Brian Martin
The Dallas Cowboys league worst run defense will be put to the test once again in Week 16 when they square off against Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts and Running Back Miles Sanders. This young, talented QB/RB duo is shaping up to be a problem for the Cowboys for years to come.
You may not be aware of it, but the Dallas Cowboys have really struggled against mobile QBs and their RB in 2020. The duos of Russell Wilson/Chris Carson, Lamar Jackson/J.K. Dobbins, and Kyler Murray/Kenyan Drake carved up the Cowboys defense this year and Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders have the potential to do the same.
Here’s how these previous QB/RB duos fared against the Dallas Cowboys:
Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson (315 passing yards, 5 TDs and 22 yards rushing)
Chris Carson (64 rushing yards)
Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray (188 passing yards, 2 TDs and 74 rushing yards, 1 TD)
Kenyan Drake (164 rushing yards, 2 TDs)
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson (107 passing yards, 2 TDs and 94 rushing yards, 1 TD)
J.K. Dobbins (71 rushing yards, 1 TD)
Gus Edwards (101 rushing yards)
As you can see, teams with a mobile QB have absolutely shredded the Dallas Cowboys defensively this season. They simply haven’t had an answer two stopping them so far and it’s difficult to believe anything has changed with the Philadelphia Eagles next on the schedule with their new red-hot QB.
Jalen Hurts dual threat ability has been on full display the past two weeks since he’s taken over the starting role from Carson Wentz. He’s provided a much-needed spark to the Eagles offense and Miles Sanders is just one of the players benefiting. Containing these two is a must for the Dallas Cowboys if they want to keep their win streak alive.
I personally have my fingers crossed the Dallas Cowboys can contain the Philadelphia Eagles young and talented QB/RB duo, however, I have my doubts. Injuries to DT Antwaun Woods, LB Leighton Vander Esch, and S Xavier Woods probably puts the Cowboys defense down three starters. Because of that, I can see Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders both having big games.
The Cowboys have shown no ability to learn and adjust from past struggles against such QB/RB combos. Either they do not have the talent to overcome such or lack the coaching to make and implement the right adjustments. Probably a combination of the two. I do not see any way this team emerges with a win this Sunday. The Cowboys offense might keep it close for a while, but by the third quarter the Boy’s D is going to be gassed and incapable of making a stop.
I’m not an Eagles fan no way shape or form but I gained a lot of respect for JH when he was in college and lost his job . He was a model for how a teammate should be during a time of adversity. He supported his team and did whatever he could to help them win! If teams had players like him they would be much harder to beat!
I agree that they have struggled with these dynamics. However, every game is a new game and teams have surprised the league this season… Unprecedented!!
Cowboys in a very close one.