The Dallas Cowboys' Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders presents the defense a chance to rebound from their lackluster performance against the New York Giants. A different outcome relies on whether it can get strong performances from defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Both have opportunities to wreak havoc as they'll fight ProFootballFocus's (PFF) worst-graded pass-blocking offensive line from Week 1, according to . However to even get to passing downs, Dallas; front must hold up against the run. The Cowboys were pushed around by a more physical Giants team, and can't afford a repeat performance against a less talented Commanders unit.
The first order of business is slowing Jacory Croskey-Merritt,
who rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry in two games against Dallas last season. The Cowboys must exploit Williams' matchups against center Nick Allegretti and guard Chris Paul. The duo were liabilities against the Philadelphia Eagles, with PFF giving Allegretti a 42.1 and Paul a 56.6 run-blocking grade. Williams' quick get-off and transition to power should give both offensive linemen problems.
If Williams and the defensive front can disrupt the running game and force them into more passing situations, it opens the door for Ezeiruaku to use his speed to attack left tackle Brandon Coleman.
Against the Eagles, Coleman allowed six pressures, one sack, and committed a false start penalty, earning a pass-blocking grade of 49.7. Coleman's struggles against quicker edge rushers boosts Ezeiruaku's chances of having a big impact.
Williams and his fellow defensive linemen should also be able to make an impact in the passing game against Allegretti and Paul, both of whom allowed one pressure and graded poorly in pass protection, with Allegretti getting a 47.3 and Paul receiving a 32.1 from PFF. Once pressure is generated on quarterback Jayden Daniels up the middle, forcing him out of the pocket into hits from Ezeiruaku, this Daniels-led Washington offense will start falling apart the same way it did against the Eagles.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Stage set for Cowboys DL Williams, Ezeiruaku to takeover vs Commanders
