“Powerhouse Pressure: Cowboys Defense Drawing Parallels to Yankees’ Dominance”
It’s not just how Dallas generates pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but also who they have doing it that makes their defense one of the best in the league.
Following a 46-sack season in 2023, the Cowboys started 2024 strong against Cleveland, racking up six sacks (two from defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and one from linebacker Micah Parsons), 25 pressures (nine by Parsons and eight by Lawrence), 17 quarterback hits (five from Parsons and four from Lawrence), and four tackles for loss (three from Lawrence and one from Parsons).
In contrast, the New Orleans Saints allowed far less pressure in their season opener against Carolina. Quarterback Derek Carr was sacked only once, the only hit Carolina was credited with in the Saints’ 47-10 victory.
However, the Saints’ offensive line will face a much tougher pass rush on Sunday when they play the Cowboys (1-0) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
“I think it’s a really good scheme,” said Saints coach Dennis Allen. “They’ve got a great pressure package, so we have to be precise in identifying where the pressure’s coming from, how we’re setting up protection, and those things. It’s going to be a challenge. When you combine a solid scheme with elite players, it only enhances the difficulty.
“You can’t double team everyone. We can’t double every defensive player when it comes to protection or run blocking. So you evaluate their personnel, make the best decisions, but it often means someone will face a tougher assignment. Every play, someone’s going to have a hard down, and we expect them to do their job.”
Few players force more tough situations than Parsons, the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, who has finished third (2023) and second (2022) in Defensive Player of the Year voting over the past two seasons.
Last season, Parsons recorded 14 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
“Micah Parsons is a dominant player, no matter the position,” Allen added. “He’s arguably the best defensive player in the league. We need to know where he is at all times.”
“He’s so fast,” Carr noted. “He’s quick, powerful, and plays with relentless effort. He’s one of the best in the game, and when you watch the tape, he reminds me of (former Denver Broncos linebacker) Von Miller during all those battles we had twice a year.”