FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys travel to New York to take on the Jets in week six. The two teams have met 11 times, with Dallas leading the series 7-4. New York has won the last two matchups. The Cowboys’ offense has averaged 7.54 yards-per- attempt through the air in 11 games against the N.Y. Jets, the second-most by a single opponent. In addition, Dallas’ offense has averaged 27.3 points-per-game against the Jets- third-most by any single opponent.
Defensively, the Cowboys struggled against the run in week five vs. the Packers. Prior to facing Dallas, Green Bay had not been able to accomplish a solid running attack and was able to do so against the Silver and Blue making the difference in the outcome of the ballgame. Packers’ dynamic back Aaron Jones scored four rushing touchdowns and had 107 rushing yards. He hit open running lanes and Dallas’ defense missed tackles in space.
The “hotboyz” will have to do a better job finishing tackles facing Le’Veon Bell on Sunday. That was a big emphasis this week in practice in the linebacker core. LB coach, Ben Bloom, vocally stressed the importance to the group in fundamental drills on immediately bringing guys down, expecting Bell to break for a long run.
After practice, defensive backs coach Kris Richard remarked, “ We have a ton of respect for Bell and their other back, Montgomery; they run tough, their system, and their offensive line coach has history here. We know or at least believe they will be intent on running the ball and we should at least anticipate a repeat of the runs that have had success on us already. It will come down to our discipline and the consistency of us doing things right.”
Offensively, the Cowboys started off slow against the Saints and Packers, scoring three points in the first half of the past two games combined. They need to get into a rhythm early on and move the chains. The Jets like to bring linebackers to the front to fill gaps on the rush, and inside linebacker Neville Hewitt provides consistent pressure up the middle and is a secure finisher in tackles. He totaled ten against the Eagles last week and has played every defensive snap but one through four games. Not many ball carriers get away from him and he is often the main pressure point of blitz packages.
I spoke with Ezekiel Elliott on their defense and he responded, “They have a lot of great players. They do a bit of movement. We just have to go out there and be ourselves and focus on us; getting this locker room together. Everything else will take care of itself.”
That has been the common thread throughout the locker room this week and not just the team’s featured back. Following back-to-back losses, the team has self-reflected and is rebuilding its momentum as they head to New York.
