While much of the focus this week has been on the Cowboys’ running back situation due to Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension, it is their opponent’s starting running back who will be the lead story for Dallas on Sunday.
Rookie running back Kareem Hunt is off to an incredible start. Through the first eight weeks of the season, Hunt has rushed for 763 yards and 4 touchdowns, while also catching 2 touchdowns and totaling 307 receiving yards.
In fact, Kareem Hunt is the highest graded running back in the league this year according to Pro Football Focus. Ironically, the now-suspended Cowboys running back is fourth on that same list.
Can anyone catch Kareem Hunt? pic.twitter.com/e0wFJWH41S
— PFF (@PFF) November 2, 2017
Hunt is a legitimate MVP candidate this year, and arguably the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Combined with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs offense is dangerous, and will give the Cowboys defense real trouble this week.
Andy Reid has also been increasingly creative with his offensive scheme this season. At times, the Chiefs run and excel with “college” plays such as option plays and shovel passes. Staying disciplined defensively will be important for the Cowboys this week.
Defensively, the Cowboys have been pretty shaky against the run. Heading into last week’s match up with the Washington Redskins, I worried that running back Chris Thompson would have a big day through both the air and ground. Due to solid play from the Cowboys’ linebackers and safeties, as well as key injuries to the Washington offensive line, this did not happen.
Still, Dallas’ defense is 16th in opponent’s rush yards per game, putting them right in the middle of the league. After watching this defense through seven games, it certainly comes as no surprise that they are league average.
With Anthony Hitchens and Sean Lee both regaining their health and their playing time since the bye week, however, we can reasonably expect this run defense to improve.
But with a healthy and impressive Chiefs offense coming to town Sunday, the Cowboys defense must bring their A-game.
