The Dallas Cowboys' decision to trade Micah Parsons was going to have a massive ripple effect on that defense. They lost someone who had double digits in sacks in every season since he entered the league, and they didn't have a suitable replacement.
That's why it only took them a couple of weeks to realize that they needed some help. Jadeveon Clowney didn't play in Week 3, but all signs point to him taking the field to face the Green Bay Packers, even if it's just for a handful of snaps. When asked about that, he stated that he didn't need to shake off the rust.
Jadeveon Clowney Wants to Bring the Energy
“I feel good,” Clowney told The Athletic. “Football is coming back. Like riding a bike. Just get out there and go and work your hands. Make sure you just run to the ball and you’ll get in shape.”
Clowney will provide some much-needed veteran leadership to this team. But more than that, he will also bring in some physicality and energy, hoping to be the catalyst this pass-rushing unit needs to take a leap:
“A lot, man,” he said. “Just bring my energy, my effort out there, and I think that’s gonna be enough for me. Just let my play do the talking.”
Cowboys' Pass-Rush Hasn't Been a Factor
Clowney won't likely take the field for more than 50 snaps, but it's not crazy to believe he's going to move someone else to the bench. Dante Fowler Jr. has been the most disappointing offseason addition on the team, and they don't seem to be fully confident in Marshawn Kneeland or Donovan Ezeiruaku.
The former No. 1 pick sounds eager to get back on the field and let his play do the talking. He even admitted that, after not playing football for the past nine months since being cut by the Carolina Panthers, he's eager to get to a quarterback:
“Very much,” he said. “That’s something that D-linemen love to do, get to the quarterback. That’s all I’ve been thinking about since I got here, signing. I was like, man, I can’t wait to chase the quarterback and get out there and get going with this group of guys. I’m just looking forward to it.”
There are no guarantees in this league, and banking on 32-year-old Jadeveon Clowney to fix this team's pass-rushing woes might be wishful thinking. Then again, with the underwhelming play they've gotten from their edge rushers, he might actually be an improvement.