What the Dallas Cowboys learned in their loss to Pittsburgh

The linebacking corps can dominate once again

The Dallas Cowboys desperately needed to help improve their run defense. To do that, they drafted two linebackers and three defensive linemen. That’s on top of signing Keanu Neal as a linebacker in free agency.

With a lot of capital put into the linebacking corps, the group will have a crucial role in turning around the horrifying 2020 defense. We got a glimpse of what to expect in the Hall of Fame game.

The most impressive linebacker was the 12th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, Micah Parsons. He only played a couple of drives, but his presence was imminent.

He only registered three tackles (all solo), but he was always around the ball. That’s how Parsons was in the perfect spot to scoop up Mason Rudolph’s fumble.

If you ask Steelers running back Najee Harris about running against Parsons, I’m sure he will give a good testimony. At the end of every play, number 11 was within five yards of the ball carrier.

His draftmate Jabril Cox got his fair share of snaps in the game too. He finished with four tackles and put his blazing speed on full display. While he never made any eye-catching plays, he remained tight in coverage.

With Parsons playing snaps close to the line of scrimmage, it’s encouraging to see Cox thrive against the pass. It will help set up the tandem for success down the road.

Neal was quiet, finishing the game with only one tackle to his name. Then again, he should get some rest rather than suffering an injury in the preseason.

The linebacking corps fell apart last year with injuries striking linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Sean Lee and the down year of Jaylon Smith. The new additions are looking good thus far, but there are three more games until the regular season.

You can’t ignore the chance of something coming up. I’ve seen too many players fall due to injuries over the past few seasons. Let’s hope things are different this time around.