Can the Dallas Cowboys protect Dak Prescott against the Eagles D-Line?

The Dallas Cowboys struggled to protect Dak Prescott, giving up eight sacks against the Falcons. Will they regroup against a tough Eagles D-line?

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was running for his life in Atlanta last week. Is there any hope without All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith?

Six of the eight sacks came from Falcons’ defensive end Adrian Clayborn, while he feasted on backup tackle Chaz Green. Six sacks in a single game is a great accomplishment but small details in the game could have changed the tide.

In order to avoid another performance like the Cowboys had against the Eagles, they will need to make a few adjustments and get some help from the officials. Of the six sacks gave up to Clayborn, there were two instances that were personal fouls.

Clayborn continually hit Prescott high when coming in for the sack. The first instance Clayborn clearly makes contact with the back of Prescott’s helmet and the second he again clearly grabs Prescott’s face mask.

Granted Clayborn beat his man on his way to the sack, the penalties should have been called. Both plays are 15 yards and automatic first downs that can provide momentum Dallas desperately needed?

Could the play of Chaz Green been any better? Not by much. Green was obviously unprepared and helped Clayborn look like he was Lawrence Taylor.

Head Coach Jason Garrett tried to give Green some help but Green showed bad technique. On one play he was given help by the guard and all Green needed to do was keep outside containment and force Clayborn inside where left guard Jonathan Cooper was waiting to help.

Green’s bad footwork and delayed reaction gave Clayborn the outside corner and an easy sack on Prescott. If Green can take a step forward and learn from his mistakes in this game there isn’t much needed to improve.

Prescott also played a part in the monstrous day Falcons’ defense had against the Cowboys. Prescott himself admitted to holding on to the ball a little too long.

Dak is known to keep plays alive with his strength and speed but the perfect storm seemed to rain on his abilities this past week. Instead of throwing the ball away Prescott would look to extend the play and ended in a sack or even worse a fumble, twice.

Now the Cowboys will face off against the Eagles, who have the NFL’s best record at 8-1. Philadelphia’s defensive front is arguably the best in the league and reports are Tyron Smith will be missing a second straight week.

Next: Do the Cowboys stand a chance against the Eagles?

Fixing the problems from last week won’t be easy but they are simple and attainable. For the sake of the season and Dak Prescott’s health, the Dallas Cowboys must find a way to provide protection for their quarterback this week.