The DQ Report, Wk 18 - Dispatching Washington

Dallas received another big play from a veteran player that is often unappreciated

266 yards rushing.

The number should not be forgotten. It was embarrassing and it had the entire league laughing at the Dallas Cowboys defense.

It told a story about the effort, the resolve, and the personal pride of the Cowboys that disappointing day in Buffalo. It also revealed a blue-print for all future opponents.

If you want to demoralize the Cowboys and take away their pass rush, just keep handing the ball to your version of James Cook. Repeat. Watch the profits roll in.

The prevailing theory after Week 15 in Buffalo was obvious for all. Imagine what Miami might do on the ground. What about Detroit after that, too. This could get really ugly.

So what happened?

266 yards rushing happened.

There were 91 against Miami, 125 versus Detroit, and 50 more on Sunday against Washington. Add those three numbers together and you hit 266 again. But, this time, it took 74 attempts over the course of three games and less than 3.6 yards per carry.

I won’t attempt to convince you that the rush defense is cured and that Aaron Jones is not a major concern on Sunday. That would be wrong. But, we must nod in approval that effort, resolve, and pride appear to be positioned back in a good spot. Dallas doesn’t believe that will happen again and rather than being torn to shreds over and over down the stretch, they arched their backs and refused to be labeled soft.

That speaks to their leadership to get something addressed immediately. Yes, Dan Quinn is at the tip of that defensive spear and then last week we talked about the veteran influence of DeMarcus Lawrence.

All true and two deserved and respected men.

But, we should not forget the impact and voice of Jourdan Lewis.