The Dallas Cowboys need a pass rush in the worst way. Through five weeks, they have just five sacks, which are the third fewest in the NFL. Their 36 pressures qualify as the eighth fewest in the NFL. Their defense as a whole, rates dead last in EPA/play and their absent pass rush is a big reason why.
Historically, there’s no better route to success on defense than through the pass rush. It covers up deficiencies in coverage, encourages mistakes from passers, and for some teams not named the Cowboys, it even produces a thing called a “turnover.”
Sarcasm notwithstanding, a Dallas’ biggest need is a rather serious one. Without a decent pass rush, the Cowboys don’t stand a chance this season. Even if they stumble themselves to a division title, it’s highly unlikely they’ll find any success against real teams in the postseason. One way or another, they need to find a pass rush in 2026.
The calls to add a rusher via the trade block has been unrelenting and loud. Names such as Maxx Crosby, Khalil Mack and Josh Sweat have been frequently floated as options for Dallas. On paper, any of the three would make a positive impact on the team. Donovan Ezeiruaku and Rashan Gary have failed to make an impact this year and either could be replaced in the starting lineup without much fuss. So, what exactly is holding Dallas back?
Asking price
For one: it’s probably the asking price. Aside from the L.A. Chargers, teams aren’t motivated sellers right now. That can change at the November 10 trade deadline when contenders and pretenders separate, but that’s still weeks away. If the Cowboys want to upgrade now, they’ll have to make a compelling offer that would likely constitute an overpay.
One piece away?
The bigger question at the moment is, are the Cowboys just one piece away? There’s no question a player like Crosby, Sweat or Mack would make the defense better, but would it vault the worst defense in the NFL into a legit contender?
Even getting to average would be a monumental feat. Average might be good enough in the regular season but if 2023 taught us anything, it takes more than a nice ranking to win in the playoffs. Remember, Dan Quinn’s last season leading the defense produced a top five ranking and also a historic postseason defeat. And the offense might have even been better that year too. Gimmicks don’t work in the postseason so trading the farm for a player who only matters in the regular season probably isn’t a great investment.
New faces
Another solution, even as a temporary experiment, is to change from within. Bringing in a blitz-happy coach like Mike Pettine is a great start but trying out other players in pass rushing roles is also a great way to use all available resources.
James Houston, one of Dallas’ top rushers from a season before, has been stuck riding the pine most of the season. Getting him more meaningful snaps could jumpstart things on the field. DeMarvion Overshown, once the Cowboys' best pass rusher not named Parsons, could be re-cast in a downhill role again. Overshown is due back soon and could be the top beneficiary of Pettine’s blitzes.
No time to lose
Whatever the Cowboys decide, there’s no time to lose. At 2-3, the Cowboys have a losing record and can’t afford to flounder for much longer. With winnable games ahead, Dallas could realistically move to 5-3 by the deadline. Then again, they could just as easily fall to 3-5 and effectively remove themselves from the conversation entirely.
The Cowboys are at a fork in the road so they need to ask themselves whether they’re just one player away or not. Plainly, it’s a question to be asked each week until the deadline and if the stars align maybe they will be just one player away.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys need a pass rush, but are they really just a pass rusher away?