Dallas Cowboys: Pass rush is key to beating the Chiefs
By Tim Kohut
The Dallas Cowboys are set to face their toughest opponent all year when they face off against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.
By all accounts, the Dallas Cowboys‘ matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs figures to be a shoot-out. The normally stout Chief’s defense has regressed in 2017, but their offense remains one of the league’s best. Conversely, the Cowboys’ front four have proven they can get to the quarterback, but their young secondary is suspect and they haven’t been particularly great against the run.
Ezekiel Elliott will be running hard against the Chiefs 28th ranked defense, especially considering it should be his last game before he once again faces that daunting six-game suspension. Dak Prescott should also have a big night against the Chief’s leaky secondary, a unit that gives up 261.1 yards per game, good for 29th in the league.
So what it’s really going to come down to in order for Dallas to win this game, is for the defense to take their already-dominant pass rush to take another step forward.
Alex Smith has zero interceptions on the season, and while Dallas has improved in the takeover department since the bye, they still only have ten on the season. Going against a quarterback who hasn’t thrown a single interception all season, it will be no small task for Dallas to continue their turnover streak.
However, if they manage to pressure Alex Smith, there’s a chance he makes a mistake with the football. The Chiefs offensive line has been riddled by injuries this season, but it has managed to somehow keep Alex Smith upright, for the most part.
Additionally, the Cowboys could be without Maliek Collins, one of the most underrated players on the Cowboys’ defensive line. His status remains up in the air, but the second year defensive end has been an unsung hero for guys like DeMarcus Lawrence and David Irving to make the glamour plays.
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It’s expected that Dallas’ young, albeit, improved secondary will struggle somewhat against the high-powered Kansas City offense. But if the Cowboys defensive line takes their play to an even higher level, they can help pick up the slack for the remainder of the Cowboys defense. Either way, it should be an exciting contest.