The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line has been one of the worst at pressuring the quarterback to begin the 2025 season. That lack of production is one of the main reasons why the front office decided to sign veteran Jadeveon Clowney before their Week 3 matchup. Though the former No. 1 overall pick did not suit up in his first week with the team, he made his debut the following Sunday.
That said, it wasn’t Clowney who caught everyone’s attention against the Green Bay Packers. Instead, it was another Cowboys edge rusher who flashed on multiple occasions. Veteran pass rusher James Houston flashed a few times last Sunday night. It seems as though Houston’s flashes didn’t only catch the eyes of Cowboys fans, but coaches, too.
On Thursday, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus praised Houston. Eberflus said, “We probably should give him more,” according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. For a team desperate to generate more consistent pressure, the message was clear: Houston deserves additional playing time.
Matt Eberflus Admits James Houston Deserves More Playing Time
Ebeflus’s comments about giving Houston more playing time are common sense. For a Dallas pass rush that has failed to consistently affect opposing quarterbacks, putting anyone on the field who can disrupt plays is a necessity. In limited action, Houston has shown he can do just that. Across only 60 defensive snaps this season, the 26-year-old has two sacks and one quarterback hurry.
Furthermore, he has earned a pass rush grade of 76.0 or higher in two of four games, according to Pro Football Focus. In Week 4, Houston delivered his best performance of the season, recording one sack and one quarterback hurry, earning an 83.0 pass rush grade.
Before signing with the Cowboys this offseason, Houston spent three years with the Detroit Lions. In Detroit, he played in 17 total games, logging 21 tackles and nine sacks. Eight of his nine sacks came in his rookie season, proving that he has provided difference-making ability in the past.
Be that as it may, it seems the 26-year-old is making the most of his opportunities with the Cowboys thus far. That is exactly what Dallas needed after trading Micah Parsons. If Houston continues to play at a high level, he could carve out a much bigger role in Eberflus’s defense, and perhaps even solidify himself as a long-term fit with the Cowboys.
