NFL Dallas Cowboys

Justin Durant Will Be X-Factor For Dallas Cowboys In Week 5

Justin Durant, LB, Dallas Cowboys Cut

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A few weeks before the start of the NFL season, Justin Durant was one player I thought the Dallas Cowboys could do without in 2014. Now four weeks into the season, it wouldn’t sound ridiculous if I told you Durant has been the most important player on this defense. Dating back to his days with the Detroit Lions, Durant has played the weak side linebacker position. Although he had been rotating with Bruce Carter for first-team reps, Durant is easily the best option at the “Will” linebacker position, while Carter is the best option at the SAM linebacker position.

Originally, this move was questionable, considering he had never played this position in his life. Luckily enough, the Cowboys have gotten great play out of their defensive signal-caller. A groin injury sidelined him for Week 2 and Week 3, but Durant has still been the most important player of this defense over the course of the young season. In two games, Durant has 16 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception, and three pass deflections. While his numbers aren’t the best, Durant is one of the only veterans on this defense and he takes that role extremely seriously.

The Cowboys have a golden opportunity to come out of Week 5 with a 4-1 record as they will face the Houston Texans. With the conundrum at the quarterback position, the Texans will likely use their feature back Arian Foster a ton in this one. Given it will likely happen, Durant needs to have a great game in this one. The Cowboys love running the football and chewing the clock. In this game, the Texans might try and do that. To keep them from having the football for long periods of time, Durant will need to be on his A-game this week.

Ryan Ratty is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanRattyNFL or add him to your network on Google.

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