Dallas Cowboys aim to exploit Atlanta Falcons defensive vulnerabilities with Dak Prescott-led passing attack and a hopeful running game turnaround.
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, they’re aiming to leverage strengths in their passing game against a defense struggling to make a consistent impact.
Coming off a 30-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys will be seeking to capitalize on Atlanta’s defensive gaps, with both teams bringing unique challenges into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.
But before we get all serious about the football … a note for any sweetheart and especially any dad. This is Baby MJ’s first Halloween, and Mom (Sarah Jane Ramos) and Daddy Dak took a moment this week to take a break from the trials and tribulations of “America’s Team” to get cute.
And “cute” is adorable here, with the family photo of the Prescotts doing a pumpkin-patch costume thing going viral.
Now … back to how Atlanta hopes to knock the stuffing out of the scarecrow …
Dallas currently ranks third in passing yards per game, averaging 256 yards through the air, led by quarterback Dak Prescott. Despite this success, the Cowboys’ ground game has lagged, ranking last in the league with 74.1 rushing yards per game.
However, Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake still respects the potential of Dallas’s running game.
“They’ve thrown the ball a little bit more than they have in the last three years, four years or so. I still have extreme respect for their run game, for their running backs, for their offensive line. If they want to start handing the ball off, starting this week and weeks to come. I can see them definitely running the ball better than they have in the first part of the season.” said Lake.
The Falcons’ defense has shown notable weaknesses, ranking 21st in rushing yards allowed (132.6 yards per game) and 18th in pass defense (215.5 yards per game). Their pass rush has struggled, sitting at a 36 percent win rate, while the Cowboys’ offensive line boasts a 57 percent pass-block win rate, positioning Prescott for potential success through the air.
Acknowledging recent struggles, Lake commented on the Falcons’ pass rush.
“We definitely took a step back. I’ll say this as well, it’s always rush and coverage…the quarterback is able to get rid of the ball as quick as Baker [Mayfield] did, then it doesn’t matter how many guys we’re rushing…we work at it, I know eventually we’re going to break through and see the production we want.” continued Lake.
With standout defensive tackle Grady Jarrett leading their efforts, Atlanta aims to regain form against a Dallas offense looking to rebound. Dallas hopes to improve in the running game while leveraging its passing success, especially as the Falcons defense seeks to adjust under Lake’s leadership.
And Dak? He’s hoping to have as much fun on Sunday as he had on Halloween.