How Will Dallas Cowboys Attack an Injured Buffalo Bills Defense in Week 15?
There might not be anyone on the face of the planet playing as good of football as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. That spells trouble for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, even with a titan of their own under center.
Of course, Buffalo’s blizzard of injuries only makes stopping this vaunted Dallas offense tougher. Linebacker Matt Milano, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, and cornerback Tre’Davious White have all missed extensive time, the first two of which were playing at an All-Pro level when they went down.
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott will look to add to his MVP campaign on Sunday.
USA TODAY Sports
Unsurprisingly, the Bills defense has suffered. Since Week 6 – Milano went down in Week 5’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars – Buffalo ranks 20th in expected points added per play and 21st in success rate. Although the defense stepped up against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, helping pull off a 20-17 win, they remain vulnerable.
Specifically, they match up poorly with the Cowboys offense, which thrives over the middle of the field.
Prescott is a hard quarterback to stifle and has the confidence (and at times, arrogance) to make throws into traffic. He’s been aggressive and yet ruthlessly efficient, especially on passes up the seam.
Tight end Jake Ferguson has been a significant beneficiary of this development. His prowess after the catch helps break off big plays, but when he’s coming down with chunk gains on throws many quarterbacks wouldn’t think to attempt, the offense becomes even more dangerous. On the year, he is Dallas’ second-leading receiver with 51 catches, 570 yards, and five scores.
According to Mina Kimes, these injuries have taken a demonstrative toll on the Bills pass defense, particularly over the middle of the field. Since Week 6, they rank 31st in passer rating, 30th in success rate, and 26th in expected points added per play to that portion of the gridiron.
What makes the Cowboys even more of a threat here is their proclivity for giving star receiver CeeDee Lamb his targets however possible. He’s been targeted 131 times this season and will likely eclipse 100 catches on the year on Sunday in Western New York. With six games of over 100+ receiving yards (three over 150), he’s no stranger to taking over games.
Dallas is more than happy to deploy him in the slot, where he can take advantage of easier assignments and wreak havoc over the middle of the field. That’s a tall task for nickel corner Taron Johnson, assuming his ankle is good enough to go.
To make matters worse, edge rusher A.J. Epenesa is considered week-to-week, hindering Buffalo’s strong pass rush. Veteran safety Micah Hyde, who has made a career out of controlling the deep middle of the field, has also been ruled out with a neck stinger.
The Cowboys are an elite offense and a buzzsaw between the numbers, just where the Bills are weakest. Their ability to step up to the task and force more difficult perimeter throws could have a significant impact on both the MVP and respective playoff races.
