DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for one of their biggest defensive challenges of the young season: slowing down Lamar Jackson and a Baltimore Ravens offense that also features one of the NFL’s most physical running backs in Derrick Henry.
Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark said discipline will be especially important when Dallas faces Jackson on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.
The Cowboys have dealt with mobile quarterbacks during their first two games and have struggled at times to bring them down behind the line of scrimmage. Clark said the defensive front must stay disciplined, communicate and maintain its responsibilities rather than allowing rushing lanes to open for Jackson.
Against Baltimore, that discipline will be tested by both Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs and Henry’s power in the running game.
“It’s definitely a challenge,” Clark said.
Clark also pointed to improvement from the defensive line in Dallas’ Week 2 victory over Washington. The group did a better job handling blocks and defending the run, but Clark said the next step is finishing possessions.
The Cowboys want to force Baltimore into third-and-long situations and get off the field instead of allowing the Ravens to sustain long drives.
“We’ve got to get off the field,” Clark said.
The trip to Brazil adds another element to the week, but Clark said his approach remains the same. With the Cowboys already two games into the season, he is focused on following the normal weekly routine, preparing his body and being ready to play Sunday.
Dallas will face Baltimore at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, with kickoff scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
For Clark and the Cowboys’ defensive front, the assignment is clear: stay disciplined, control the line of scrimmage and prevent Jackson from turning broken plays into big gains.
