Dallas Cowboys: Reading between the lines (defense)

"Denver blocks really well and have allowed only 47 total pressures this year, that's the second-best this year. Sean Payton's main four guys of Garett Bolles, Mike McGlinchey, Quinn Meinerz, and Luke Wattenberg has been one of the league's stabilizing forces. ESPN's tracking has the Broncos first in Pass Block Win Rate (73%) and league-average 18th in the run game (71%). Even zooming out, their front was profiled as the main strength on the roster after finishing top-six in both win-rate metrics last year."

"That protection feeds Bo Nix, who's not been the best when it comes to quarterbacking but has stayed efficient with 1,556 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer rating of 87.3 QBR through the first seven weeks. He'll also punish soft interiors with some sneaky keepers and scrambles and regularly layers play-action and quick RPOs to keep linebackers flat-footed. All this lets Nix throw on rhythm, and starts with the offensive line."

"The ground game has pace also. J.K. Dobbins is thriving in orange with 105 carries, 523 yards, and four touchdowns. He's a downhill, patient runner who hits creases without bouncing sideways. Since 2024, Denver has also gotten real rushing value from the quarterback spot, which forces interior rushers to collapse with lane discipline, not just fury. Expect change-ups from Jaleel McLaughlin in space and a dash of fullback to stress run fits."

Cowboys defensive line is positioned as the decisive factor in game outcomes. Five defensive-line entries show varied 2025 usage and production, with snaps ranging from 56 to 315, tackles from 2 to 19, pressures from 0 to 23, and sacks 0–2. Denver has allowed only 47 pressures, ranking second-best, with Garett Bolles, Mike McGlinchey, Quinn Meinerz, and Luke Wattenberg stabilizing pass protection. Broncos lead in Pass Block Win Rate (73%) and sit 18th in run-game win rate (71%). Bo Nix has 1,556 passing yards, 11 TDs, four INTs, and an 87.3 passer rating while using play-action, quick RPOs, and scrambles. J.K. Dobbins has 105 carries for 523 yards and four touchdowns; Jaleel McLaughlin and occasional fullback usage add change-ups to the ground attack.

Read at Blogging The Boys