Two Insights About the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have a mixed bag this season. Their pass defense struggles, giving up an average of 255.2 yards per game, and they allow 29.7 points each game. Yet, they have an impressive offense led by quarterback Dak Prescott.
Right now, the Cowboys sit at 6-6-1. A big part of their issues comes from the defense, which has allowed 40 points in three different games. This has put a strain on their chances to win.
On the offensive side, they have standout players like running back Javonte Williams. He’s already rushed for over 1,000 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. After a tough few years in Denver, he’s bouncing back in a big way. Tight end Jake Ferguson is another key player, catching 13 passes in the red zone and scoring five touchdowns.
Then there’s Dak Prescott. He’s having a stellar season, leading the NFL with 3,637 passing yards and a QBR of 73.4. His accuracy is impressive too, completing 69% of his passes, just shy of his best mark from his near-MVP season in 2023. Prescott is hitting on all cylinders, especially on third downs, where he has 56 conversions—more than any quarterback this year.
The Cowboys also boast two explosive wide receivers: CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Lamb is averaging 15.1 yards per catch, while Pickens is right behind him at 15.2. Lamb averages 90.7 receiving yards per game, and Pickens follows with 86.5. Both players are highly talented and can turn a few catches into big plays, making them a nightmare for defenses.
Dallas is noteworthy for having the lowest three-and-out percentage in the league at 15.2%. This is largely due to the playmaking ability of Lamb and Pickens, who are not just effective at catching passes but also drawing defensive penalties. They are the only players this season to each exceed 100 yards in pass interference penalties against them. In terms of man coverage, they rank first and second in receiving yards, with Pickens at 515 and Lamb at 410.
As they face teams like Minnesota, which uses a lot of zone defense, the Cowboys will need to adjust. Minnesota has been effective, forcing three-and-outs on 26.2% of drives. How the Cowboys respond to these challenges will be key as they try to turn their season around.
For a deeper dive into the trends in NFL offenses and defenses, check out this NFL report.
Source link
News – Index,News – Team,Game Preview,Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys (2025-REG-15)
