The Dallas Cowboys defence unit is severely hurt heading into Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They will be without DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and Sam Williams, and Micah Parsons and Caelen Carson are expected to be absent.
It’s no secret that the Cowboys are suffering on defence this season, and while they improved against the Giants, it was far from a perfect game.
Dallas’ defensive performance has left them in a hole, with a 2-2 record and some tough games ahead. Pittsburgh, while not considered a powerhouse, is one of those tough teams.
With that in mind, let’s look at the three Cowboys defensive players who need to step up in Week 5.
Marshawn Kneeland’s First Big Chance
The Cowboys selected defensive end Marshawn Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. That selection sparked debate among fans, as some considered the defensive end as less important than other positions.
While it’s too early to label those furious about the decision as wrong, it’s difficult to envision who would be rushing the passer this week if Kneeland hadn’t been selected.
As a rookie, expectations should not be too high, but he will have a tremendous opportunity to build a name for himself.
Kneeland will start on the edge, most likely opposite Chauncey Golston.
It will be the first time in his brief career that he has received a start, so there may be some concerns about his stamina and readiness for the occasion.
I’m not concerned about it, though. Kneeland has shown significant promise to this time, and he was one of my top picks in the 2024 class. The youngster is prepared for this time and might have a significant influence in Week 5.
Jourdan Lewis On Interception Watch
If you weren’t paying attention to last week’s game, you may have missed Mazi Smith having, by far, the best game of his young NFL career.
The former first round choice that has been pummelling with criticism and discussions of him being a bust showed out in a significant way against the Giants. It definitely was a breakout game for the former Michigan Wolverine.
Now, there is one major overhanging issue following that performance: can Smith keep it up?
Fears of that performance being a mirage is real; we’ve seen Smith struggle considerably more than we’ve seen him dominate, like he did against New York.
Smith has to find a way to recreate his showing from last week as the Cowboys defensive front reels from a lack of depth and a spate of ailments.
Perhaps if Smith puts up another good performance in Week 5, some of those bust fears will go out the window, and he can develop some confidence going forward in the season.
It’s a huge week to determine which direction his year, and possibly his career, will take.
Mazi Smith On A Hot Streak?
If you weren’t paying attention to last week’s game, you may have missed Mazi Smith having, by far, the best game of his young NFL career.
The former first round choice that has been pummelling with criticism and discussions of him being a bust showed out in a significant way against the Giants. It definitely was a breakout game for the former Michigan Wolverine.
Now, there is one major overhanging issue following that performance: can Smith keep it up?
Fears of that performance being a mirage is real; we’ve seen Smith struggle considerably more than we’ve seen him dominate, like he did against New York.
Smith has to find a way to recreate his showing from last week as the Cowboys defensive front reels from a lack of depth and a spate of ailments.
Perhaps if Smith puts up another good performance in Week 5, some of those bust fears will go out the window, and he can develop some confidence going forward in the season.
It’s a huge week to determine which direction his year, and possibly his career, will take.
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