New Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney surprisingly did not make his debut in Week 3. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer explained his reasoning for not playing Clowney after their loss to the Chicago Bears, even though they could’ve used him.
That said, Clowney is expected to play Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers, and it's coming at a good time as Green Bay will not have one of their key starters on the offensive line. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Green Bay starting right tackle Zach Tom isn’t expected to play due to an oblique injury that he’s been dealing with since Week 1.
With Tom out for Sunday, the Packers could turn to a few different options at right tackle, such as Darian Kinnard, Anthony Belton (rookie), or Jordan Morgan. Those guys are substantial downgrades from Tom, giving Clowney and the rest of the Cowboys’ defensive line an area to attack.
Jadeveon Clowney Making Cowboys Debut at Perfect Time with Packers’ Offensive Line Injured
The Packers’ offensive line suffered in Week 3 without Tom against a Browns’ defense that had seven quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, and five sacks.
According to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire, Green Bay allowed 15 total pressures (per Pro Football Focus) between the group of Rasheed Walker, Morgan, Aaron Banks, Anthony Belton, and Elgton Jenkins.
If you’re Clowney and Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, this is great to hear, as the defensive line can impose its will on Green Bay. Having Kenny Clark, who will command a double team at various points, in the middle of the defensive line should hopefully open up 1-on-1 chances for Clowney.
The Cowboys’ defense has struggled to get pressure this season, as Sam Williams leads the way with 10 QB pressures (h/t @Brandoniswrite), while the next four players have a combined 15 pressures. Clowney has proven that he can be a quarterback's worst nightmare in the past, and now it's time for him to prove it again.
Last season, Clowney posted 22 quarterback pressures and 5.5 sacks in 14 games with the Carolina Panthers. Cowboys fans don’t know how many snaps the veteran defender will play on Sunday; however, that doesn't mean he can't make a difference even if his opportunities are limited.
This Cowboys’ defense has been getting lit up over the last two games and needs something to change quickly. With the Packers missing Tom, Eberflus should try to get the most out of Clowney if he wants the defensive bleeding to stop.