Facing the Baltimore Ravens and their dynamic offensive duo of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the formidable Derrick Henry is a challenge that would strike trepidation into any defense. With Jackson lauded as the "best dual-threat quarterback in the league and in history, today," defenses are up against a player who redefines the quarterback position. In his 2023 season, which marked the second of his two MVP wins, Jackson recorded 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions, maintaining a formidable touchdown-to-interception ratio that ranks fourth-best in the NFL during that span.
Adding to the defensive conundrum is Jackson's prowess on the ground. From 2019 to 2023, Jackson has accumulated over 750 rushing yards in each of his first five NFL seasons, showcasing his versatility and putting additional strain on opposing defenses. On the other hand, the threat of Derrick Henry cannot be understated. Known for his power and downhill running, Henry forces defenses into a tough position – “Derrick Henry's going to come downhill, like it or not,” as defensive star Micah Parsons bluntly put it. “It's just, are you going to do it or not. I know I'm ready for the matchup,” he added, encapsulating the fierce mentality required to counter Henry's impact.
In a recent clash, running back Alvin Kamara put on a dazzling display, rushing for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries against the Dallas Cowboys. Kamara’s performance did not stop there, as he amassed a total of 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, reinforcing his status as an offensive powerhouse that can change the game at any moment.
Defensively, the landscape presents its own mix of challenges and triumphs. Osa Odighizuwa, a defensive tackle known for his gritty play, holds a defensive grade of 45.6, placing him 91st out of 115 defensive tackles. The Cowboys' interior defense is further tested, with Mazi Smith, Linval Joseph, and Jordan Phillips each posting grades below 32. These figures highlight areas that require fortification if the Cowboys aim to impose their will defensively through the rest of the season.
However, not all is dim on the defensive side. Micah Parsons, a beacon of resilience for the Cowboys, notably excels with 14 quarterback pressures, the third-most in the NFL. His impact is undeniable, even more so considering he faced double-teams on 35 percent of his pass-rush plays in 2023, the highest in the league among edge rushers. Parsons acknowledges the unique challenges he faces, yet remains undeterred. “The expectations are like I'm the person that's gonna get the slide, I'm the person that's going to get the majority of the chips and the double teams... So it would be shocking to me if you were to limit me because I would think [it] would be the worst thing,” he expressed, underlining his undiminished determination despite the increased pressure.
Head Coach Mike Zimmer's approach to leveraging his players also comes under the spotlight. Reflecting on recent strategy, Zimmer shared, "Maybe I tried to use him a little bit more in a lot of different things... It may have affected some of the other players and asked them to do too many things this week." This introspective evaluation from Zimmer underscores the complexity of balancing player roles and maximizing team performance while adapting to unpredictable in-game dynamics.
Through the trials faced by the Cowboys and other teams standing against the offensive talents of stars like Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the heart of the game remains unwavering – toughness. As Parsons succinctly put it, "At some point, all 11 [on the field] got to have the same mindset, and that's just toughness." This collective mentality is not just the key to facing down formidable opposition but to thriving amid the relentless rigor of the NFL season.