Cowboys at Texans: Houston’s pass rush could be devastating
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to take on the Houston Texans on Sunday night, a dominant pass rush could be the determining factor in this in-state matchup.
It’s a pretty simple formula. Protect your quarterback, win ball games. Through the first four games of the regular season, that’s been the case for the Dallas Cowboys.
In the two contests where the Cowboys offensive line has been able to limit quarterback Dak Prescott to getting sacked three times or less, they are undefeated (2-0). In the games where Prescott has been sacked five or more times, both losses (0-2).
Clearly, there were many other factors that decided those games as well. But keeping Prescott’s jersey as clean as possible must be a priority for the Cowboys. Especially against the Houston Texans Sunday night.
The Texans possess two of the NFL’s top pass rushers in linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and defensive end J.J. Watt. Between the two former first rounders, they have a combined six Pro Bowl appearances.
This dynamic duo has posted a combined 7.0 sacks in their last two games. Clowney had two sacks just last week against the Indianapolis Colts. While Watt has posted a whopping 5.0 sacks in his past two games alone.
These two Houston defenders are red hot right now. And that could be disastrous for Prescott and an offensive line with Joe Looney at center and a rookie in Connor Williams at left guard.
Throw in the fact both of Dallas’ starting offensive tackles, Tyron Smith and La’el Collins, have also had their struggles so far this season and the Cowboys’ third-year quarterback will likely be scrambling for his life on Sunday night.
Houston’s pass rush is exactly what DallasCowboys.com football analyst Bryan Broaddus believes could hand the Texans the victory against America’s Team.
"“My biggest concern is the pressure [the Texans] can generate but also the way they create turnovers in the pocket. Clowney and Watt are always ripping at the ball when they get near the quarterback. Prescott has seen the tape and he knows this is a way that the Texans like to operate. If the Cowboys can protect, they can win this game, but these rushers won’t be held off the stat sheet.”"
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Keeping the pressure off of Dak Prescott will be key for the Dallas Cowboys in order to secure a victory on the road against the Houston Texans in primetime on Sunday Night Football. Expect a heavy dose of running back Ezekiel Elliott and the possible return of the run-pass option in an attempt to throw off Houston’s talented pass-rushing tandem.