The NFL regular season turns to Week 2. The Philadelphia Eagles travel to play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, but not before adding Za'Darius Smith on a one-year deal to bolster the defensive line. Philadelphia didn't want to waste time improving that position group, and it looks like the Dallas Cowboys are following in those same footsteps.
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that the Dallas Cowboys are meeting with Jadeveon Clowney on Wednesday. Anderson wrote that the team is looking to bolster their pass rush, and Clowney is the best free agent on the market.
Cowboys Are Following Eagles' Footsteps with Jadeveon Clowney News
It's funny that Dallas decided to bring in Clowney days before the Week 2 slate of games kicks off. Just like the Eagles, the Cowboys felt there was room for growth on the defensive line after securing only one sack in the Week 1 NFC East clash.
Pass rushers Dante Fowler Jr. and Sam Williams weren't effective in this tilt. The Cowboys needed an upgrade, but with the Eagles adding Smith to their rotation, the options are very limited on the open market.
Philadelphia is known for being a proactive team that doesn't wait to add reinforcements to its team. The acquisition of Smith was the latest example of that. They wanted to bring in a player who had 69 career sacks under his belt, joining the likes of Nolan Smith, Azeez Ojulari, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Jalyx Hunt, and Joshua Uche.
The Eagles understand the importance of having a high-quality defensive line, and their rivals are following suit.
Considering that the Cowboys traded away Micah Parsons, it isn't a surprise that they need more juice from that defensive line. And the loss to the Eagles only amplified the problem.
The Eagles aren't worried about the Cowboys and what they are doing, though, which is why this move can only make Philly fans laugh. Even though the team wasn't at full strength, Philadelphia still secured a win over Dallas. Head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman know the blueprint for success, and now, Cowboys owner/GM Jones & Co. are following suit.
The Eagles are always a step ahead while the Cowboys scramble to get what's left over. Whether or not Clowney and Dallas agree to a deal remains to be seen. If not, and discussions fall apart, Philly fans will have another reason to laugh.