It’s safe to say the Dallas Cowboys defense was a let-down in their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. After allowing 44 points and nearly 200 rushing yards, the fanbase is down on the D. There is reason for optimism, however, in Week 3.
Dallas will be taking on the Baltimore Ravens, and despite their reputation as an AFC powerhouse, they have started the season 0-2.
Now, the record aside, the Ravens have still put up some ridiculous offensive numbers. They rank first in the league in points per game, fourth in passing yards, and seventh in rushing yards.
Lamar being Lamar.
📺: #LVvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/uTReT6B9Pg— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
In short, this is going to be a tough task for Mike Zimmer’s defense, especially considering how hungry Baltimore is for a win.
Like I said, in spite of this challenge, there is a reason for Week 3 optimism.
Let’s talk about the three reasons the Cowboys defense will improve against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens this week.
Let DeMarvion Overshown Loose
The biggest defensive difference between Week 1 and Week 2 was that the Cowboys basically benched the guy who performed best in the season opener.
Second-year Linebacker, DeMarvion Overshown, had a huge game against the Browns. In total, he put up 11 tackles and a sack in a dominating performance. Against the Saints, his numbers cratered to just four total tackles.
The reason for this statistical drop-off was not because of a dip in execution, but because of a huge decrease in snaps.
#Cowboys linebacker snaps in Week 2:
– Eric Kendricks – 53
– Damone Clark – 39
– Marist Liufau – 37
– DeMarvion Overshown – 17Something doesn’t seem right here.
(h/t NFLPro) pic.twitter.com/6oUxztlHwU
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) September 16, 2024
After playing 44 snaps in Cleveland, Overshown got just 17 in Week 2. Put another way, he went from playing 60% of the total defensive snaps to 31%. Overshown was not injured, disciplined, or playing poorly, so what happened?
According to Head Coach Mike McCarthy, it was a schematic issue.
McCarthy said that they did not anticipate the drop-off, but that “these things happen.”
What also happens is getting shredded in the running game when your best linebacker is off the field, and that is exactly what went down against the Saints.
With Jackson and Derrick Henry’s running game prowess, you can bet Overshown will get plenty of opportunities in Week 3, which will result in a stronger performance by the entire linebacker corps.
Micah Parsons Eats When Hungry
If you can stomach it, go back in your memory bank and think of a play Micah Parsons made against the Saints in Week 2. If you can remember one, you’ve got a better memory than me.
Now, that does not mean Parsons played terribly. He was actually the highest rated Cowboys player according to PFF.
Highest graded players for the #Cowboys in Week 2 via @PFF
EDGE Micah Parsons – 86.2
TE Luke Schoonmaker – 76.5
RG Zack Martin – 74.9
DT Chauncey Golston – 72.1
LG Tyler Smith – 68.8— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) September 16, 2024
What it means is the Saints were able to neutralize him in a way we normally don’t see, and thus, the “normal” Parsons plays were not made. That is a death sentence for the Cowboys defense.
Parsons registered four total tackles and three pressures on 44 snaps.
For Dallas to have a chance on Sunday, he is going to have to get those numbers up, and the surrounding guys on the defensive line must step up as well.
When Parsons is hungry, he is at his best. When there is a sense of “we got this,” things tend to fall-off some.
The superstar pass-rusher admitted on his podcast that there was an effort problem from the entire defense on Sunday. With Jackson and the Ravens coming to town, and the monkey from the Saints game on his back, you can be on Parsons getting to work.
Ravens Offensive Line Struggles
There is one clear way for the Cowboys defense to feast on the Ravens, and it is on the offensive line. After losing three starters in the offseason, the o-line has become Baltimore’s biggest weakness in 2024.
Aside from veteran Ronnie Stanley, things have been a mess up front for the Ravens, and the Cowboys must take advantage of that in Week 3.
You might not want to watch the right side of the Ravens’ offensive line on this play😳 pic.twitter.com/DPz0pSg93e
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) September 17, 2024
In particular, Right Guard Daniel Faalele and Right Tackle Patrick Mekari have gotten off to incredibly slow starts, mainly due to issues around quickness.
Elite pass rushers like Maxx Crosby and Chris Jones have had their way with them so far, and Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence look to be next on that list.
Yes, regardless of the offensive line, Jackson is still incredibly hard to stop.
His Houdini-escapes and quickness will be a challenge for the Dallas pass rush to get a hold off, but even pressures can go a long way in a matchup that expects to come down to the wire.
The Cowboys defense will have clear opportunities to bounce back in Week 3. It’s just a matter of whether they take advantage against the Ravens.
