#pass-rush

#pass-rush

The Cowboys run defense was one of the worst, if not the worst, in the league prior to the trade that brought Quinnen Williams to Dallas. His addition to their defensive line has been the catalyst that has dramatically improved the run defense for the better. Since Williams' arrival opponents have only rushed for 204 yards, averaging 68 yards per game. While it's definitely encouraging, they haven't faced a RB duo like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

The Washington Commanders signed Von Miller late into the summer. They had grave concerns about their edge rushing unit, so general manager Adam Peters acquired a future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer who could provide some short-term relief as a rotational presence. Miller has flashed moments of quality. He's not the dominant game-wrecker of previous years, but nobody expected him to be. And the fact that Washington is dealing with so many health problems in their pass-rushing unit isn't exactly helping matters either.

The Patriots want to extend their win streak and maintain their undefeated away record, but they'll likely be without some key contributors on offense, which will already be in for a tough day against a very dominant Tampa defensive line. Although they faced the league's best defense just two weeks ago vs. the Browns, the Bucs are not going to be any easier.

In fact, the former second-round pick has been a trade target since the preseason, although the Falcons haven't shown any desire to trade him up to this point. Fowler notes that Atlanta's front office will listen to offers on any players, leading the reporter to believe Ebiketie could be had for the right price. Ebiketie appeared to be a foundational piece as recently as last season.

When he was signed by the New York Jets before the 2022 season, Jacob Martin told the New York Post, "I'm a total football player." That statement came five months after former NFL scout Daniel Kelly had essentially eviscerated the four-year veteran on Sports Illustrated. In his story, Kelly referred to Martin as one of the worst run defenders he had ever seen at the defensive end spot.

The old question of "What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?" could not be better to describe the Dallas Cowboys week eight matchup versus the Denver Broncos. Through seven weeks, the Cowboys offense ranks second in EPA/play, ninth in success rate, third in dropback EPA, and fifth in rush EPA. In the same time frame, the Broncos defense ranks fourth in EPA/play, first in success rate, third in dropback EPA, and 17th in rush EPA.

While this matchup is worth monitoring, the one between Dak Prescott and Denver's pass rush could be more important. The Broncos are the best pass rushing unit in the league right now. They lead the NFL in sacks (34), QB hits (65), QB pressures (125), and QB pressure percentage (47.2). Keeping Prescott clean an upright in the pocket could be paramount to success in Week 8.

The 49ers are among the teams interested in trading for Hendrickson, though Cincinnati is reportedly not interested in moving him. Other expected suitors include the Colts, Eagles, and Cowboys, per Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline. Hendrickson is owed $9.8MM for the rest of the season if traded after Week 8 ($8.9MM if after Week 9, per OverTheCap), and the Bengals will likely want an acquiring team to pick up all of his remaining salary.

The New England Patriots' defense is clearly a strong unit, as they rank in the top ten in points allowed per game. Their run defense has been particularly impressive, as the additions of Milton Williams and Harold Landry have helped support the defensive line. Rookie Joshua Farmer and free agent Khyiris Tonga have also gotten plenty of opportunities, and the unit holds teams to less than 84 yards on the ground per game. No rusher has eclipsed 50 yards against them this season.