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By Cameron Kiszla
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ESPN football analyst and broadcaster Jordan Rodgers had a tough message for Dallas Cowboys fans hoping for a return to greatness this year, but he added there's a reason for hope, too.
Rodgers, appearing on "First Take" Thursday morning, disputed the notion that the Cowboys could be Super Bowl contenders if wide receiver George Pickens has a career season.
Offense Isn't the Problem
Right out of the gate, Rodgers disputed the basis of the topic.
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"It pains me to say it, because I'm a former quarterback; I love offense," he said. "I would love to throw the football to CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter how good they are, or how great they are, on offense. They haven't been able to be contenders and take the next step because the defense sucks. Literally! Worst pass defense in the NFL last season. That has to improve, so if you want to put your eyes somewhere, yeah it's sexy to look at George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. They're going to put up some points."
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Instead, Rodgers asked his fellow panelists to focus on the defensive front.
"The additions they've brought into that group — Rashan Gary, Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Malachi Lawrence, really good pass rusher out of UCF, I think he'll get a little bit of run this year — they have to be able to affect the quarterback," he said. "If they can't affect the quarterback and they can't improve on the back end and stop explosive [plays], it ain't going to matter if they're averaging 37 points a game. They're going to give up 38. That's just the way it's been."
Despite that concern, Rodgers promised that there's a reason to hope for fans of the Star.
"The guy to watch, too: Caleb Downs, I think has a chance to be the Defensive Rookie of the Year," Rodgers said of the talented safety, who began his career at Alabama under Nick Saban before transferring to Ohio State. "I followed him since Day 1, the first time he set foot on the practice field at Alabama as a true freshman, and he was the best player on the field. He will be the best football player on defense for the Cowboys this year, even as a rookie. I think he has a chance to make a big impact, but they're only contenders if the defense — I don't even need them to be great; just be good."
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