'We're Hunting!' Kearse Reveals Cowboys Threat for Running QBs

The Dallas Cowboys allowed New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson to scramble frequently on Sunday, but safety Jayron Kearse has plans to limit the damage.

The Dallas Cowboys have dominated opposing offenses through two weeks, thanks in part to an electric front seven. They sacked New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones seven times in their 40-0 Week 1 massacre and added three more against the New York Jets on Sunday.

Through a combination of incredible talent and a favorable early-season schedule, the Cowboys look like the best defense in the league.

However, if there's a crack in the foundation of Dallas’ defensive success, it’s the rushing success of opposing quarterbacks. Jones rushed for 43 yards in an ultimately fruitless affair, but posed a legitimate threat with his legs on the game’s opening drive. In Week 2’s 38-10 win, opposing quarterback Zach Wilson was the Jets’ leading rusher, scrambling for 36 yards—at least four times as many as any New York back.

Obviously, it didn’t hurt them too badly, but with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looming (twice), Dallas could stand to improve in this regard. Safety Jayron Kearse spoke about the adjustments his defense needs to make.

“We have to make them pay,” Kearse said. “Understand that … we’re coming to hit. We’re hunting. Those backs feel it week in and week out. But if you want to be a part of that, then you’re going to feel it as well.”

So far this season, Kearse has been a versatile asset to the Cowboys’ defense. He’s lined up at free safety, in the box, and in the slot. He has performed admirably, including an interception on Sunday during the home opener.

“We’re gonna put these shoulder pads and this helmet on you and we’re gonna make you second-guess if you want to get outside that pocket and scramble,” Kearse continued. “You better start sliding.”

The aggression may result in a few more flags being thrown, but that may be the price to pay to keep passers in the pocket. This pass rush has embarrassed every offensive line it has faced in 2023. Keeping passers in muddied pockets would only make Dallas’ job easier.

Expect to see a more aggressive version of the Cowboys’ defense take the field next Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals and journeyman backup Josh Dobbs, who’s been thrust into the starting job in place of the rehabbing Kyler Murray.