With Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence out, do you think the Cowboys will blitz more? The Cowboys were already ranked in the lower half of the league in sacks, so what's the plan now? With his speed from the linebacker position, could DeMarvion Overshown help the pass rush? – Ronald Williams/Houston, TX
Nick: If you're thinking there could be a trade in the works, don't hold your breath there. The fact Micah Parsons could only miss 1-2 games, is a good sign. He's your best pass-rusher and the team is hopeful it's a short-term injury. That's not the case for D-Law, but at least guys like Marshawn Kneeland and Chauncey Golston should at least hold down the fort as run-stoppers - not like Lawrence did - but at least should be solid. The team will miss some serious juice as pass-rushers. Carl Lawson has three pressures in limited time, so there needs to be more of that. Obviously the Cowboys felt like K.J. Henry was the best of the available guys out there. Still, they need Tyrus Wheat to help, but I think timed blitzes with guys like Overshown and Clark and maybe Liafau, needs to be used more in this game. Guys like Justin Fields can't sit back there all day. They have to be rushed and contained of course. This will be a huge challenge without Parsons and Tank.
Mickey: Lot of that will depend on the opponent and how that team handles those situations. Blitzing Overshown is always a possibility, but remember, he's young and has a lot to master. But take this week. Justin Fields is pretty elusive in the pocket, so do you want to blitz a linebacker, or do you want to spy? In four games Fields has run for 145 yards and three touchdowns. If you remember back to the last couple of games the Cowboys did blitz Eric Kendricks at times. Don't underestimate Marshawn Kneeland's ability to rush the quarterback. Be nice if they can get Carl Lawson to get back to his 2022 form with the Jets when he finished with seven sacks.
