After getting embarrassed in Week 2, Cowboys’ run defense faces tough matchup in Derrick Henry

After the Dallas Cowboys’ 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints last week in Week 2, the disgrace still lingers in the air. Despite having homefield advantage, the Saints’ rushing assault was unstoppable as they thoroughly outran Dallas’ run defense last Sunday, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and amassing 190 rushing yards.

Against the Cowboys last week, Alvin Kamara in particular had a fantastic performance. In just 20 carries, he amassed 115 yards of total yardage and three touchdowns in the air. He also added 65 yards of receiving and one touchdown through the air. Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens will undoubtedly be trying to duplicate his dominance over the Cowboys on the ground in Week 3.

Henry is still one of the better running backs in the entire league right now. He may not be off to the best start of his career after joining the Baltimore Ravens this offseason via free agency, but make no mistake, he is dangerous as a runner and is probably looking forward to playing against Dallas’ suspect run defense.

As things stand right now, the Dallas Cowboys are 30th in overall rushing efficiency while also allowing the fourth most yards after contact in the entire league. And this is after facing two teams without the type of QB/RB duo the Baltimore Ravens possess in Lamar Jackson and Henry. These two create a tremendous challenge for the Cowboys.

At 6’2″, 247-pounds, Henry is a formidable opponent for any team in the league to try to contain. He’s strong, physical, and surprisingly nimble of for an RB his size and has proven throughout his career he’s difficult to take down when he has the ball in his hands. Mike Zimmer will need his players to be at their best to prevent him from running wild.

That means staying technically sound, making tackles, and maintaining gap integrity every single down from the beginning until the final seconds take off the clock. That may be easier said than done after seeing them doing the exact opposite last week against the New Orleans Saints rushing attack. But, it’s probably the only chance they have to secure a