Cowboys Country

Cowboys edge rusher deserves more playing time heading into Week 5

According to the numbers, one Dallas Cowboys edge rusher is deserving of more playing time heading into Week 5.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys are on the road in Week 5. On Sunday, the team will meet the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

Playing a team with zero wins doesn't mean the Cowboys can overlook the Jets on Sunday. However, this should be a favorable matchup.

MORE: Jerry Jones gives Cowboys fans reason to remain optimistic about 2025 season

One thing that needs to be cleaned up for the Cowboys before Sunday's game is the defensive side of the ball. In the past three games, the unit has given up over 30 points.

This week, the job will be to contain Jets quarterback Justin Fields. The best way to do that would be to send pressure.

But who could be the best option to get into the Jets' backfield? He hasn't had as much playing time as others, but edge rusher James Houston has the potential to have a monster game on Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Brandon Loree of Blogging The Boys shared a stat from NFL Pro, which stated that seven players from the Cowboys have had more pass rushing snaps this season than Houston. However, Houston is the only one to have multiple sacks.

MORE: Dak Prescott thinks George Pickens put NFL on notice with standout performance

Houston's career got off to a great start with the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, injuries would slow him down for the rest of his time in Detroit. The former sixth-round pick has so far proved that his fresh start in Dallas is what he has needed.

Now, the coaching staff needs to put more faith in someone who could be their best pass rusher.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston tackles New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston tackles New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI

Dallas Cowboys vs New York Jets, Week 5 betting odds & preview

3 keys to a big Dallas Cowboys victory over Jets in Week 5

4 Cowboys players with most to prove entering Week 5 vs Jets

Cowboys' initial injury report for Week 5 includes 6 starters missing practice

Dallas Cowboys mock draft lands team 'giant & disruptive DT,' elite cover corner

PHOTOS: Meet Brenley Herrera, viral Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader rookie


Published
Tyler Reed
TYLER REED

Tyler is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he majored in communications. Aside from his roles with the Cowboys and Chargers on SI, Tyler also covers sports and pop culture for The Big Lead.