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Do you think we are having more success with the run game simply because we are facing lower quality opponents? I'd like to think these backup linemen are getting live reps and getting that much better, but the defensive lines we have faced lately have not been much for stopping g the run either. – Charles Short/Conroe, TX
Nick: I've said this too many times this year but sometimes the answer is both. I think the combination of playing teams that aren't at the top of the standings plus the unit coming together at the same time is the right answer.
A few weeks ago, the Cowboys faced a Giants team on Thanksgiving that had allowed five straight opponents to rush over 140 yards. The Cowboys ran it well that day but it was still ubder140. That tells me it's on the opponents as the reason but then again, this offensive unit has come together despite the injuries.
It's not like every team is gashing the Panthers for 211 yards so let's give the Cowboys some credit. Another factor is that in the last four games, the Cowboys have led in the fourth quarter in every game, suggesting that they've been in position to run the ball for the entire game. Add it all up and this is what you get.
Kurt: I think there have been several factors involved, and yes, who they've played is no doubt one of the reasons. Over their last four games, the Cowboys have faced the Commanders, Giants, Bengals and Panthers, teams that rank 26th, 31st, 21st and 32nd, respectively, in total rushing yards allowed. Not exactly the crème of the crop. And I agree, the offensive line has seemingly shown improvement.
Zack Martin is a Hall of Famer, but he was playing hurt, maybe the veteran Chuma Edoga has provided a little bit more stability on the left side, Brock Hoffman has brought an edge to the group and, of course, Tyler Smith is a Pro Bowler. And although Terence Steele has struggled at times pass blocking, he's been solid in the run game, so they are playing to his strength. But with all that said, the biggest factor might be that head coach Mike McCarthy has simply shown a greater commitment to feeding Rico Dowdle the ball. Through the first 10 games this season, Dowdle had more than 12 carries just once. In this current four-game stretch, he's gotten the handoff at least 18 times and has twice topped 20, including a career-high 25 rushing attempts against the Panthers. He's showing that when given the chance, he can produce.
Undoubtedly, the competition will get tougher now with the Buccaneers ranking 12th in yards allowed and the Eagles seventh. And they and the Commanders are all pushing for the playoffs. Hopefully, though, we'll continue to see more of the same from the Cowboys' rushing attack over these last three games.
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