Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys defense in trouble regardless of Eagles' starting QB

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/21/22

The Cowboys defense, which has allowed more than 20 points five times this season, is not trending upward. Over the past two games, it has allowed 63 points. With the Eagles third-ranked offense coming to town, that's not ideal.

And, yes, we know Philadelphia (13-1) may sit quarterback Jalen Hurts on Saturday because of a right shoulder strain. The Eagles offense should remain potent even if backup Gardner Minshew starts.

The ball has yet to hit the ground.

Gardner Minshew is 8-of-8 with two touchdowns.

MinshewMania in full effect for the #Eagles: pic.twitter.com/VD2vFTtMBm
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) December 5, 2021

In Week 14, Dallas struggled to stop Houston, which has the 31st-ranked offense. It allowed 327 total yards while the Texans rotated quarterbacks Davis Mills and Jeff Driskel.

So, Dallas (10-4) can't take Minshew lightly because he directs a much more talented unit than Houston's.

"Operating behind one of the best offensive lines in football and alongside one of the best skill position groups, Minshew can play point guard," wrote ESPN's Tim McManus.

The Cowboys should start by getting more pressure on the QB. Dallas is second in sacks with 49, but it has recorded only three over the past two weeks, which explains some of the defense's recent struggles.

Cross Trevor Lawrence off Micah Parsons' sack list...Cowboys LB up to 13 this season.pic.twitter.com/eKqY6fB1id
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) December 18, 2022

If the Cowboys create pressure again, it can slow the Eagles because Minshew is not as mobile as Hurts. Hurts has 747 rushing yards this season, more than Minshew has rushed for in four seasons (516).

Additionally, it can restore the defense's intimidating presence.

"We all know what made this team look so fearsome all year has faded in the previous two games," wrote The Athletic's Bob Sturm.

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