The Landry Hat
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Dallas Cowboys: Ailing defense to face wounded Cardinals

By Brad Austin

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle of Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle of Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle of Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle of Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

RUNNING BACK RELIEF

Facing Arizona minus elite running back David Johnson is a monumental gift. Is his absence comparable to Dallas losing Ezekiel Elliott? Possibly worse.

Last season Johnson led all offensive players in yards from scrimmage (2,118) and total touchdowns (20).

His 20 scores were the most since LeSean McCoy‘s 20 in 2011. Any player with 1,279 rushing yards and 80 catches for 879 yards is a defensive nightmare.

The Dallas defenders missed numerous tackles in Denver. They should thank the football gods Johnson is sidelined following wrist surgery.

Promising rookie T.J. Logan from North Carolina won’t be part of the depth solution.

In a double dose of irony, Logan also had wrist surgery. Plus his injury came courtesy of the Dallas defense in the preseason opener.

10-year veteran Chris Johnson was added to boost the rotation and help fill the gap. Johnson is capable but years removed from dominant play.

Dallas will rebound with aggressive, sound run defense to shut this avenue down.

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