The Dallas Cowboys' bottom-feeding defense desperately needed a win on Sunday. Fortunately, facing off with the New York Jets may have been just what the doctor ordered to get their legs back under them and gain some confidence.
More than that, the Week 5 win also helped defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus realize that he has to get veteran pass rusher James Houston IV on the field early and often. Starting for the injured Marshawn Kneeland, Houston made the most of the chance he got on the road.
And with Kneeland already being a candidate to be benched even when he returns, there's no question about it: Houston deserves more playing time.
Cowboys Must Give James Houston More Snaps After Week 5
Houston didn't need much time to make an impact against Aaron Glenn's team. He joined forces with Kenny Clark to get half a sack on Jets quarterback Justin Fields, kept pressuring the opposing offensive line all day long, logging another sack in the first half. He finished the 37-22 win with three total tackles (one solo), two QB hits, 1.5 sacks, and one tackle for loss.
As for his Pro Football Focus grades, he finished with grades that ranked:
- 75.6 overall defense (4th among Cowboys defenders)
- 72.9 tackling (5th)
- 80.6 pass rush (2nd)
Despite playing just 22% of the team's defensive snaps, Houston entered Week 5 with eight tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, one QB hit, and one forced fumble. He's been one of the few bright spots in a defense that was giving up the most total yards and passing yards and the second-most points in the entire league.
The Cowboys aren't getting much production from Dante Fowler Jr. in his return to Arlington. As for Jadeveon Clowney, he's a proven veteran and has looked solid in limited action, but there's only so much he can do at this point in his career.
With Sam Williams looking like the only lock to remain as a starter in the pass-rushing unit, Houston has done more than enough to get more playing time going forward, even if the Cowboys won't get to face Fields and the Jets' shaky offensive line every week.
While he may not be the biggest name or the highest earner on the defense, the Cowboys desperately need some momentum on that side of the field. He's clearly no Parsons, but he's been the most productive headhunter on the team since they chose to part ways with him.
Kneeland's injury isn't believed to be serious, and he should be back on the field in Week 6. This time, however, he should be the third guy in the pecking order, with Houston either starting or being the first player rotating off the bench.