3 distinct advantages Commanders have over the Cowboys in 2022
By Jerry Trotta
1. Defensive Line
There’s simply no comparing the Commanders’ and Cowboys’ defensive lines. With four first-round picks in Jonathan Allen, Chase Young, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat, there’s a reason Pro Football Focus ranked Washington’s line as the second-best in the NFL only to the Rams (mostly because Aaron Donald) for 2022.
It’s crazy to think Allen, Young Payne and Sweat only have two Pro Bowls between them, but everyone recognizes their talent and potential. Allen is one of the best pass-rushing interior defenders in the game, Young can put a defense on his back any given week, Payne is a monster against the run (and underrated as a pass rusher) and Sweat is as versatile as they come amongst edge rushers.
DeMarcus Lawrence, meanwhile, is the Cowboys’ only recognized defensive line talent and he hasn’t eclipsed double-digit sacks since 2018. Yes, his impact goes beyond quarterback takedowns — he had a 91.0 player grade from PFF last year — but he shouldn’t strike fear into Washington largely because he’ll command double teams and chip blocks due to Dallas’ lack of difference-makers up front.
Micah Parsons is a different story, but he’s technically a linebacker.
The rest of Dallas’ defensive front is composed of Dante Fowler, who’s looking to revive his career under former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, Dorance Armstrong, who posted a career-high five sacks in 2021, rookie Sam Williams and interior defenders Neville Gallimore, Osa Odighizuwa and John Ridgeway.
Advantage, Commanders. In a landslide.
