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Dallas Cowboys: Are frequent substitutions hurting the pass rush?

By Steven Mullenax

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked in the fourth quarter by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Benson Mayowa (93) and David Irving (95) at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Tampa 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked in the fourth quarter by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Benson Mayowa (93) and David Irving (95) at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Tampa 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Is the Dallas Cowboys’ penchant for frequent substitutions in fact partially to blame for their lack of pass rush on the defensive side of the ball?

This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys have vowed to find themselves a “War Daddy”. Since the departure of defensive legend DeMarcus Ware three years ago, the Cowboys have been in search of a dominate pass rusher to secure their defense.

They’ve spent multiple draft selections, signed various of free agents and spent millions of dollars to solve the problem. Yet, here we all are again. Still trying to find that premier right defensive end who can provide a consistent high-level of play and display superior pass rushing abilities from the position.

But maybe the answer to the problem is more than just about finding that one, singular playmaker. One former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Jared Allen, suggested in a recent interview that rhythm plays a big part in successfully getting to opposing quarterbacks as a pass rusher.

"“Pass rushing is hard, it’s an art form and this is not for the Cowboys but for the league in general: When you’re trying to specialize in pass rush, you need the ability to get into a rhythm and that starts with stopping the run. Now there’s so much rotation and guys always specialize. … If guys play on a more consistent level, you see big splash plays coming.” – Jared Allen via The Dallas Morning News."

When it comes to the art of the pass rush, Allen is a master. The five-time Pro Bowler led the league in sacks in both 2007 and 2011. The Dallas native amassed 136.0 sacks in his twelve-year career. That’s an average of more than 11 sacks a season.

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In comparison, defensive end Benson Mayowa led the Cowboys in sacks last season with 6.0. As for his ability to find a rhythm, Mayowa recorded a fairly low 381 snaps in 13 games. The NFL sack leader, Atlanta Falcons’ linebacker Vic Beasley, racked up 15.5 sacks on a whopping 671 snaps. That nearly doubles Mayowa’s count!

Next: Dallas Cowboys All-Time Best Defensive Players By Position

So maybe part of the answer to the Dallas Cowboys pass rushing dilemma isn’t just finding a stud at the right defensive end position. But also giving the team’s more effective distributors more snaps to help them find a rhythm.

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