Blogging The Boys
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.
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.
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,...
