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The Parker Report: Defense continues incremental growth in Rio

The defensive unit for the Dallas squad showed incremental progress during their recent matchup against Baltimore, though total numbers surrendered still highlight room for improvement. Across the contest, the group gave up nearly four hundred total yards, including four touchdowns through the air and on the ground combined, alongside a high passer rating for opposing quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Despite those struggles, the defense recorded its strongest third-down performance of the year by limiting successful conversions significantly, alongside a pair of stops on fourth down. Standout individual efforts included eight total tackles by Markquese Bell and multiple tackles for loss behind the line of scrimmage courtesy of rookie Jaishawn Barham, who anchored a pivotal goal-line stand against Derrick Henry.

Other young contributors like Caleb Downs, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, and LT Overton saw varied levels of deployment as the unit ultimately earned a C-plus grade for the outing.

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