Position battleground (defense): Cowboys vs Falcons head-to-head breakdown

Previously we broke down the offense for this week’s upcoming game for the Dallas Cowboys. Now we dive back into the position battleground, this time looking at how the defensive positions and special teams stack up against each other.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Cowboys are facing an uphill battle with their defensive line’s glaring shortcomings. There’s no sugarcoating it: ranking dead last in rush yards allowed is a troubling statistic. This inability to contain opposing backs not only undermines the front seven, but is a significant catalyst for the Cowboys’ dismal ranking as the second-worst team in points allowed this season.

To make matters worse, the Cowboys have managed a mere 16 sacks, placing them at sixth-fewest in the league. This lack of pressure on quarterbacks does little to alleviate the burden on a beleaguered secondary, leaving them exposed to big plays and scoring opportunities.

Veteran lineman Linval Joseph is on the injury report. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons is listed as day-to-day, creating a nagging uncertainty surrounding the unit’s ability to generate any semblance of a pass rush without hiim. They face a solid offensive line, but Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom has missed practice with an ankle issue.

If you think the Cowboys’ defensive line has stumbled in their quest to put pressure on the opposing quarterback, you might want to take a closer look at the Falcons this season. With a staggering ranking of dead last in sacks, Atlanta has struggled to generate any meaningful pressure up front, making them a welcome mat for quarterbacks this year. Their pass rush woes are palpable, reminiscent of a gray day with no silver lining in sight. To add fuel to the fire, the Falcons are also becoming increasingly vulnerable in run defense, allowing an alarming average of 133 rushing yards per game, landing them in a less-than-glorious eleventh place in that category. Opponents have found success on the ground through Atlanta’s shaky defensive front.

Yet, amidst the torrent of yellow flags and missed tackles, there exists a glimmer of hope for the Falcons as they prepare to face the Cowboys’ rushing attack, which is currently anchored at the bottom of the league in rush yards. The stage is set for a battle on the field, where each team’s weaknesses could be tested in dramatic fashion.

Win: Push

LINEBACKER

DeMarvion Overshown was a speed demon last week and was out to tackle anyone coming out the San Francisco backfield. That did lead to one important play where Overshown was caught on the back foot and allowed a big running play to develop. Eric Kendricks had his moments of misses last week with some tackling technique looking shaky. He is on the practice report to is week with a shoulder issue so keep an eye on that.

Talking of injuries, for the Falcons their linebacker corps is seriously beaten up. Mathew Judon is taking vet-days so he can be ignored here, but that’s for good reason. Tory Anderson and Kaden Ellis are both dealing with knee injures and are both limited this week. JD Bethard is in concussion protocol so his ability to start this week is up in the air and Lorenzo Carter has shifted to injured reserve. For a team that plays a 3-4 defense, they have issues at linebacker.

Conclusion:

If you check the tackle numbers, tackles for loss, pressures and missed tackles both these linebackers are evenly matched. The deciding factor here is health— and remarkably Dallas is better in that department.

Win: Push

Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Last week’s game sparked undeniable concern for the Cowboys’ secondary. As the defensive unit took the field against an increasing barrage, the struggle was palpable. Donovan Wilson, typically a rock in the backfield, seemed off-kilter, while Malik Hooker appeared to be grappling with his performance. It begs the question: Could it be time for a shift in strategy and pivot, potentially giving more playing time to Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas? This might just be the fresh energy needed to reignite the defense.

Though Trevon Diggs was heavily criticized for allowing George Kittle to blaze past him and tango dramatically within the Cowboys’ five-yard line, it highlighted the challenges these corners face against elite offensive talents with very little pressure created up front.

This week, the stakes are higher as the Cowboys come up against a dangerous trio: Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Darnell Mooney that have the Falcons offense ranked fourth in receiving yards and have scored the fifth-most receiving touchdowns. Keep an eye this week on DaRon Bland, moves were made this week to have him on the active roster and start if all things go right.

The Falcons secondary has been hit the injury bug. Two safeties and a cornerback all went to injured reserve and starting strong safety Justin Simmons is dealing with a hamstring issue. On top of that, Antonio Hamilton is limited this week with a back injury.

Much like the Cowboys defense, the Falcons secondary has problems due to a lack of pressure from the defensive line. With 216 passing yards allowed per game, the Falcons hover close to the Cowboys, yet it’s their lack of consistent pressure from the defensive line that truly dictates their struggles. Allowing the fifth-most touchdowns through the air, along with a staggering 73% completion rate—a league worst—raises concerns about their effectiveness when thrust into tough situations. When an opposing quarterback feels comfortable in the pocket, it can spell disaster for any defense.

Now, with a Cowboys offense that has faced its own challenges—especially with a faltering run game—it becomes evident how crucial this matchup is. Predictably relying on Dak and his arm rather than the ground game, this lack of balance works in the team’s favor. As the Cowboys aim to exploit the Falcons’ soft underbelly, the woes of their secondary could play neatly into the Cowboys’ strategy. If the defense remains passive, allowing too many easy completions, Dallas may finally find its rhythm in the air game, igniting sparks in an offense desperate for success.

Conclusion:

Injuries have stymied this Falcons defense and more so for the secondary. They are allowing high rate of success through the air and a lot of points have been scored against them in the passing game. With Dallas looking to get healthier with Bland coming back this is another positive tick for this Cowboys defensive back unit

Win: Cowboys

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

SPECIAL TEAMS

Brandon Aubrey is back on jury duty but he should be back to play this Sunday. Aubrey is regarded by most fans as the most consistent player on the roster and that’s not just a crazy statement to make, it’s actually true. Aubrey ranks fifth in field goals made, and at 50+ yards he’s second with a record of eight out of nine attempts.

Younghoe Koo is having a tough time this year. His 80% field goal success rate ranks seventh-lowest at the moment and he’s missed two of his last three field goal attempts.

KaVonate Turpin had a couple of good kickoff returns last week and had one punt return for 13 yards. His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed from opposing teams as they try to kick away from him often. He ranks second in average kickoff return yards and punt return yards.

On kickoff returns for Atlanta, they primarily use Ray-Ray McCloud and ranks 23rd in average kickoff return yards at 25 yards per attempt. Avery Williams does the punt return work and averages nine yards per return which ranks 21st.

Win: Cowboys