2024-09-19 05:58:02
The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of followers and as many or more detractors, and they’ve never been a team with a gray area. Now, these extreme behaviors are reflected on the pitch, causing fans to question.
What is the true version of Dallas’ defense?
On one hand, the Cowboys gave up 54 yards, forced two tackles and sacked Cleveland’s quarterback six times in the first half in their first game of the season. On the other hand, a week later against the Saints, the team allowed 41 points in three quarters. Who to believe?
The answer will be revealed on Sunday afternoon when they host the Ravens, who are looking to resolve their own issues.
Baltimore, which finished last season with the league’s best record, is off to an 0-2 start for the first time since 2015, and much of its problems can be attributed to MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and an offense that’s finding its identity as He has put more emphasis on aerial attack.
Despite having their most efficient offense two weeks later (417.5 yards per game), the Ravens have yet to score more than 23 points this season after exceeding that number 12 times in 2023. Finding solutions for injured teams in Pride could be doubly complicated.
In the 44-19 defeat to New Orleans, the Cowboys’ 16-game winning streak at home during the regular season was broken. To make matters worse, this is their second consecutive home game loss of more than 40 points after losing to Green Bay 48-32 in last season’s wild card round.
His 19 points on the field were his fewest since Week 1 of the 2022 season.
In his first year in Dallas, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer must find urgent answers or the Cowboys will have no choice but to add eternal pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott and his teammates, to keep up with the candidates.
Chargers (2-0) vs. Pittsburgh (2-0)
Wrecked two of the worst offenses in the NFL, putting the Chargers and Steelers on track to become the NFL’s No. 1 and 2 scoring defenses and two of only nine undefeated defenses left in the entire league .
Next Sunday, one of the two groups will take off their masks and reveal their true colors.
After facing the Raiders and Panthers, the Chargers’ defense has given up 13 points, and on the road to Pittsburgh, Los Angeles has lost 12 of 14 regular-season games. Momentum?
Or can the Steelers find enough offense to continue their surprising start to the season against a defense that gave up 16 points against Atlanta and Denver?
Pittsburgh didn’t seem to be bothered by the lack of excitement in the game. The Steelers have more wins than touchdowns this season. In fact, over the course of head coach Mike Tomlin’s career, he’s 42-40-1 (.512) when his teams score a touchdown or less in a game. For comparison purposes, the rest of the league’s winning percentage in this situation is .227.
The Steelers have allowed just 31 points and 521 yards in two games and appear to be a solid defensive opponent. The Chargers are looking to become the first team since 2009 (Denver) to allow no more than 10 points in the first three games of the season.
The Steelers are eager to achieve that goal, too, but they face a more complicated task. Chargers running back JK Dobbins leads the NFL with 266 rushing yards, bringing balance to an offense that only had to throw the ball 46 times.
NFL Week 3 begins Thursday with the Patriots (1-1) visiting the Jets (1-1). New England has won 15 of the last 16 games in the series. New York made four trips to the red zone, three of which resulted in touchdowns.
Sunday’s games will continue with the following games: Giants (0-2) at Cleveland (1-1); Bears (1-1) at Indianapolis (0-2); Texans (2-0) ) vs. Minnesota (2-0); Eagles (1-1) vs. New Orleans (2-0); Broncos (0-2) vs. Tampa Bay (2-0); Packers (1-1) vs. Tennessee State (0-2); Panthers (0-2) vs. Las Vegas (1-1); Dolphins (1-1) at Seattle (2-0); Lions (1-1) vs. Arizona (1-1); 49ers (1-1) vs. Los Angeles Rams (0-2); Chiefs (2-0) at Atlanta (1-1).
The day will end with two games on Monday. First thing in the morning, the Jaguars (2-0) visit Buffalo (2-0). Jacksonville has lost seven of its past eight regular-season games dating back to last season. The Bills are looking to get off to a 3-0 start for the third time under coach Sean McDermott (2017).
Next up, the Commanders (1-1) travel to the home of the Bengals (0-2). Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has not thrown a touchdown pass in his first 53 NFL pass attempts. Cincinnati is off to an 0-2 start for the third consecutive season.
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– What factors contributed to the inconsistency of the Cowboys’ defense in the early part of the season?
Table of Contents
NFL Week 3 Preview: Cowboys’ Defense in Question, Chargers and Steelers Set to Clash
The Dallas Cowboys, known for their passionate fan base and polarizing performances, are facing a crisis of identity on the defensive side of the ball. After a stellar first half against the Cleveland Browns, where they allowed only 54 yards, forced two turnovers, and sacked the quarterback six times, they imploded in the second game against the New Orleans Saints, giving up 41 points in three quarters. This Jekyll-and-Hyde act has left fans wondering: what is the true version of the Cowboys’ defense?
The answer will be revealed on Sunday afternoon when they host the Baltimore Ravens, who are struggling to find their footing despite having the league’s best record last season. The Ravens’ MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson, is still searching for his rhythm, and the team’s offense is undergoing an identity crisis, shifting more towards an aerial attack.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, both boasting undefeated records, are set to clash in a thrilling matchup. The Chargers’ defense has been nothing short of impressive, surrendering only 13 points in their first two games, while the Steelers have allowed a mere 31 points and 521 yards. This battle of defenses will reveal which team is the real deal.
In other Week 3 action, the New England Patriots will visit the New York Jets on Thursday, with the Patriots seeking to extend their 15-game winning streak against their AFC East rivals. Sunday’s games will feature the Giants taking on the Cleveland Browns, the Bears facing off against the Indianapolis Colts, and the Texans squaring off against the Minnesota Vikings, among others.
Storylines to Watch
Can the Cowboys’ defense find consistency and shut down the Ravens’ struggling offense?
Will the Chargers’ defense continue to dominate, or will the Steelers’ offense finally find its footing?
Can the Patriots maintain their stronghold on the Jets, or will New York finally break through?
Which undefeated teams will emerge victorious and maintain their perfect records?
Key Matchups
Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans
Injury Report
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens (ankle)
Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys (ankle)
JK Dobbins, RB, Chargers (knee)
NFL Power Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)
2. Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)
4. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
5. Baltimore Ravens (0-2)
What to Expect
NFL Week 3 promises to be an action-packed affair, with several intriguing matchups and storylines unfolding. The Cowboys’ defense will be under the microscope as they face off against the Ravens, while the Chargers and Steelers will engage in a defensive battle for the ages. With undefeated teams looking to maintain their perfect records, this week’s games are sure to be intense and unpredictable.
What are the key factors contributing to the Cowboys’ defensive inconsistencies this season?
NFL Week 3 Preview: Cowboys’ Defense Under Scrutiny, Ravens Seek Redemption, and Chargers-Steelers Clash
The 2023 NFL season is in full swing, and Week 3 promises to be an exciting one with several intriguing matchups on the schedule. In this article, we’ll delve into the Cowboys’ defensive inconsistencies, the Ravens’ struggles on offense, and the highly anticipated clash between the Chargers and Steelers.
The Enigmatic Cowboys Defense
The Dallas Cowboys have always been a polarizing team, with a loyal fan base and equally passionate detractors. This season, their defense has been the subject of much debate, with some citing their impressive performance in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, while others point to their dismal showing in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
In their season opener, the Cowboys’ defense held the Browns to just 54 yards and forced two turnovers, sacking quarterback Deshaun Watson six times. However, in their Week 2 matchup against the Saints, they allowed 41 points in just three quarters, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. So, which version of the Cowboys’ defense is the real deal?
Ravens Seek Redemption
The Baltimore Ravens, who finished last season with the league’s best record, are off to an 0-2 start for the first time since 2015. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, the reigning MVP, has been under pressure to Perform, and the team’s offense is still finding its identity.
Despite having the league’s most efficient offense two weeks into the season, the Ravens have yet to score more than 23 points in a game, a far cry from their 2023 form, when they exceeded that mark 12 times.
Chargers-Steelers Clash
In one of the most highly anticipated matchups of Week 3, the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are also 2-0. Both teams boast stout defenses, with the Chargers allowing just 13 points in their first two games and the Steelers surrendering only 31 points and 521 yards.
The Chargers, led by running back JK Dobbins, who leads the NFL with 266 rushing yards, are seeking to become the first team since 2009 (Denver) to allow no more than 10 points in the first three games of the season. The Steelers, meanwhile, are looking to continue their surprising start to the season against a defense that has given up just 16 points in two games.
Other Key Matchups
Patriots (1-1) at Jets (1-1): New England has won 15 of the last 16 games in this series, but the Jets are looking to build on their strong start to the season.
Giants (0-2) at Cleveland (1-1): The Giants are seeking their first win of the season, while the Browns look to bounce back from a tough loss to the Ravens.
* Bears (1-1) at Texans (0-2): The Bears aim to build on their Week 2 win, while the Texans are desperate for their first victory of the season.
As we head into Week 3 of the NFL season, one thing is certain: we’re in for an action-packed Sunday filled with exciting matchups, surprising upsets, and thrilling finishes. Buckle up, football fans!