2 Things ‘Bout the Cowboys
Dallas has offset the NFL’s worst pass defense (255.2 yards per game) and second-worst scoring defense (29.7 ppg) with elite quarterback play and two extremely gifted wide receivers. OK, “offset” is gratuitous.
Dallas is 6-6-1 for a reason and it’s got a lot to do with a defense that’s allowed 40-burgers three times.
There’s also more to the Cowboys offense, namely 1,000-yard running back Javonte Williams, who is averaging a personal-best 4.8 yards per carry and enjoying a career renaissance after four middling years in Denver, and tight end Jake Ferguson, who has 13 red-zone catches and five touchdowns inside the 10.
Dak Prescott is smoking defenses. He leads the NFL with 3,637 pass yards (279.8 avg.) and a 73.4 QBR. His 69.0 percent clip is bordering his top mark set in his second-place MVP season in 2023 (69.5), and his 56 passes to convert on third down is more than anyone. Honestly, he’s cooking at an MVP level, again.
Enter, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
One is averaging 15.1 yards per catch, the other 15.2. One is dropping 90.7 receiving yards per game on coverages aimed at slowing his roll, the other 86.5. One is 24 years old, the other 26. Both are dangerous and unusual talents who can flip defenses inside out with only a handful of catches and whole lotta YAC.
Dallas’ three-and-out percentage (15.2) is the lowest in the league in part because Pickens and Lamb are two of the best players at their position and challenge defenses in an overbearing manner. Amazingly, they are the only players who’ve drawn 100-plus yards on defensive pass interference penalties this year. They also rank Nos. 1 and 2 in receiving yards versus man coverage per NGS (Pickens 515 and Lamb 410).
Minnesota leans on zone looks, for what it’s worth, and has forced three-and-punts on 26.2% of drives.
