All articles tagged with #pass rush
The Dallas Cowboys are urged to trade for veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack to address a critical defensive deficiency. The 35-year-old edge rusher, who has 116 career sacks, is currently with the 0-4 Los Angeles Chargers. While Dallas lacks significant draft capital, analysts suggest Mack is a cost-effective upgrade for a team that ranks second-worst in the NFL with only four sacks this season.
Fantasy analysts highlight Week 4 NFL matchups where defensive pressure and offensive line weaknesses create high-ceiling outcomes for DFS tournaments. Key focus areas include the Vikings' 71% blitz rate against the Dolphins, the 49ers' offensive dominance despite injuries, and the Colts-Commanders London game. Experts advise targeting contrarian plays based on schematic mismatches rather than traditional ownership metrics.
The Eagles host the Commanders in Week 1 with nine focal points: Philly’s disruptive front could overwhelm Washington’s injury-depleted o-line (from the Tunsil injury), Sean Mannion makes his first-time play-caller debut, and the WR3 spot behind DeVonta Smith is unsettled. Washington counters with a new defensive look and quarterback Jayden Daniels to pull an upset, while Philly leans on a strong run game and roster tweaks (Lampkin vs. Johnson, punt-return duties) to set the tone for 2026.
In their 2026 debut, the Bengals focus on a more effective under-center running attack to set up play-action, slow Tampa Bay’s pass rush, and limit the Buccaneers’ ground game to protect Joe Burrow and clinch a 1-0 start.
Brad Holmes outlined post-cut themes: the wide receiver group could still shift, with Tom Kennedy likely to be elevated from the practice squad and Greg Dortch released; Isiah Pacheco is on injured reserve with an eye toward returning later this season; the offensive line shows progress with rookie right tackle Blake Miller and competition at left guard between Christian Mahogany and Ben Bartch; Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch remain long-term pieces despite pending deals; and Detroit is prioritizing a stronger pass rush, highlighted by UDFA Eric O’Neill and other additions that fit the culture.
On Day 15 of Eagles camp, a relentless pass rush disrupted Jalen Hurts throughout, with Hunt and Moro Ojomo recording sacks and Jalen Carter forcing interior pressure while Cooper DeJean provided tight coverage; Makai Lemon returned to full participation and ran first-team reps, but he and DeVonta Smith had few big plays as practice wrapped in shells ahead of open practice and a preseason finale.
In Week 2 of the preseason, the Kansas City Chiefs showed significant tackle-depth concerns with Josh Simmons out due to a back injury, as Jaylon Moore, Khalil Benson and Esa Pole struggled in pass protection and raised questions about right tackle depth. If Simmons misses time, the offense would rely on extra chips and limit downfield throws. On defense, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Mason Thomas flashed as disruptive edge players, though rookie Peter Woods has been underwhelming with limited power and hand usage. Special teams delivered a jaw-dropping moment as Harrison Butker nailed a 69-yard field goal before halftime, underscoring the kicking game’s strength this season.
Detroit’s defense flashed a strengthening pass rush in a 17-13 preseason win over the Washington Commanders at Ford Field, tallying two sacks (one negated by a penalty), a forced fumble, and not allowing an offensive touchdown, suggesting the unit may be turning a previous weakness into a strength.
Atlanta adds veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith on a one-year contract to bolster a thin pass rush after injuries to Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. The 34-year-old three-time Pro Bowler, who has 70.5 career sacks and has played for several teams, had briefly retired before signing with Atlanta. He should immediate contribute to a rotation with Ojulari, Ebukam, Thomas and Trice and could see another addition before Week 1 as he ramps up.
Detroit's rain-soaked preseason opener against Cincinnati yielded a standout pass rush from Ahmed Hassanein (16.7 productive rating with 5 pressures, 2 sacks and a forced fumble), solid run-defense grades from Roger McCreary and Keith Abney, a strong yards-after-contact performance from Jacob Saylors, and a tough outing for Ennis Rakestraw in coverage, underscoring Lions' depth and some early roster questions.
At a chippy Santa Clara joint practice, the 49ers and Titans staged eight early scuffles. The 49ers’ pass rush was active and disruptive even without Nick Bosa, pressuring Titans QBs, while Titans left tackles were ejected early. San Francisco’s secondary made plays with multiple interceptions, and Fred Warner praised the unit. Rookie linebackers Jaden Dugger and Larry Worth flashed, Tonges showed up as a potential TE2, and Brock Purdy delivered an efficient day, connecting with receivers like DeMarcus Robinson and Stribling as expectations rise for his and the offense this season.
In a Rams-Cowboys joint practice, Matthew Stafford was largely precise with one interception by Justin Barron, while McVay praised his decision-making. Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson split second-team reps behind Stafford, with Bennett handling most of the snaps and Simpson showing flair on a redzone drive. The Rams’ offensive line rotation—featuring McClendon Jr., Jackson, Avila, and Dotson—facilitated a strong run and pass game, though Puka Nacua left early and others stepped up. On defense, Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart keyed the pass rush against Prescott and backups, Quentin Lake snagged a redzone interception, and Nate Landman piled up run stops, with Garrett held out as a precaution.
After Jalon Walker's injury, the Falcons turn to the free-agent market for run-stopping and pass-rush help. Leonard Floyd tops the list as a ready-made contributor, while others such as Kyle Van Noy, Von Miller, Haason Reddick, and Derek Barnett could add veteran depth; big names like Joey Bosa may be unlikely, but any addition could stabilize the defense as training camp opens, even if none can fully replace Walker.
A Packers training camp preview warns that missing star edge rusher Micah Parsons could derail the season, as the team would struggle to rush the passer with depth questions in the early games, potentially starting 2-5 or 3-4 without him, before a hoped Week 6 return, hinging on LaFleur's ability to adapt and a tougher second-half schedule.
As training camp opens, the New York Giants project a dynamic pass rush led by Burns, Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter with rookie Arvell Reese adding a new dimension, but the interior defensive line is a concern after trading Dexter Lawrence and Roy Robertson-Harris’s ACL injury; new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is expected to accelerate the rush this season, while a tougher, longer camp under coach John Harbaugh tests durability and Malik Nabers’ health (Nabers not on PUP), which will be crucial for Week 1.