How the Cowboys can weather the storm without their defensive stars

Despite a 20-15 win on Thursday night over the Giants, the Dallas Cowboys face defensive challenges after injuries to Demarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons.

Ali Jawad | Sep 27, 2024

Jul 30, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. / Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

In this story:

Dallas Cowboys | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been hit with a major blow, as Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a foot injury suffered in their Week 4 victory over the New York Giants.

Lawrence's injury occurred on the first possession of the second half. The veteran in his 11th season has registered 3.0 sacks, four tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits through the first four games.

This setback comes on the heels of linebacker Micah Parsons being sidelined with what is reported to be a high-ankle sprain, leaving the Cowboys without two of their key defensive contributors for the foreseeable future.

MORE: 4 winners & 3 losers in Cowboys nail-biting Week 4 victory over Giants

While the timeline on Parsons is still TBD, the defensive star sustained an injury toward the end of the game while attempting to apply pressure from the interior.

A collision with Giants guard Greg Van Roten, who fell on the back of Parsons' leg, caused the All-Pro to limp off the field. He was later carted to the locker room for X-rays.

Parsons, a three-time All-Pro, has never missed a game due to injury and has recorded 14 tackles and one sack through four games this season.

Source: MRI confirms #Cowboys versatile edge rusher Micah Parsons suffered a high ankle sprain vs the Giants and will likely miss games.

Also, MRI on DE DeMarcus Lawrence revealed foot injury and will result in further evaluation by a local foot and ankle specialist. He will…
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) September 27, 2024

The absence of Lawrence and Parsons is a major loss, but defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will need to lead the Cowboys' defense in a positive direction.

Despite the setbacks, the team still has the talent and depth to overcome this challenge. Here are some strategies they can use to compensate for the absence of their injured stars.

MORE: Jerry Jones 'tickled to death' by Cowboys defensive performance

Next Man Up

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

When one player is unable to perform, the next one steps up, which was the game plan after Dallas lost cornerback Daron Bland before the start of the season and relied on the next man up, in this case rookie Caelen Carson, to see more snaps.

The Cowboys will now rely on their depth up front to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Players such as veteran Carl Lawson, rookie Marshawn Kneeland who had the only sack on the night for the Cowboys, and Chauncy Golston will be essential in generating this pressure.

MORE: 4 takeaways from Dallas Cowboys Week 4 win over rival Giants

The Cowboys will also need their interior defensive linemen to step up and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Names like Osa Odighizuwa, who has nine career sacks and 42 pressures, second-year defender Mazi Smith, and the recently signed Carlos Watkins will be crucial in collapsing the pocket and creating opportunities for the edge rushers.

DeMarvion Overshown

Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The Cowboys don't have another Micah Parsons, but they do have a DeMarvion Overshown who was all over the field last night.

Like Parsons, Overshown can play both inside and outside linebacker roles, giving the defense flexibility in its scheme.

Here is every tackle by #Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown in Week 4: pic.twitter.com/EVMMKx1toU
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) September 27, 2024

His exceptional speed allows him to make plays in space and quickly cover a lot of ground, which was the case last night on a touchdown-saving tackle against Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson.

After missing his rookie season due to a torn ACL, the second-year backer has recorded 29 tackles, one sack, two QB hits, one pass deflection, and three QB pressures this season.

He has a knack for making big plays, whether it's a tackle for loss, a sack, or a pass breakup.