Upcoming pass rushers pose significant challenge for Cowboys’ O-line

The Dallas Cowboys are sitting with a 2-2 record after taking care of the New York Giants on the road at MetLife Stadium. It was a closer game than many in Cowboys Nation were comfortable with, but a win is a win in today’s NFL.

There is a level of parity in the NFL that we have never seen before. Upsets in today’s NFL are much more likely and are happening more often. If your team possesses the strength to exploit another team’s weakness, it could be enough to overcome even the greatest of differences in talent on paper.

One of the weaknesses the Cowboys have displayed so far this season is being able to protect Dak Prescott. The offensive line has allowed Prescott to be sacked three times in each of the first three games, plus another sack given up against the Giants to make it 10 sacks on the season.

It starts with rookie LT Tyler Guyton, who is lining up on the left side of the offensive line for the first time in his career. There have been some growing pains, but it’s still difficult to get used to after Tyron Smith was a protective force on Dak’s blindside for so many years.

Then there is rookie C Cooper Beebe, who is also playing the position for the first time since he was in Pee Wee age football. Beebe has held his own so far, matching up with some of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL.

RT Terence Steele has not been the same player since returning from a torn ACL suffered early in the 2022 season, and has been beat by pass-rushers more often than we’d like to admit.

The offensive line is getting better together, but future pass rushers could pose a significant challenge. Let’s take a look at some pass rushers coming up on the schedule who pose a threat to Prescott’s well-being in the pocket.

TJ Watt & Alex Highsmith

Let’s start with the next team on the schedule: the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh looks to start the season with a perfect 4-0 record, and the Dallas Cowboys stand in the way of them accomplishing that feat with their starting quarterback still sidelined.

With backup Justin Fields under center, the defense has taken center stage and helped keep the team undefeated through three weeks.

TJ Watt has a sack in each game so far this season, and it’s no surprise he is being his usual disruptive self when it comes to rushing the passer. Add seven quarterback hits to his stats, and it’s clear to see Watt is just as much of a menace off the edge as any other season.

Opposite him is Alex Highsmith, who may not be as well-known as Watt by name, but you had better start to remember the name Highsmith. He only has one sack and two quarterback hits so far this season, but he is the perfect complement to Watt.

Highsmith defends the run well and can cover out in space. When the Steelers send him to rush the passer, all hands need to be on deck.

Nick Bosa & Leonard Floyd

San Francisco’s Nick Bosa needs no introduction. Cowboys fans are well-versed in what Bosa can do on the field, having faced him and lost more often than not in recent matchups.

Bosa, the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has two sacks and five quarterback hits this season. The 49ers might have a losing record, but Bosa is still wreaking havoc on offensive lines, and is probably licking his chops to line up across Terence Steele.

Leonard Floyd is a journeyman pass rusher who was in a Rams uniform the last time he faced the Cowboys. Now in crimson and gold, Floyd must be anxious to line up over a rookie offensive tackle, and also to have the level of talent that Bosa possesses to take attention away from himself.

Floyd is sure to see many one-on-one pass rush snaps versus Guyton with help being slid over to Bosa’s side, and he will be eager to take advantage.

Another player to mention here is DT Javon Hargrave. Hargrave would have been a tough challenge for rookie C Cooper Beebe, but has since been placed on injured reserve.

Matt Judon and Grady Jarrett

The newest addition to the Atlanta Falcons‘ revamped defense is EDGE Matthew Judon. Judon was unhappy in New England and the Falcons were more than happy to add him to their defensive arsenal.

Judon has adjusted well to his new home, posting 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits in the first three games of the season against mobile quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Justin Fields.

He mainly rushes from the left side of the defense, meaning he will line up over Steele for most of the pass rush snaps. Steele will have to stick to his fundamentals to slow Judon down.

Grady Jarrett is the next best pass rusher on Atlanta’s defense. Jarrett is a little longer in the tooth, but still has the suddenness to burst through blocks and get to the quarterback. He has 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits so far in 2024.

Judon and Jarrett need to be contained, or it could be a long day for Dak Prescott when the teams meet on the field.

Honorable Mention: Aidan Hutchinson

Detroit Lions‘ DE Aidan Hutchinson gets his own section in this article because he is currently the only stand out pass rusher the Lions have.

Hutchinson leads the NFL with 6.5 sacks so far this season, racking up a whopping 4.5 in one game versus Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hutchinson lines up primarily on the left side of the defense, which means he will match up on Terence Steele.

He gave Steele some issues last season, and if help isn’t there for him, Hutchinson might wreak havoc again.