The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has consistently been one of the most dominant units for the last two seasons. However, they have been scrutinized for their run defense, and this season was no different.
In all five of the team’s losses in the regular season, the run defense allowed the opposing rushing attack to establish itself and explosive plays to stack up.
But the Cowboys defense knows the battle to stop the run starts in the trenches on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Jones has 656 rushing yards in the 11 games he played this season, averaging a little over four yards per carry. Jones dealt with injury this season but found his stride in the last three weeks of the regular season, having over 100 yards each contest.
Dallas Cowboys Veterans’ Plan To Contain Aaron Jones
Johnathan Hankins made his return from an ankle injury last week against the Commanders. The veteran has been an integral part of stopping the run.
He says that for the team to stop the run, it starts with playing their style of game that has allowed them to be successful in the past.Â
“We just gotta go out there and do what we’ve been doing. Play our style of football, dominate the run, get after the quarterback. Not to say it’s not a big game, but I’m not about to blow it up and make it seem like it’s the biggest game we’ve ever had, so I’m gonna go out there and do what I do,” said Hankins.
The defensive tackle says the Cowboys’ run defense is in a good spot right now, and it has taken a team effort.
Before Hankins’ injury in Week 14, he had two weeks with back-to-back sacks, the most he’s had in a season since 2016.Â
He says staying consistent and communicating with the linebackers has been an area of improvement from his arrival to the team last season.Â
The team’s last regular-season game against the Commanders allowed him to get his feet wet for the postseason.
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A vintage version of DeMarcus Lawrence emerged in Hankins’ absence with the ankle injury.
He noticeably contained the edges and stopped the run, especially in short-yardage situations.
Lawrence says the key to slowing Jones down is to “hit him” but made it clear that the matchup isn’t one-sided.
“I’ll be back there. D-Law playing too,” said Lawrence.
Lawrence’s natural ability to diagnose plays and patience to go for the play has immensely helped the defense up front.Â
The veteran edge rusher says this isn’t about putting pressure on themselves but seeing it as another opportunity to get where they want to go.
“It’s just really about us playing our game, playing to our standard, playing complementary football, and getting the job done,” said Lawrence.
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