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After recording five turnovers in their first seven games, the Cowboys defense has now totaled nine turnovers in their last five. What happened? Did their approach change in any way? Can they keep this going against Joe Burrow and the Bengals? – Roger Simpson/Atlanta, GA
Nick: Umm, Micah Parsons?!?! He's the reason for a lot of the recent success. Now, he's not the only player making plays. But even if you look at the Overshown interception against the Giants, he was 1-on-1 against a running back and made the play.
So why do we think he was 1-on-1? Parsons gets so much attention on the other side, and he stills makes a difference. But we're seeing Osa Odighizuwa get pressure in the middle.
We are seeing Carl Lawson get home a little bit. Plus, I don think DaRon Bland is helping in the coverage and just think if Bland and Diggs could ever play a snap together. But I think the fact they're getting healthy and also having a better understanding of Zimmer's defense, is allowing them to apply more pressure for sacks and turnovers.
Patrik: When you can pressure the opposing quarterback, mistakes happen in your favor. Prior to losing Micah Parsons to a high ankle sprain, the Cowboys struggled to get after quarterbacks.
His return has featured a rejuvenated Lion though, and that combines with what DeMarvion Overshown has become at this part of the season — along with the emergence of Chauncey Golston and Carl Lawson as key parts of the pass rush formula in the absence of DeMarcus Lawrence and Marshawn Kneeland.
Add in what Osa Odighizuwa is doing from the interior, and Mazi Smith making strides as well, and it's not hard to tell why you're seeing more takeaways by the defense. Pressure versus pipes, and whatnot.
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