(Editor's Note: Who doesn't love lists? Throughout the year, 'High 5' will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the Dallas Cowboys 2024 season.)
It is officially that time of year where quarterbacks and offensive coordinators begin losing sleep at night. The NFL season is here and it's time for edge rushers to begin causing havoc once again.
Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense have benefited tremendously from practicing against one of the league's top edge rushers, Micah Parsons. Maybe more than anything, the Cowboys are thankful that the quarterbacks are wearing a red jersey any time Parsons is around, protecting them from his physicality.
Unfortunately, they won't get that lucky around some of the other top edge rushers in the NFL this season. Dallas' 2024 schedule showcases some of the best, and most dangerous pass rushers in all of football. Here are the five best that they'll see this season:
- Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals - Following a down year in 2022, Hendrickson has once again elevated to become one of the best at what he does. Last season, he finished second in the AFC with 17.5 sacks and has now tallied three double-digit sack seasons in the last four campaigns. With elevated expectations for the Bengals this year, expect a rejuvenated Hendrickson as they look to get back in AFC title contention.
- Aiden Hutchinson, Detroit Lions - Hutchinson was one of two players last season, alongside Micah Parsons, to finish with over 100 QB pressures. His 101 pressures were second in the league and accompanied by 11.5 sacks. The only thing Hutchinson doesn't have over the other top edge rushers is longevity. he could easily become a household name with another big season for Dan Campbell's group.
- Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers - Don't look at the sack numbers for Bosa. They don't tell the entire story. He finished with just 10.5 sacks last season, his fewest in a full season since his rookie season in 2019. However, he was third in the league with 95 QB pressures and was second with 35 QB hits, behind only T.J. Watt. His impact is still as high as anyone when it comes to explosive pass rushers, and that'll certainly be the case again after the Cowboys bye week in Week 8.
- T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers - Last season's sack leader, T.J. Watt, is still a force to be reckoned with an incredible 19 sacks and is one of the most efficient at opening things up for his teammates. Watt's success has largely led to the growth of Alex Highsmith on the defensive front as well. Dallas travels to see one of the best front sevens in football during Week 5 in Pittsburgh.
- Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns - No surprise here. The Arlington, Texas native has long established himself as one of the top edge rushers in the league and cemented it by winning Defensive Player of the Year last season. He finished with 14 sacks and a career-high four forced fumbles, while also causing 86 QB pressures on the year. His disruption at the line of scrimmage will be a challenge for Tyler Guyton in his debut at left tackle in Week 1.
