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Cowboys’ Defense Focused on Discipline Ahead of Lamar Jackson Challenge
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- Cowboys’ Defense Focused on Discipline Ahead of Lamar Jackson Challenge
The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for one of their biggest defensive challenges of the young season.
The Cowboys will face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, giving Dallas' defense the difficult task for containing one of the NFL's most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks. Jackson's abiltiy to hurt defenses both through the air and on the ground has Cowboys defenders emphasizing discipline, communication and finishing plays.
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Dallas outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku knows the challenge that awaits.
Cowboys know they can't lose discipline
Against Jackson, Dallas cannot afford to abandon its responsibilities in an attempt to make a splash play.
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Defensive tackle Kenny Clark emphasized that communication and maintaining proper rush lanes will be critical against Baltimore's offense.
That discipline becomes even more important against Jackson because if he decides to utilize his escape ability when he's out the pocket, one missed assignment can turn into a significant gain.
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For Dallas' pass rushers, the goal will be to pressure Jackson without creating escape lanes. The Cowboys have shown an ability to get quarterbacks off their spots, but Clark believes the next step is finishing opportunities.
"Once you get to the level of the quarterback, instead of focusing on getting a big hit on him or lunging at him, gather your feet and just get your body on him and get him down," Clark said.
Ezeiruaku looking to turn pressures into sacks
Ezeiruaku enters the matchup with something to prove to himself.
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The second year outside linebacker has generated pressure and is currently leading the team in pressures but hasn't consistently converted those opportunities into sacks. He admitted that the missed opportunities have been frustrating, particularly because he holds himself to a high standard.
"It's very frustrating, especially being my hardest critic," Ezeiruaku said. "That's just something that was emphasized especially this week. Even today in practice, that was the biggest emphasis for me as well as the rest of the outside linebacker."
Against Jackson, finishing those plays will be especially important.
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Ezeiruaku has studied what makes Jackson so difficult to defend and believes his versatility separates him from most quarterbacks.
"How versatile he is," Ezeiruaku said. "How he's honed is as being a quarterback who can sit in the pocket, take hits, deliver big shots down the field. But at the same time, we all know what it is, he can run that ball too.
Cowboys face unique challenge with Jackson
Containing Jackson requires more than simply winning one-on-one matchups.
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Ezeiruaku pointed out that Ravens RB Derrick Henry's size and ability create a unique challenge for defenders. Also when Jackson takes off, tackling him can become similar to bringing down a running back.
"It is very unique," Ezeiruaku said. "For a guy who's probably bigger than me, playing running back, you've got to take out the legs, that's the only way to stop a guy like that from running the ball. Easier said than done like it is with Lamar, but it'll be a really good challenge."
That will be easier said than done.
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The Cowboys' defensive front will need to maintain its rush lanes, communicate effectively and finish when opportunities arrive. Against Jackson, getting close isn't enough.
Dallas knows exactly what kind of challenge is coming. Now, its defense has to execute.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
