Dallas City News

Before kickoff on Sunday afternoon, there were still a lot of looming questions surrounding the Dallas Cowboys defense. Hopes were high that Mike Zimmer would be able to improve this defense, but it was hard to be confident how everything would play out in just the first game of the season. Although it is only one game, the defense took the opportunity to clear the muddy waters and show the world that they were more than ready. Hopefully it is just a glimpse of what else is to come this season.

What impact will Eric Kendricks have?

Eric Kendricks was almost a 49er this season, changing his mind to join his former coach, Mike Zimmer, at the very last minute during free agency. And thank goodness he did because in his very first game as a Dallas Cowboy, his impact was seen all over the field. Not only did he have nine tackles and two sacks, but he also snagged an interception from a tipped ball. He knows this Zimmer defense and is an excellent leader in an otherwise young LB room. However, on Sunday he showed us that he is more than just a leader, he is a playmaker.

How will Caelen Carson fare in filling in for DaRon Bland?

The rookie fifth-rounder, Caelen Carson, had some big shoes to fill replacing the injured DaRon Bland for his very first game in the NFL. It was made extra daunting by having to cover one of the best route runners in the NFL, Amari Cooper. While Carson may have a few plays that he would like to take back, he filled that role exceptionally well. For most of the game the Browns made it a point to go at Carson (to avoid throwing to Trevon Diggs) and for the most part, Carson shut them down. He finished the game with two PBUs and a handful of almost INTs. As he continues to get more experience, look for him to come down with a few of those this season.

As for Amari Cooper, let’s just say he’s had better days at the office. Carson and the Dallas defense held him to just two catches on nine targets and 16 yards.

How will DeMarvion Overshown and Trevon Diggs perform after missing last season to torn ACLs?

The 2023 season was a long one for DeMarvion Overshown and Trevon Diggs as they spent almost the entirety rehabbing. Both were ready to go for Week 1 in 2024, however there were still some questions about how long it would take them to get back to form. It turns out that both of them were back to 100%.

Overshown exceeded all expectations in his NFL debut leading the team in tackles with 11 and topping it off with a sack. His speed is what really impressed yesterday, especially when facing a mobile QB like Deshaun Watson. The most impressive play from him was this fourth down stop where he chased down Watson for the sack. He even made Micah Parsons look slow.

As for Diggs, he proved to the world that he is still the same lockdown corner he has always been. Watson tried his best to not throw the ball in Diggs’ direction, but when he finally did, Diggs made him pay. To go along with his five tackles and two PBUs, the former INT leader came down with his first INT of the season.

Will there be improvement stopping the run?

Last year, one of the weaknesses on the defense was the ability to stop the run. This season, the Zimmer defense, with the addition of the big bodies in the middle of the defensive line, and the fast linebackers showed a lot of improvement when it came to stopping the run. They forced the Browns’ offense into third and longs for the majority of the game and held them to only 93 yards on the ground. That’s pretty impressive as the Browns are known to be a run-focused team.

Will Marshawn Kneeland be able to make an impact in his very first NFL game?

The Cowboys’ defense made Watson and the Browns’ offensive line uncomfortable all day long on Sunday. With players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, it is almost a given that the opposing QB is going to be pressured all throughout the game. After Week 1, make sure to include rookie Marshawn Kneeland to the mix as well. Six of the 25 total pressures on Watson were thanks to Kneeland’s efforts. Playing on both the exterior and interior of the defensive line, he also did well stopping the run. It will be exciting to see his growth continue the rest of the season.

This Cowboys’ defense dominated against the Browns and brought clarity to many of our open questions. While it is only one game, they showed exactly what they are capable of, laying the groundwork to continue to build and improve as the season continues.