing what he does best and led the team in tackles last week and missed zero tackles. Stopping Joe Mixon is key this week so Kendricks will need to be in form again.
The Houston linebacker corps enjoys a lot more freedom thanks to the effort of the defensive line. Henry To’oTo’o from Alabama is maybe Houston’s best linebacker and leads the unit in tackles, but Azeez Al-Shaair is the team’s Overshown equivalent that makes himself a nuisance to opposing offense all around the field.
Conclusion:
With Overshown really coming into his own and getting the good news he won’t be missing anytime that really sways this position battle. Combined, the Dallas linebackers have more sacks and total tackles than their Houston counterparts making this one a win for Dallas.
Win: Cowboys
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Caelen Carson is really showing his limitations and allowed over 100 yards of receiving last week to the Eagles. Donovan Wilson allowed a touchdown and it’s tough to not be frustrated by him this year as he looks to have regressed. With offenses afraid to throw Trevon Diggs way, it’s become an obvious tactic now for quarterbacks to go Carson’s way. Hopefully DaRon Bland is back soon.
Houston are allowing the third-fewest total yards on defense, and that’s thanks to the combined efforts of their run stopping combined with the fourth-fewest passing yards. That’s impressive but they do have a chink in their armor. They’ve allowed 21 passing touchdowns this year which is the second-most. Kamari Lassiter is in concussion protocol, Jeff Okudah can’t catch a break and is on injured reserve again and that leaves the right hand side wide open for Dallas to expose. Derek Stingley Jr. is a fantastic cornerback and he will more than likely chase CeeDee Lamb around the park and Jalen Pitre is one of the better slot corners in the league.
Conclusion:
Houston are allowing a lot of touchdowns through the air but generally they are locking things down throughout the game.
Win: Texans
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
SPECIAL TEAMS
Brandon Aubrey, do we need to go any further? The only points on the board for Dallas last week came off his boot and he’s one of the most accurate kickers in the league, especially from 50 yards and beyond.
Ka’imi Fairbairn leads the league in field goal attempts and is second in field goals made. His field goal success rate of 82% ranks 24th.
KaVontae Turpin is inching closer to taking a kickoff return all the way. He made a huge return for nearly 50 yards last week. His average of 16.2 yards on punt returns is the second-most in the league.
Steven Sims does the majority of work on punt returns and his average of 6.2 yards per return is third-worst among specialist. In kickoff returns he’s much better and ranks 15th.
Win: Cowboys
