There are many highlights of the game against the Giants. Of course, all the headlines go to Dak Prescott’s injury. However, not everything is bad news and there are specific aspects that attract a lot of attention. As is the case with the performance of Jaylon Smith and DeMarcus Lawrence. Both the linebacker and the defensive end respectively, have been objects of strong criticism since their performance has not been as expected.
Of course, we are talking about a defense that in general has been a disaster and both Smith and “Tank” are pillars of it. So a change of attitude in Sunday’s game is something that is greatly appreciated.
On the one hand we have Jaylon Smith, who had a very bad game against the Browns in week 4. Making just 7 combined tackles and allowing that 307-yard rushing disaster from the opponent. However, things were very different against the New York team. Achieving 14 combined tackles and half a Marshal’s catch.
For the most part, Smith became much more accurate in his reading and achieved greater consistency in his tackling skills. But the best thing about Sunday was his ability to escape the rival blockade and be able to stop the enemy ground game.
Also, thanks to the length of his arms, he managed to maintain a certain level of separation between blocks, in order to react, break free from pressure and make the appropriate plays.
— All22Hype (@All22Hype) October 12, 2020
Overall, Jaylon along with the team allowed just 89 yards rushing for his NFC East rival. However, this would not be all that defensively speaking would happen. Since we also have to talk about DeMarcus Lawrence.
The defensive end had been the subject of major criticism as his performance has dropped dramatically since last year. In fact, in 2019 he only managed five sacks by Mariscal. While his former teammate Robert Quinn had 11.5 sacks that same year.
Now, 2020 did not look very good for the DE either. Before Week 5, the player had only 11 tackles combined and no sacks. Either way, he took action on the matter and knew how to handle himself very well in their last meeting.
Finally, “Tank” achieved a capture of Marshal, something that had not happened since week 9 of the previous year. On an interesting note, the last team to catch him was the New York Giants themselves.
DeMarcus Lawrence with his first sack since the Cowboys’ Week 9 win over the Giants last season. It comes at a good time. Cowboys 17, Giants 17
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) October 11, 2020
Apart from this, it is worth noting the fumble that the same player made and managed to become a 29-yard touchdown for Anthony Brown. In a situation where the Cowboys were trailing 17-10, this was one of those mood-raising situations. Especially if we take into account how badly the defense had been playing. Where very few elements, such as Aldon Smith, have stood out.
The @DallasCowboys turn the strip sack into SIX!
And we’re tied in Dallas. #DallasCowboys
????: #NYGvsDAL on CBS
????: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EaI7PvMdjg pic.twitter.com/mJMcXRYUOp— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2020
Certainly, great progress was seen from both Smith and Lawrence in the game against the Giants. Perhaps this division rival is not a great gauge to determine a final decision. But with this win and the way it was achieved, he has to give a great morale boost to a defense that has been widely criticized for its lack of initiative.
Either way, Leighton Vander Esch may be back in two weeks to join Jaylon in the position. Same case with Randy Gregory, who could help boost D-Law’s game. Right now all the defensive elements that might appear are needed, as DT Trysten Hill’s discharge for the remainder of the season has also hit very hard.
Now what is left for the Cowboys is to face the Arizona Cardinals at home for week 6. Who come from defeating the Jets and manage a 3-2 record. They must continue to drive the victory lane if they hope to have a postseason berth.
