This side of Between the Lines we flip the attention to the defensive line, where chaos meets strategy. This is where the Cowboys’ games are won and lost so let’s dive in.
Interior Defensive Line
Osa Odighizuwa
(2024 Stats: 47 Total Tackles, 5 TFL, 60 Pressures, 4.5 Sacks, 1 FF)
Grade: N/A
Solomon Thomas
(2024 Stats: 26 Total Tackles, 5 TFL, 22 Pressures, 3.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR)
Grade: N/A
Kenny Clark
(2024 Stats: 37 Total Tackles, 4 TFL, 34 Pressures, 1 Sack, 2 FR)
Grade: N/A
Mazi Smith
(2024 Stats: 41 Total Tackles, 4 TFL, 8 Pressures, 1 Sack)
Grade: N/A
Jay Toia
(2024 Stats: N/A)
Grade: N/A
So there’s no easy way to put this Cowboys fans, the Eagles are fresh off a dominant 2024 season and they enter this matchup at the top of several key offensive categories. They led the NFL in rushing attempts (621), came second in total rush yards (3,048 yards) and rushing touchdowns (29), doing so with the league-topping running back and a solid dual-threat quarterback. We all know about the “tush push”, but Philly is lethal in short-yardage situations. They converted 76% of their runs on attempts of two yards or fewer, and on zone runs they deploy very effective pin-and-pulls and spread formations, cutting Barkley free to the edges with help blocks from tight ends or receivers. But it doesn’t end there. In 11 personnel, Barkley averaged 6.9 yards per carry over 152 attempts, highlighting how effective they are in traditional sets versus man coverage.
So now we know the mountain this interior defensive linemen face, what can they do about it? Simply put, the Cowboys must hold the line, especially on short yard runs and on third-and-short. Stopping the Eagles linchpin concepts demands flawless assignment discipline from the Cowboys interior and certainly requires them to not draw flags. Moving Barkley laterally is a specialty for the Eagles, so interior defenders must shed blocks while maintaining gap integrity, not an easy task.
Another point to note is the fact Pro Bowler Landon Dickerson has been limited in practice due to a back injury, so keep an eye on his health. Cohesion could suffer here if he is unable to play the whole game, and most certainly run blocking effectiveness on the inside will take a dip.
This is the type of game where Kenny Clark will be important. The seasoned, powerful run-stopper acquired from Green Bay in the Micah Parsons trade will need to hit the ground running in Week 1. Although his 2024 sack production dipped, he remains a formidable presence in two-gaps. As for Mazi Smith, he struggled in run defense (35.9 PFF grade) last season. With interior line a huge focal point this week, his development is critical for this game.
Defensive End
Marshawn Kneeland
(2024 Stats: 14 Total Tackles, 2 TFL, 11 Pressures, 0 Sacks, 1 FR)
Grade: N/A
Sam Williams
(2024 Stats: N/A)
Grade: N/A
Dante Fowler Jr.
(2024 Stats: 39 Total Tackles, 14 TFL, 50 Pressures, 11 Sacks, 2 FF)
Grade: N/A
Donovan Ezeiruaku
(2024 Stats: N/A)
Grade: N/A
James Houston
(2024 Stats: N/A)
Grade: N/A
The Cowboys’ interior defenders must hold firm, amplifying the need for edge pressure to disrupt Philly’s downhill blocking schemes. The Eagles lean on inside-zone and gap schemes, plus constant play-action threats, so winning on the edge can tilt the line of scrimmage in Dallas’ favor this week. The Eagles’ run game is the benchmark of NFL consistency. For the Cowboys’ edges, it’s not just about rushing the passer, it’s about being anchors, gap-sound disruptors, and disciplined on the outside. Success hinges on reading blocks, setting the edge cleanly, and forcing the game back inside where interior defenders like Odighizuwa and Clark thrive.
Entering his second NFL season, Kneeland finished 2024 with 14 tackles and a fumble recovery. His athleticism and improving instincts make him a versatile rotational piece, valued for both interior presence and edge flexibility. Dallas re-signed Fowler on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million, relying on his experience and production to elevate the pass rush like he did while in Dallas under Dan Quinn two seasons back. A proven force, Fowler adds immediate punch to the rotation. Ezeiruaku racked up 16.5 sacks in 2024, the second-most in college football, earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the Ted Hendricks Award. Known for his fluid footwork, elite bend, and deft counter moves like cross-chop and euro-step, this could be a great foundational game for “E-Z” to set the tone for his career. Then we have Williams coming back from his ACL season-ending injury last year and he’s looking hungry to get going and is extremely motivated for this season. That will be even more so with Parsons’ departure and Williams probably benefited the most on the depth chart from the trade.
Dallas’ edge corps enters the season with a powerful blend of youth, experience, and upside. Youthful explosiveness (Kneeland, Ezeiruaku), a hungry comeback (Williams), proven pressure (Fowler), and situational firepower (Houston) create a formidable front. The key will be blending these talents to keep the Eagles off balance and force rhythm-defining plays early.
Defensive line injury updates:
Perrion Winfrey went down in practice on Monday. He looked very uncomfortable walking off the field so his availability for this week’s Thursday Night game is extremely doubtful. Keep watch on BTB for more updates on the situation.
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