Why this unsung defensive star may be the Cowboys’ answer for powerful Lions offense

After an abysmal start to the season defensively for the Dallas Cowboys — they gave up an average of 29.3 points and 372.7 yards per game in the first three games — defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s group has responded with back-to-back strong efforts and two wins on the strength of giving up just 16 points and 264.5 yards per game.

A big part of that bounce-back can be attributed to eighth-year starting nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who leads the team in pass coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus, with an 81.3 grade while allowing just 86 of the team defense’s 972 passing yards through five games.

In a cornerback room that has seen some shuffling with injuries to All-Pro DaRon Bland and rookie Caelen Carson, Lewis has been the consistent factor in the slot, and it has garnered even more respect from the coaching staff early on in the season.

“J-Lew is a tone-setter, always has been in my time here,” head coach Mike McCarthy said. “I think he’s very, very valuable in the locker room and it carries onto the field. That’s just his play-style, super competitive, always has been.”

Lewis has taken on matchups with some of the best receivers in the NFL early in the season. Whether it’s Browns receiver Amari Cooper, Saints receiver Chris Olave or Steelers receiver George Pickens, Lewis has had few issues keeping opposing threats in check.

In Pickens’ case, the third-year receiver out of Georgia let out his frustration on Lewis after the Cowboys’ win over the Steelers on Sunday night by grabbing his facemask and ripping him to the ground after the clock hit all zeroes. It was a culmination of a poor performance that saw Lewis allow zero receptions to Pickens when they lined up against each other.

“That’s what football is about, honestly,” Lewis said. “Being tough and going out and out-willing the opponent. That’s what I go out there and try to do every single time I step out there.”

That mentality will factor in along with a bit of sentiment this Sunday when the Cowboys welcome in the Detroit Lions. A native of Detroit, Lewis said he never rooted for the Lions growing up, but that it’s still special to welcome in friends and family for a hometown matchup.

While it will be a bit more special for Lewis, he will have a tough matchup in Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. In their last matchup in Dec. 2023, Lewis and St. Brown got chippy in the Cowboys’ 20-19 win. When asked if he anticipates that tension to carry over into Sunday, Lewis put his focus on the overall task at hand.

“I don’t know, man,” Lewis said with a laugh. “I just want to go out there and play good ball. If he brings the fight to me, then that’s what it is. I just want to go out there and prepare. They’re a good team, you can’t lose your head going out there and making it a brawl.”

Aside from the hometown connection, playing Detroit will always remind Lewis of the biggest adversity he’s faced in his football career. In 2022, Lewis suffered a fracture to his Lisfranc in his foot, ending his season prematurely and wiping out his entire offseason prep in 2023. Nearly two years later, Lewis is completely healthy and is putting together a solid start to his eighth season in the league.

“He’s overcome that major, major injury,” McCarthy said. “He’s back. He’s played as good as he has in our time together. [He’s] a very well-respected man in our locker room.”

Sentiment and feelings aside, Lewis has arguably played Detroit better than any other team in his career. His last two interceptions have come off the hands of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, including a fourth quarter interception in the 2023 win.

His success against the Lions will combine with his strong start to the 2024 season in a game where the Cowboys secondary will take on a huge task. For him, it’s all about the preparation that started on Monday for his group.

“Honestly, just looking at the film and preparing every single day,” Lewis said. “That’s what it comes down to, preparing like it’s your last game, like it’s the Super Bowl. We have to do that every single game. Nothing is a given in this league. You have to go out there and prepare like it’s your last game.”