**Facing Off Against Justin Herbert**
Last week, the Dallas Cowboys struggled against the Minnesota Vikings. They managed a low pressure rate of only 22.2% on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, allowing him to compile a career-high 250 passing yards. Now, the Cowboys face a different kind of challenge with the Los Angeles Chargers and their star quarterback, Justin Herbert.
Herbert has seen a staggering 43.9% pressure rate this season, the second-highest in the NFL. Recently, that number has spiked to 57.3%. During this stretch, he’s thrown for just 192 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. For Dallas to succeed, they need to ramp up their pass rush, which has been below average at 34.4% this season.
Since acquiring Quinnen Williams, Dallas has seen a drop to 31.1%, ranking 11th in the league. Interestingly, Williams leads all defensive tackles with a 20.3% pressure rate, while Osa Odighizuwa is 12th with 10.1%. So, where’s the missing pressure? It’s coming from the edge rushers, who are at a mere 7.8% since the trade deadline, one of the lowest in the NFL.
The good news? The Chargers’ offensive line has struggled, allowing Herbert to be sacked 49 times—tied for the most in the league. This could be an opportunity for the Cowboys to turn things around.
**Beating Jim Harbaugh’s Style**
Jim Harbaugh is known for his tough, old-school football approach. His teams focus on physicality and strong run games. To win, the Cowboys must play with more strength and discipline. Stopping the run will be crucial, along with establishing a solid ground game themselves.
Since Week 11, Dallas has been impressive against the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry. Their trio of Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa has made a tangible difference. In the same timeframe, the Chargers have ranked poorly, sitting as the ninth-worst rushing offense in the league.
On the flip side, the Chargers have also improved defensively, ranking fifth in run defense since the trade deadline. For running back Javonte Williams to succeed, he’ll need offensive line push while using his ability to gain yards after contact. He ranks fourth in the league with 897 rushing yards after contact this season.
If the Cowboys can dominate the trenches, they’ll significantly increase their chances of winning.
**Star Players Need to Shine**
A classic football adage is “our guys are better than your guys.” It’s often about individual performance when teams clash. For the Cowboys, their wide receivers must outshine the Chargers’ defensive backs.
Dallas boasts the league’s top passing offense, while the Chargers feature the third-best passing defense. Los Angeles’s secondary has made 17 interceptions this season, a testament to their skill. Safety Derwin James stands out among the group, demonstrating versatility by playing nearly every position in the defensive backfield.
In this matchup, the Cowboys need their star wide receivers to work cohesively. CeeDee Lamb has thrived recently, while George Pickens has drawn attention, allowing Lamb to shine. If defenses key in on both, Ryan Flournoy has shown he can step up in critical situations.
In what promises to be a thrilling encounter, the Cowboys’ passing game will be pivotal in securing victory.
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