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The Cowboys move on from the Jets debacle and start preparations for a visit from the Eagles. Games don’t get much bigger than this one in the regular season, let’s see what coach Jason Garrett had to say. (All answers are paraphrased and not actual quotes).
Tyrone Crawford out
Jason Garrett discussed how Tyrone Crawford has been “one of the better” defensive linemen on the Cowboys for a couple of years and while he tried to power through he’s no longer able which is why they’re placing him on injured reserve. Noted surgery is always the last resort but they reached that point.
Cowboys are bringing in Justin Hamilton to replace Crawford
Garrett mentioned the Cowboys worked out Hamilton a few weeks ago and are excited about some interior defensive line presence.
Injury status for practice today
Amari Cooper, Randall Cobb, Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, Anthony Brown and Byron Jones are not expected to practice today
Reason for defense not performing this year
The Cowboys defense has hardly lived up to their 2018 form and Jason Garrett mentioned that while he didn’t want to get into comparisons that they need to do a better job with things like forcing turnovers. He liked that the team has kept scoring down, but noted they need more impact plays. Even though some of the defense is young, Garrett said they have vets too and they feel good about the mix.
Problems creating turnovers
The Cowboys are the only team in the NFL that hasn’t started a possession on the opponent’s side of the field. Obviously turnovers help with that. Coach noted that a lot of that has to do with pressuring and sacking the quarterback and forcing them to throw passe that might be off target. He also discussed cashing in when opportunities are there like the job Jourdan Lewis did in the Jets game. He finished up by talking about punching the ball out and stripping it to create fumbles, something they work on all the time.
Freelancing among the defensive line
Coach was asked if freelancing on the defensive line is a problem and he noted that you want gap integrity. He said you need to give your ends freedom to rush around the QB, but that they also need to have inside moves too. They don’t want to let the QB step up in the pocket regularly and that the team needs to do a better job of affecting the quarterback.
Great respect for the Eagles defense
Philadelphia released linebacker Zach Brown this week, but Jason Garrett was firm in that the Eagles defense has plenty of star players.
Cowboys have seen a lot of Eagles crossover on film
It goes without saying that the Cowboys are studying their opponent, but such has been the case in previous weeks as well. Interestingly both the Packers and Jets were coming off of games (losses specifically) against the Eagles when Dallas got to play them so they’ve seen a lot of Eagles film even in their preparation for other games prior to this one.
Dorance Armstrong won’t do much on Wednesday
Jason Garrett noted that they’re hopeful he can practice later on in the week but given that Wednesday is a padded practice they’ll be careful.
Noah Brown, Connor McGovern are working to get back
Both players are doing well according to Garrett but they are likely weeks away from getting involved. He did note they are engaged in rehab and meetings.