Cowboys – Week 7 Five Things

Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end

(76) reacts up against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

While many eyes will be on the offense, there are a few beasts on defense that could decide the game.

Cowboys fans all know what they are going to get out of Greg Hardy– sacks coming. But what is missed is just how dominant and different this defense can look like on Sunday. With the pass-rush healthy and four pass-rush specialists on the line, it should not only lead to more sacks, but it can allow the rest of the defense to do some different things.

The cornerbacks will be able to press more at the line and not play as far off as they have in previous weeks. If the pass-rush hurries Eli Manning’s throws, and the CBs play tighter coverage, turnover opportunities will be drastically increased.

Tighter initial coverage could also help the “rushmen”. If the quarterback finds it hard to get the ball to an open receiver quickly, it gives more time to the pass-rush to get to him. Pretty simple really, look at how teams have been playing the Cowboys the last few games.

The linebackers will also improve as they can play tighter on tight ends, play the soft middle part of the field, and as we saw a few flashes of, blitz the quarterback. Linebackers Sean Lee and Rolando McClain could have a field day Sunday.

It is time for Marinelli to unleash the beast of his defense.

Next: Go More Than Five to Ten