In a crucial matchup, the Dallas Cowboys will face off against the Las Vegas Raiders, showcasing key player Brock Bowers. This primetime game is expected to draw significant attention, especially with the Cowboys facing challenges in their defense against the pass.
Current State of the Cowboys’ Defense
The Dallas Cowboys have made efforts to strengthen their defense. However, they continue to struggle against aerial attacks. The key statistics for the Cowboys’ defense this season include:
- Allowed the second-most passing touchdowns: 22
- Ranked fifth in completion percentage against: 68.5%
- Ranked seventh in passing yards allowed: 2,290 yards
- Second-most yards per attempt on downfield passes: 13.4 yards
These figures indicate vulnerabilities that the Raiders may exploit during the game.
Geno Smith’s Performance
Quarterback Geno Smith has faced inconsistency throughout the season. Despite these challenges, he has the potential to perform well against the Cowboys’ defense. In 2024, Smith had a strong 98.6 passer rating, highlighting his ability to throw deep plays, with eight touchdowns on passes over 20 air yards. Currently, however, his passer rating has decreased to 75.3, along with a 2:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Looking Ahead
As Smith prepares for this crucial game, he has expressed his intentions clearly. “I’ve got to cut it loose, man. Just don’t think too much,” he stated. His focus is on protecting the football while increasing offensive production.
“We’ve got to score points. We’ve got to score a lot more points than we have,” he added, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as the season progresses.
In this primetime clash, all eyes will be on Smith and the Raiders to see if they can capitalize on the Cowboys’ defensive weaknesses while star player Brock Bowers plays a pivotal role in their offensive strategy.
