Cowboy Roundup: Dallas’ Foolish Defensive Flaw and the Challenge of Scouting Lamar Jackson
The Dallas Cowboys have had a season filled with ups and downs, displaying moments of brilliance alongside some glaring deficiencies. While their offense often gets the spotlight thanks to stars like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard, the defense has been the team’s defining strength in recent years. Led by elite talents like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs (before his injury), and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys’ defense is generally regarded as one of the top units in the NFL.
However, despite its talent, Dallas has been exposed in key games due to a persistent and often overlooked defensive flaw. As the Cowboys prepare for upcoming matchups—especially against a player as unique as Lamar Jackson—this flaw could be their undoing if it isn’t addressed. This article dives into Dallas’ defensive vulnerabilities, particularly when facing mobile quarterbacks, and explores the daunting challenge of scouting and preparing for Lamar Jackson.
The Cowboys’ Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses
Dallas boasts one of the NFL’s most aggressive and disruptive defenses. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has implemented a system predicated on pressure, speed, and turnovers. With Parsons wreaking havoc in the backfield and a front seven that’s adept at creating pressure, Dallas has consistently ranked near the top of the league in sacks and quarterback hits. This defensive front also excels at shutting down traditional, pocket-passing quarterbacks by collapsing the pocket and forcing hurried throws.
In the secondary, Diggs’ injury has been a significant blow, but the unit has still managed to perform relatively well thanks to standout play from safety Jayron Kearse and emerging cornerbacks like DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis. The Cowboys’ defensive backs are opportunistic, often capitalizing on errant throws caused by the front seven’s pressure. When Dallas gets pressure, their secondary thrives on forcing turnovers.
Despite these strengths, the Cowboys have shown a vulnerability against more dynamic, mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs. This is where Dallas’ defense has repeatedly faltered, giving up crucial yardage and big plays in critical situations. The Cowboys’ over-aggressiveness and lack of discipline in containment have cost them in games where a more balanced, controlled approach was needed.
Dallas’ Foolish Defensive Flaw: Struggling Against Mobile Quarterbacks
The Cowboys’ defensive struggles against mobile quarterbacks have been a recurring issue over the past few seasons. While Dallas excels at rushing the passer, their defense has had difficulty maintaining containment when quarterbacks break the pocket. This has been evident in matchups against players like Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, and Kyler Murray in previous seasons. Their ability to extend plays with their feet has often left the Cowboys’ defense scrambling, opening up opportunities for big gains either through the air or on the ground.
At the heart of this flaw is the Cowboys’ tendency to rely on an overly aggressive pass rush. Micah Parsons, for example, is one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL, but his speed and aggression can sometimes work against him when facing a quarterback who can slip out of the pocket. Parsons and the Cowboys’ defensive front often aim for splash plays—sacks and forced turnovers—but when those plays don’t materialize, mobile quarterbacks are able to exploit gaps in the defense.
Moreover, Dallas’ linebackers, while talented, have had trouble in open-field tackling and in keeping up with quarterbacks once they break through the first line of defense. Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark, while solid players, aren’t the most agile linebackers in the league, and mobile quarterbacks have been able to evade their pursuit, gaining crucial yards or keeping plays alive long enough to exploit the secondary.
The lack of discipline in maintaining pocket integrity has also allowed for significant rushing gains from quarterbacks. Instead of playing more conservatively and focusing on containment, Dallas frequently blitzes, leaving their defense vulnerable to designed quarterback runs or scrambles. As a result, Dallas has given up large chunks of yardage to quarterbacks on the ground—something that could spell trouble when they face a dynamic playmaker like Lamar Jackson.
Scouting Lamar Jackson: The Ultimate Test for Dallas’ Defense
Lamar Jackson presents one of the most difficult challenges in the NFL for any defense. The 2019 NFL MVP is not only one of the fastest and most elusive quarterbacks in the league, but he’s also developed as a passer, making him a true dual threat. Scouting and preparing for Jackson is a monumental task because of his ability to change a game in multiple ways.
**1. Lamar Jackson’s Rushing Ability**
At his core, Lamar Jackson is the most dangerous rushing quarterback in the NFL. His speed, vision, and elusiveness make him a threat to break off a big run at any moment. While most quarterbacks can pick up first downs with their legs, Jackson has the ability to turn designed runs into game-changing plays. His threat as a runner forces defenses to account for him at all times, whether on scrambles or designed runs like the read-option.
Jackson’s rushing prowess is a nightmare for defenses that struggle with containment, like Dallas. If the Cowboys continue to play aggressively and fail to maintain their rushing lanes, Jackson will easily escape the pocket and gain big yards on the ground. Defenses that succeed against Jackson are those that stay disciplined and force him to throw from the pocket, but even that is easier said than done.
**2. Jackson’s Development as a Passer**
While Jackson’s legs get the most attention, his development as a passer has made him even more dangerous. Early in his career, defenses attempted to limit his impact by forcing him to beat them through the air, often playing zone coverage and stacking the box to limit his running lanes. However, Jackson has improved his accuracy and decision-making, especially when throwing from the pocket.
This season, Jackson has shown a greater command of the Ravens’ offense, spreading the ball to multiple receivers and using his tight ends effectively. His deep ball accuracy has also improved, meaning defenses can no longer simply load up to stop the run. Against Dallas’ defense, Jackson’s passing ability will be crucial. If the Cowboys overcommit to stopping his legs, they will leave themselves vulnerable to the play-action game and big plays downfield.
**3. The Ravens’ Offensive Scheme**
The Ravens’ offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Todd Monken has evolved from the run-heavy system of the past few years. While the run game remains a foundational element of the offense, Jackson is operating in a more balanced system that allows him to utilize his full range of skills. Monken has designed an offense that maximizes Jackson’s ability to make quick decisions, whether on read-options, RPOs (run-pass options), or quick passing plays.
This offensive versatility will put immense pressure on the Cowboys’ defense. The Ravens’ run-heavy schemes, particularly with running backs like Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, force defenses to stay honest in the box, but it’s Jackson’s ability to keep plays alive with his legs that presents the greatest threat. Against Dallas, the Ravens will likely use a heavy dose of designed quarterback runs, zone-read plays, and play-action to keep the Cowboys’ aggressive pass rush at bay.
How Dallas Can Adjust
For the Cowboys to have success against a player as unique as Lamar Jackson, they will need to adjust their defensive approach. The key will be a more disciplined and measured pass rush, with a focus on keeping Jackson in the pocket rather than chasing sacks. Dallas may need to employ a spy on Jackson—perhaps using a fast linebacker or even Parsons himself—to ensure that Jackson can’t easily escape the pocket and make plays with his legs.
The secondary will also need to play with discipline, especially on play-action plays where Jackson excels at finding open receivers downfield. Communication will be vital, as blown coverages could easily result in big plays. Dallas’ safeties will be tasked with preventing explosive plays, but they’ll also need to come down to help in the run game, making their positioning and awareness critical.
Finally, the Cowboys’ tackling must be flawless. Jackson’s elusiveness in the open field has made even the best defenders look foolish, so Dallas will need to wrap up and bring him down on first contact.
Can Dallas Overcome Their Flaw Against Mobile Quarterbacks?
The Dallas Cowboys have the talent to compete with any team in the NFL, but their inability to contain mobile quarterbacks has been a persistent and costly flaw. If they hope to make a deep playoff run or even contend with elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, they will need to address this issue head-on.
Scouting Jackson is no easy task, and the Cowboys’ defensive performance against him will be a telling indicator of whether or not they’ve truly learned from their past mistakes. To succeed, they must play disciplined, assignment-sound football, balancing their desire to pressure Jackson with the need to keep him contained. If they can’t, Lamar Jackson’s unique blend of athleticism and playmaking ability could prove to be the Cowboys’ undoing.
The upcoming matchup will be one of the most critical tests of Dallas’ defensive mettle this season. Will they rise to the challenge, or will their foolish defensive flaw continue to haunt them? Only time will tell.
