4 bold predictions for the Cowboys vs. Bears Week 8 NFC battle
3. The Future is Now
This franchise isn’t one to shy away from players in the NFL Draft with injury history or concerns, and this year was no different with the selection of linebacker Damone Clark. This speedy and physical linebacker out of LSU is coming back from a major spinal procedure and has been with the team every step of the way, learning and working out on the sidelines.
Now, the Cowboys are designating him for return, which means he could be worked into the linebacker rotation as soon as this week against the Bears.
Johnathan Hankins and Damone Clark are both on the way for a #Cowboys defense that is currently averaging only 14.9 ppg (2nd-NFL) - having allowed two TDs in a game only once in seven outings.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) October 25, 2022
I'm convinced Dan Quinn is secretly writing a script for a horror movie. pic.twitter.com/qsIDWhy8qE
That means trouble for anyone hoping that the Cowboys’ defense could fall off at some point this season and should bring some much-needed speed to a linebacking core that has seen their best player at the position used a lot more in the pass rush schemes.
Clark has a similar game to Micah Parsons. He can rush the passer, drop back into coverage, and use his speed to keep up with tight ends and running backs. Plus, he’s another sideline-to-sideline player. Putting him in the lineup next to Parsons is going to be an issue once teams. Quinn can rotate both guys at pass rusher making it even more difficult to figure out what Parsons will do.
Dallas isn’t going to rush Clark but they are going to give him a taste of what is to come.