The core of the Dallas Cowboys defensive unit is badly injured heading into Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They will be without DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and Sam Williams, and Micah Parsons and Caelen Carson are likely to be out.
Currently not suiting up for Steelers :
Micah Parsons
Demarcus Lawrence
DaRon Bland
Brandin Cooks😳😳😳
— Brittany Bowen (@__brittbrat_) October 2, 2024
It’s no secret the Cowboys are struggling on defense this season, and while they did improve against the Giants, it was still far from a perfect performance.
Dallas’ performance on the defensive side has put them in a hole, as they sit at 2-2 with some very tough matchups coming up. Pittsburgh, while they aren’t thought of as a powerhouse, count as one of those tough teams.
Beating the Steelers on the road is never easy, and with so many injuries and slumping players on defense, it is going to take a village to step up and take out the black and gold.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the three Cowboys defensive players that must step up in Week 5.
Marshawn Kneeland’s First Big Chance
The Cowboys drafted Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland in the 2nd round of the 2024 NFL Draft. That pick caused a stir among the fanbase, as some saw defensive end as a lesser need than some other spots.
While it’s too early to call those upset about the pick wrong, it’s hard to imagine who would be rushing the passer this week if Kneeland were not picked.
As a rookie, the expectations should not be too high, but he is going to have a massive opportunity to make a name for himself.
Cowboys second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland prepares for an expanded role with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence out with injuries. He works here with Greg Ellis, who was effective using his hands during his own playing career. pic.twitter.com/3IE9HA4qg3
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) October 3, 2024
Kneeland will start on the edge, likely opposite of Chauncey Golston.
It will be the first time in his young career that he has gotten a start, so there may be some questions about his stamina and preparedness for the moment.
I am not too worried about that, however. Kneeland has shown serious promise to this point, and he was one of my favorite prospects in the 2024 class. The rookie is ready for this moment, and could make a big impact in Week 5.
Jourdan Lewis On Interception Watch
In the eight-year career of Cowboys Cornerback Jourdan Lewis, he has only had one season without an interception. This week would be a great one for “J-Lew” to get on the board with.
Steelers starting Quarterback, Justin Fields, has only thrown one interception in the season so far.
Is Justin Fields having a better season than Patrick Mahomes? 😳 pic.twitter.com/NkcyafYPDP
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) October 2, 2024
Throughout his career he’s been turnover prone, however, so one could argue he’s due.
Lewis could be the guy to make it happen, as the secondary is both banged up and struggling early on this season. The veteran is going to get a ton of snaps with Carson potentially out, and Bland still far from returning.
On top of that, it’s been a rough start for the Dallas safeties, who look older and slower in 2024.
The Cowboys defensive backfield needs to make something special happen if they are going to win this game, and Lewis is prone to those big-moment interceptions.
Mazi Smith On A Hot Streak?
If you weren’t paying attention to last week’s game, you may have missed Mazi Smith having, by far, the best game of his young NFL career.
The former first round pick that has been hammered with criticism and discussions of him being a bust showed out in a huge way against the Giants. It truly was a breakout game for the former Michigan Wolverine.
PFF's highest-graded player from Thursday Night Football:
Mazi Smith. pic.twitter.com/RgTCsnMCJA
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) September 27, 2024
Now, there is one large looming question following that performance: can Smith keep it up?
Fears of that performance being a mirage is valid; we’ve seen Smith struggle way more than we’ve seen him dominate, like he did against New York.
Smith has to find a way to replicate his showing from last week as the Cowboys defensive front reels from a lack of depth and a slew of injuries.
Perhaps if Smith puts up another big showing in Week 5, some of those bust concerns will go out the window, and he can build some confidence going forward in the season.
It’s a huge week to see which direction his year, and even his career, will go.