The Cowboys are still a strong team overall statistically. According to NFL.com, they’re seventh overall in points allowed with 19 per game and ninth in total yards, giving up 331.8 each week. That can be a little misleading as they were really good in the first three games but really struggled in the following three — especially when it comes to stopping the run.
Their worst performance was in Week 5 when they couldn’t slow down Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones. The Packers running back went for 107 yards on 19 carries with an unbelievable four touchdowns. He added another 75 yards on seven receptions, showing the Cowboys just can’t handle the run right now when teams commit.
One of the reasons for this is the absence of Antwaun Woods, who is expected to be back in Week 7. With him out, Dallas had no one else who could stop the run which means they need help at the one-technique. That’s what brings up Mike Purcell of the Denver Broncos.
A 328-pound nose tackle, Purcell has been a journeyman in his career, playing for seven different NFL teams as well as the Salt Lake Stallions of the short-lived AAF. Undrafted out of Wyoming, Purcell has finally found his niche as a run-stuffer. Currently, PFF (subscription required) has him graded in the top 10 for defensive tackles and considers him one of the best run defenders in the game.
Despite his strong play, Denver could be willing to move him considering how much they have struggled this season. Their status as one of the worst teams in the AFC could have them selling at the trade deadline, looking to turn someone such as Purcell into a future asset.