Big Facts: Pass rush setting historic marks

Dominant Dowdle

For the third-straight week, Rico Dowdle rushed for over 100-yards as he finished with 149 against the Carolina Panthers. This is the first time an undrafted player has hit the century mark in back-to-back-to-back weeks since Arian Foster did so for Houston in 2014. Adding context to the already incredible feat, Dowdle had not finished with 100-yards in his 46 career games prior, while Foster had already notched 10 100-yard games before accomplishing the feat for the first time.

The Parsons Product

Since Micah Parsons was re-inserted into the Cowboys defense in Week 10, the Cowboys have accumulated 24 sacks over six games. This is the most in the NFL over those six weeks and has helped lead to 13 takeaways which ranks third.

Historic Pass Rush

Week 15 marked the third game with at least six sacks this season, most of any NFL team in 2024. The 1984 season was the only season with more such games (4) in Cowboys history. Dallas has also tallied 15 games with at least five sacks since 2021, most in the NFL over that time span as well.

Ware-ing Down the Competition

Micah Parsons notched his 14^th multi-sack game since entering the league in 2021 with his two sacks this past weekend against the Panthers. This is the second-highest total in the league behind only Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt (15). Over the last 35 seasons, the only Cowboys player who has more is Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware with 24 multi-sack performances.

Nearing Randy White Territory

Micah Parsons enters Sunday Night just one sack away from reaching 50.0 over his career. He currently sits eighth on the Cowboys all-time sack list and is only three away from passing Hall of Famer Randy White for seventh on the list (52.0).

Outlaws of Land and Sea

The last two regular season meetings between Tampa Bay and Dallas have both ended in favor of the Buccaneers, while the Cowboys took their one playoff meeting. Tom Brady defeated the Cowboys in both season openers for 2021 (31-29) and 2022 (19-3). However, Dallas had the bigger (and most recent laugh) by defeating Tampa Bay in Tom Brady's final NFL start.

Curious Case of Mayfield in Primetime

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield has lost each of his last eight primetime starts dating back to 2021. He currently holds a 0-5 record with Tampa Bay after being 0-1 with Los Angeles and 0-2 with Cleveland. However, despite the losses he has 11 passing touchdowns and three interceptions in the five games with Tampa. His 101.2 passer rating in those games is the fourth-highest among quarterbacks with three-or-more starts.

Opportunity for Evans

Despite the defense playing some improved football over the last few weeks, the Cowboys have still been susceptible to good wide receiver play. Dallas has allowed a 100-yard receiver in three of their last four games with Terry McLaurin (102 yards, TD), Ja'Marr Chase (177 yards, 2 TD), and Jalen Coker (110 yards, TD) all hitting the century mark. This week they face Mike Evans who tallied a season-high 9 receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers.

Big Time Rush

Part of Dallas' recent success has stemmed from the improved play from Cooper Rush. Over his first two starts, Rush lost both games and finished with one touchdown and one interception to go along with his 70.4 passer rating. Since Week 12, he has won three of his last four starts with eight passing touchdowns and just one interception, leading to a 98.4 passer rating. Dallas went from averaging 8.0 points per game to 27.8 points per game over those two stretches.

Home is Where the Struggles Are

This season, Dallas has put up far better numbers in their seven road games than their seven home games. Dallas is allowing 33.4 points per game with a 1-6 record at home while they've allowed 20.9 points per game on the road, leading to a 5-2 record. This week they face a Buccaneers offense that has averaged 31.6 points per game on the road, most in the NFL.