The Dallas Cowboys had one of their worst defensive performances of the season against the Lions in Week 14. Giving up over 400 yards of offense and a season-high 44 points, the Cowboys squandered the chance to close the gap between them and the reeling Eagles. One of the big reasons for their defensive struggles was the absence of Jadeveon Clowney, resulting in a lack of QB pressure. The Cowboys finished the game with only one sack.
With four weeks left in the regular season and a soft schedule down the stretch, the Cowboys have an excellent opportunity to clinch a playoff spot. Fortunately, it seems like they won't have to play without Clowney for much longer. According to the team's official injury report, the 32-year-old pass rusher was a full participant for the first time this week. His status was listed as questionable, but considering that he was able to put together a few practices this week and the stakes of the game on Sunday, Clowney should be able to suit up against the Vikings.
Jadeveon Clowney Trending Towards Playing in Week 15
Clowney wasn't available against the Lions due to a hamstring injury. It was the first game the veteran defender had missed due to injury since arriving in Dallas. The additional rest since Thursday Night Football seems to have done wonders for Clowney, who will give a big boost to the Cowboys in Week 15 and beyond.
Despite only playing in nine games because of his late arrival in Dallas, Clowney is second on the team in sacks. With four sacks, four QB hits, and five tackles for loss, Clowney has been very impactful for the Cowboys all season. He has gone under the radar because of James Houston's emergence out of nowhere, but Clowney has played a huge part in turning the Cowboys' season around. With him in the lineup, the Cowboys are 5-3-1. Without him, they are 1-3.
In Clowney's absence in Week 14, Donovan Ezeiruaku and Sam Williams saw an increase in defensive snaps. Upon his return, Clowney will likely go back to his usual share of 25-30 defensive snaps.
The Vikings have allowed the third-most sacks in the league so far this season. JJ McCarthy's sack percentage ranks at the top among starting quarterbacks. The Cowboys should be able to generate a ton of pressure and disrupt the struggling Vikings offense on Sunday. All signs are pointing towards a crucial win for the Cowboys, suggesting a big step forward in the NFC East race.