FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are heading into an unusual Week 3 challenge, but Donovan Ezeiruaku is approaching it with a familiar mindset: prepare, recover and finish.
The second-year outside linebacker has made his presence felt early this season, leading Dallas with nine quarterback pressures through two games. Five of those pressures came in Sunday’s 37-20 victory over Washington, although the Cowboys did not record a sack in the game.
For Ezeiruaku, getting close isn’t enough.
“It’s very frustrating, especially being my hardest critic,” Ezeiruaku said. “That’s just something that was emphasized especially this week.”
That emphasis becomes even more important against the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose ability to extend plays with his legs creates a different set of problems for a defense.
Jackson has rushed for a touchdown in each of his two career games against Dallas and has accumulated 181 rushing yards in those matchups. Through the first two weeks of this season, Dallas has also allowed 126 rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks.
Ezeiruaku understands that defending Jackson requires more than simply keeping him inside the pocket.
“He’s somebody who can throw the ball, but also run the ball at a very high level,” Ezeiruaku said. “It’s easier to say than to do, but our job is to go out there and go do it.”
What stands out to Ezeiruaku is Jackson’s development as a passer. The Cowboys linebacker said he respects Jackson’s ability to remain in the pocket, absorb pressure and make throws downfield while still possessing the athleticism to hurt defenses as a runner.
That combination makes Jackson particularly difficult to prepare for.
“He’s honed in on being a quarterback,” Ezeiruaku said, pointing to Jackson’s ability to sit in the pocket and deliver the football while maintaining his threat as a runner.
The challenge doesn’t stop with Jackson.
Baltimore also brings veteran running back Derrick Henry, a 6-foot-3, 252-pound presence who adds another physical dimension to the Ravens’ rushing attack.
“It’s very unique,” Ezeiruaku said. “For a guy who’s probably bigger than me playing running back, you’ve got to take out the legs. That’s the only way to stop a guy like that from running the ball.”
Dallas will also have to adjust to the international trip. The Cowboys are scheduled to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the matchup, with the team emphasizing recovery and preparation during the unusual turnaround.
Ezeiruaku said the international setting is exciting, but once the game arrives, the opponent remains the priority.
“It’s really just another game against a really good opponent,” he said.
For Ezeiruaku, the goal in Brazil is straightforward: turn the pressure into production.
The Cowboys have gotten to opposing quarterbacks. Against Baltimore, Ezeiruaku knows they have to finish the play.
