Dallas Cowboys face criticism for limiting star defender James Houston’s playing time
The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a pivotal Week 7 clash against the Washington Commanders, and there’s growing unrest among fans and analysts regarding the team’s decision to limit playing time for some key players. Coming off a disappointing Week 6 loss, the Cowboys sit at 2-3-1 but are not out of contention in the competitive NFC East. With the Commanders at 3-3 and the Philadelphia Eagles leading at 4-2, this matchup offers the Cowboys a chance to regain momentum and secure an important divisional victory.
Players in Need of Increased Roles
To maximize their chances of success this weekend, the Cowboys must consider giving more opportunities to a trio of players who have shown promise but have not received the playing time their performances warrant.
Marist Liufau’s Rising Influence
Linebacker Marist Liufau has demonstrated his potential and deserves a larger role on the field. Last weekend, he recorded four tackles and a sack while playing 40.3 percent of the defensive snaps, marking his highest involvement this season. As the Cowboys continue to shuffle their roster, it’s clear that they need to move away from relying on Kenneth Murray, whose performances have been lackluster. By increasing Liufau’s workload, the Cowboys could inject much-needed speed and dynamism into their defense.
Brevyn Spann-Ford’s Untapped Talent
At tight end, Brevyn Spann-Ford is quietly making a strong case for more playing time. Although Jake Ferguson is enjoying a career year, Spann-Ford has outpaced him in overall grades, boasting an impressive mark of 87.4. His blocking has been particularly effective, and he has flashed receiving skills, highlighted by a 38-yard catch and run that was unfortunately wiped out by a penalty. Yet, despite these contributions, Spann-Ford has been limited to 20 or fewer snaps in every game this season, including just 10 against the Carolina Panthers. The Cowboys must adjust their offensive strategy to better utilize his abilities.
James Houston’s Oversight Raises Eyebrows
Perhaps the most glaring issue is the treatment of edge rusher James Houston. Currently leading the Cowboys with 3.5 sacks, Houston’s playing time has been inexplicably restricted, with him participating in only 24.2 percent of the defensive snaps. In the recent game, Houston managed to make five tackles in just 14 snaps, showcasing his ability to impact the game even when not on the field. While the coaching staff might cite concerns over his run defense, this argument loses credence when compared to the team’s overall struggles in that area. Moving forward, it is imperative that the Cowboys prioritize putting their most dynamic defenders on the field, especially against a divisional rival.
As the Cowboys prepare for the Commanders, the conversation surrounding their roster management intensifies. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that the coaching staff will recognize the potential impact of these players and adjust their strategies accordingly. The upcoming game could be a turning point not just for the season, but for the careers of those looking to make their mark in Dallas.
