Pass Protection could be the X-Factor for the Dallas Cowboys

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As much criticism as Dak Prescott received for the loss to San Francisco, the Cowboys pivot has not gotten a lot of time to throw the ball lately.

His offensive line only gave up one sack in their opening two games of the campaign but have allowed three or more in back-to-back contests, including four against the Niners.

Overall, the Cowboys’ 10 sacks allowed is pretty good, but it has to be said that they have not been as solid along the line of scrimmage in recent outings.

Formidable opponent

Containing a Niners defense that can boast Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave is as tricky a duo to stop in the NFL.

On Monday Night Football, the job will not be any easier for Mike McCarthy’s crew, as the Chargers have a pass rush that will be a handful.

Khalil Mack leads the way for LA, as he is tied for second in the league with six sacks, two behind Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt.

Monday will be the first time the Cowboys face Mack as a member of the Chargers and the third time historically that they battle the 32-year-old linebacker.

In both of their previous meeting, they did well to contain him for the most part, allowing a total of three sacks, two when he was with the Raiders in 2017, and a combined seven tackles overall.

Mack, though, is just one of many Charger defenders that Dan Quinn’s defense will need to keep an eye out for.

Nick’s brother Joey Bosa and Morgan Fox have three sacks each, and by committee, the Chargers are averaging four sacks per game.

Secondary Holes

If Dallas’ offensive line can contain the pass rush, they should be able to make some big plays down the field.

The Chargers’ pass coverage is not nearly as strong as their pass rush, allowing more yards per game through the air this year than anyone in the NFL (299.8).

LA have allowed a 98.5 rating to QBs in 2023 (25th) and 12.7 yards per catch, with the latter tied for the second-highest average in the league heading into this weekend.

The Chargers have allowed seven passing touchdowns in four games this year but did not give one up against the Raiders the last time out.

It wasn’t as if they were going up against a seasoned pro, though, in fact, the exact opposite as Aidan O’Connell was making his NFL debut behind centre.

The Chargers pass rush saved them against the Raiders with seven sacks, as this team seems to live or die by getting to the quarterback.

That means Dak Prescott will probably have to get the ball out quicker and go through his reads faster.

If he can do that, CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup could be in for a big game.

The Chargers have allowed a 113.8 rating to wide receivers so far in 2023, and that’s an area you’d think Dallas would want to try and expose.

Speaking of exposing, if they are to pick on a Chargers cover man, Michael Davis should be at the top of that list, as he’s allowed four touchdowns and a rating over 140.

Overcome the Chargers pass rush, and there’s a good chance we see Dallas putting up more points.