The Dallas Cowboys' run defense continues to struggle against opposing rushing attacks through two games, allowing 221 rushing yards to running backs and 126 more to quarterbacks. Next up is a Baltimore Ravens offense built around the ground game and star running back Derrick Henry, who is tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns (4), ranks second in rushing yards (212), and fifth in carries (40). If Dallas wants to win this game, it must slow down Henry and force Baltimore to rely more heavily on the passing game.
The Cowboys will also have to contain quarterback Lamar Jackson after struggling to keep Jaxson Dart and Jayden Daniels from creating plays with their legs over the first two weeks. Jackson has rushed 11 times for 74 yards this
season, partly because of inconsistent pass protection and the loss of top receiver Zay Flowers to a Week 1 injury. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker will need to make sure his edge defenders remain disciplined and do not create escape lanes for Jackson to exploit.
Quarterback runs have been one of the best ways for opposing offenses to pick up first downs and keep the Cowboys' high-powered offense off the field. Jackson is the most explosive running quarterback and will look to exploit Dallas' aggressiveness and use his legs to move the chains on passing downs. This Parker and his defense can't allow that to happen in this game; just like Henry, they have to keep him contained within the pocket.
If Dallas wants to control the line of scrimmage, it will need better production from defensive tackles Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Otito Ogbonnia. That becomes even more important against a Baltimore offensive line that could be less than full strength. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley left last week's game with a toe injury, while left guard John Simpson is working through a groin injury. The Cowboys need to take advantage of any limitations up front by clogging rushing lanes, preventing Henry from building momentum, and allowing their linebackers to meet him early.
Dallas will also need strong performances from linebackers Jaishawn Barham, Dee Winters, and Shemar James, along with nickelback Caleb Downs. Barham (76.5), Downs (75.3), and James (70.2) earned the Cowboys' highest run-defense grades against Washington, while Winters (51.4) was among the unit's lowest-graded defenders, according to PFF. Dallas' second-level defenders must attack downhill, fill gaps quickly, and rally to the football if they hope to slow Baltimore's rushing attack. If they can do that, the Cowboys should have opportunities to capitalize on Baltimore's pass-protection issues.
While the Ravens' offensive line has been effective in the run game, pass protection has been a different story. Baltimore has allowed five sacks and 25 pressures through two games and enters this matchup with the NFL's lowest pass-blocking grade (48.6). Center Jovaughn Gwyn (19.5) and right guard Vega Ioane (38.5) have been the biggest liabilities along this offensive line, combining to allow 11 pressures.
Parker should be able to attack the Ravens' biggest liabilities on the offensive line, but the priority remains the same: contain Henry, keep Jackson in the pocket, and force Baltimore's offense to win through the air.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Can the Cowboys defense break through Baltimore's struggling O-Line?
