Raiders' interior offensive line vs. Quinnen Williams
Statistically, the Dallas Cowboys have one of the worse defenses in the NFL. That could change quickly considering their latest acquisition on the defensive line.
Dallas has had a hard time trying to replicate the production of All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons after trading him to the Green Bay Packers. Through their first nine games, the Cowboys rank 27th or lower in points allowed, passing yards allowed and passing touchdowns allowed.
This prompted the team to send multiple picks and Mazi Smith to the New York Jets for three-time Pro Bowler Quinnen Williams before the trade deadline. Williams, the Jets' first-round pick in 2019, has 40 career sacks and 59 tackles for loss. His three forced fumbles this season are tied for second-most in the league.
"I hang my hat on being disruptive, being dominant and rushing the passer," Williams told media after arriving to Dallas. "And also this year, I've been taking a step forward in stopping the run."
Stopping Williams will be a collective effort, considering the defensive tackle's ability to line up at 1-3 technique. Therefore, Jordan Meredith and Dylan Parham must take on the challenge headfirst. Alex Cappa will likely be asked to step up at starting right guard for a third time this season with Jackson Powers-Johnson being placed on injured reserve.
Limiting Williams in his Cowboys debut will be imperative considering some of the woes for the Raiders offense. Geno Smith has been sacked 27 times, the fourth most of any quarterback in the league. Additionally, Ashton Jeanty has been stuffed for a loss or no gain on 28.7 percent of his rushes, the second-highest mark among running backs with at least 50 carries, according to Next Gen Stats.
"He's a fantastic player," Carroll said of Williams. "That's why they went after him and gave up a lot to get him. And everybody wants a 3-technique, and they're hard to find, and there's a handful of guys that really dominate the position. He's in that group of guys, so he's going to make them better without question."