Dallas Cowboys: Redemption Time For The Dallas Defense
By Reid Hanson
The Dallas Cowboys defense is looking to make some noise in Green Bay this weekend. And maybe a little redemption too.
Perhaps you remember how the 2014 season ended for the Dallas Cowboys. You know, the season where the 12-4 Dallas Cowboys charged up to Lambeau Field with a full head of steam? The same game where Dez Bryant clearly caught the ball, took three steps, and dove into the end zone for a nearly-touchdown?
Yeah, that game.
But in order for any of the Dez Bryant drama ever to be an issue, something else had to happen, or should I say not happen. The defensive line needed to be terrible and not pressure the QB all game. Aaron Rodgers, the soon-to-be proclaimed 2014 NFL MVP, was a mess, physically.
The Dallas Cowboys defense was gift wrapped a belated Christmas present in the form of a crippled Aaron Rodgers, but still couldn’t get it done. Rodgers, virtually a sitting duck in the pocket, went 24 for 35, tallying 316 yards, 3 TDs, and no interceptions.
Next: Cowboys Rookie Duo '214' Dominant and Improving By the Day
It was apparent, if the Dallas Cowboys had any semblance of a pass-rush that day, they would have shut the Packers down and very likely knocked the barely-able Rodgers from the contest completely.
More from Dallas Cowboys
- West coast, Texas coast, burnt toast: Cowboys don’t need more runs
- Brandin Cooks will change the way defenses play the Dallas Cowboys
- Why the Dallas Cowboys defensive X-Factor is EDGE Sam Williams
- Dallas Cowboys: 3 head coach options if McCarthy fails in 2023
- Dallas Cowboys: Is CB Jourdan Lewis a tradeable asset?
Now, over a year later, the Dallas Cowboys have a chance at redemption. No, it’s not the playoffs. No, it’s not even a pivotal late season game. But it is the closest thing to meaningful we’ve seen in these parts since that fateful afternoon, so you bet your sweet donkey we’re making a big deal about it.
The Dallas Cowboys are rolling once again. Standing 4-1, they are in first place in the NFC East and look every bit a playoff team.
The defensive front seven, still considered the weakness of the club, is standing tall after putting up a four-sack performance against the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday. They need to do it again.
Much of the personnel has changed since 2014. Of the starting front seven, only DeMarcus Lawrence and Anthony Hitchens remain. But you can bet Rod Marinelli remembers the last time he was coaching a meaningful team. And you can bet that disappointment from the 2014 season has stuck with him.
It’s not going to be easy for the Dallas Cowboys defensive line. The Green Bay Packers offensive line has been one of the highest rated lines in the NFL. Pro Football Focus even had them rated above the Dallas line roughly a week ago. NFL.com’s Shaun O’Hara just called the Packers front four the offensive line of the week. Ahead of the Dallas Cowboys’ impressive O-line performance!
If the Dallas Cowboys want to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender it’s going to take more than a dominant offense. And more than an improved secondary. It’s going to take defensive pressure — plain and simple.
Next: 21 Months Later and Dez Still Caught It!
This is a test for Dak Prescott, that’s for sure. But lost in all the quarterback talk is the importance of the defensive line. The defensive line must be better than they were that day that ended the 2014 season. If not, the Cowboys may be in store for a similarly disappointing ending to this season. This is a big game for the pass rush and a great time for redemption.
Oh yeah, Dez Caught It. #DezStillCaughtIt