Dallas Cowboys revamped defensive line must pay quick returns

Adding Michael Bennett could be a big fix for an underwhelming Dallas Cowboys defensive line. Quick returns are critical to a Monday victory.

The Dallas Cowboys defensive line was far from a bright spot in the season opening victory against the New York Giants. One sack of their stationary quarterbacks was less than impressive.

Part of the pressure deficit resulted from Giants running back Saquon Barkley having the line on their heels early on. The second year star runner gained 120 yards off of only 11 carries (10.91 average yards per rush).

There’s no telling how huge of a day Barkley would’ve had if the Giants didn’t fall far behind and have to abort the run game. The Dallas defense had no part in stopping him, it was their own explosive offense that all but took him out of the game plan.

It’s okay to still be suspect of the Cowboys rushing defense. They respectively rank 13th, 15th, and 19th in rushing yards, yards per attempt, and rushing touchdowns allowed. Four of seven opponents have rushed for 115+ yards (2-2 record).

Dallas will face a two-fold problem if Barkley makes his mark again. The defensive line will have to sit on their heels to add focus to stopping the ground game. Two, play-action passing will spread the defense out and create more passing windows.

THE BENNETT EFFECT

The Giants provide an ideal opponent to quickly gauge the impact defensive lineman Michael Bennett will have on the defense. Dallas will play plenty of nickel defense. New York will attempt to run on later downs. And Bennett should add a stout run defender at nickel tackle.

If Dallas can relatively limit Barkley, as their last two opponents have, it will lead to the other level of upgrade. No NFL offensive line desires to see Robert Quinn, Maliek Collins, Bennett, and DeMarcus Lawrence ready to unleash a pass rush hurricane.

With new quarterback Daniel Jones, the Giants now have a capable passer who can expose a secondary if given time. However, if his pocket becomes dirty and is heavily pressured, the rookie will lose composure and does make mistakes.

Since the opening loss to Dallas, New York has allowed 3+ sacks in six of their last seven games. With the new Bennett boost added to the pass rush, the Cowboys must continue this trend and rattle the youngster.

If Dallas holds Barkley under 100 rush yards during meaningful minutes and strongly pressures Jones, the Cowboys offense should be poised to steal another win in the rematch. Bennett’s presence must have an immediate, big hand in this outcome.