It’s time for the Cowboys to trade for a pass-rusher
By John Owning
It’s Time For The Cowboys To Trade For A Pass-Rusher
The Dallas Cowboys are 5-1 so far this season and exceeding everyone’s expectations. The offense has been explosive and suffocating at the same time while the defense is applying their bend-but-don’t-break defense to perfection. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot have been fantastic revelations, the offense line is playing out of its mind, and the secondary is executing at a high level without their best cornerback from a year ago, Orlando Scandrick.
The Cowboys have showcased a style and game plan that can beat any team on any given day. They can run the ball down an opponent’s throat, make timely throws and play opportunistic defense, but there is one area the Cowboys must improve. Their pass rush.
While the Cowboys dominated the Green Bay Packers, they failed to consistently apply pressure. DeMarcus Lawrence hurt his shoulder, but he wasn’t getting to Aaron Rodgers anyway. Benson Mayowa reverted to constant speed rushes with a power bull rush thrown in occasionally. Jack Crawford barely sniffs the quarterback all game, and the defensive tackles make a much bigger impact against the run. The one bright spot was David Irving who was able to sack Rodgers and force a fumble.
As the Cowboys face more elite quarterbacks, they can’t afford to give them as much time as they have thus far this season. No matter how good their secondary is playing, a great quarterback will carve them up if there is no pressure.
With that in mind, the Cowboys should try to see if they can pry a star pass-rusher from another team. Here are the players they should target.
Cameron Wake
Cameron Wake would be a temporary solution as he is entering the twilight of his career at 34 years old. Nevertheless, the Dolphins defensive end still has a lot of juice left.
He is an explosive pass-rusher who can bend and flatten to the quarterback as well as anyone in the league. His ability to create a steep angle with his ankles and hips while not losing speed is truly special.
If you don’t think Wake could contribute, watch this play:
The Dallas Cowboys are 5-1 so far this season and exceeding everyone’s expectations. The offense has been explosive and suffocating at the same time while the defense is applying their bend-but-don’t-break defense to perfection. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot have been fantastic revelations, the offense line is playing out of its mind, and the secondary is executing at a high level without their best cornerback from a year ago, Orlando Scandrick.
The Cowboys have showcased a style and game plan that can beat any team on any given day. They can run the ball down an opponent’s throat, make timely throws and play opportunistic defense, but there is one area the Cowboys must improve. Their pass rush.
While the Cowboys dominated the Green Bay Packers, they failed to consistently apply pressure. DeMarcus Lawrence hurt his shoulder, but he wasn’t getting to Aaron Rodgers anyway. Benson Mayowa reverted to constant speed rushes with a power bull rush thrown in occasionally. Jack Crawford barely sniffs the quarterback all game, and the defensive tackles make a much bigger impact against the run. The one bright spot was David Irving who was able to sack Rodgers and force a fumble.
As the Cowboys face more elite quarterbacks, they can’t afford to give them as much time as they have thus far this season. No matter how good their secondary is playing, a great quarterback will carve them up if there is no pressure.
With that in mind, the Cowboys should try to see if they can pry a star pass-rusher from another team. Here are the players they should target.
Cameron Jordan
While Wake would be a nice consolation price, Cameron Jordan would be the best pass-rusher the Cowboys could acquire.
The Saints aren’t viable playoff contenders, and they aren’t in a good standing with the cap, so it would make sense that they would listen to offers for their star defensive end.
Jordan would likely come at a high cost, but it would be worth it for Dallas because he can make plays like this:
Jordan has the ability to play either end spot and the under tackle position. He is extremely powerful with surprising quickness and flexibility off the edge. Furthermore, Jordan is excellent against the run as well.
On the Cowboys, Jordan would instantly be the best pass-rusher on the roster, even with a healthy Lawrence, and would revive the Cowboys’ nearly nonexistent pass rush. His versatility to play multiple positions would allow the Cowboys to get their four best pass-rushers on the field no matter what.
Aaron Lynch
The San Francisco 49ers are a mess, and they are likely going to want to acquire picks for next year’s draft in an attempt to recruit more talent. One player they may consider trading is outside linebacker Aaron Lynch.
The 49ers outside linebacker is a young (23 years old) and talented pass-rusher who has shown the ability to produce off the edge as he has accumulated 12.5 sacks in his first two seasons. However, this season he is coming off a four-game suspension, so the Cowboys may be able to snag him for cheaper so he can come make plays like this:
Shane Ray or Shaquil Barrett
The Denver Broncos have an embarrassment of riches on the edge. On top of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, who are the best pass rush duo in the NFL, Denver boasts Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett as well, and the Cowboys should be happy to acquire either player.
Because the Broncos have four competent pass-rushers, they may be willing to deal one of them in an attempt to improve another position or get more draft capital.
Barrett is a former undrafted free agent who has outplayed his draft position. While Ray utilizes speed, Barrett uses technical hands, a great motor and a plethora of pass rush moves to beat offensive tackles. Here is a good example:
Barrett doesn’t have the upside of the other pass-rushers on this list, but he is fundamentally sound, and he would be a key contributor against the run and pass.
Ray, on the other hand, is mostly a pass rush specialist. The former Missouri defensive end has an explosive get off and enough bend to get around the corner to go along with an excellent inside move and a relentless motor.
Here is a great example of Ray’s ability as a pass-rusher: