Matchup to watch: Bengals defensive line vs. Dallas QB Dak Prescott

Bengals D line vs. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

Prescott is one of three quarterbacks who have started each of his team’s games this year without throwing an interception, and his 131 interception-free pass attempts are the most in NFL history by a rookie to begin his career.

The key to ending that streak may not involve the Bengals defensive backs and linebackers jumping routes as much as as the defensive line getting to Prescott.

“We have to keep the pressure on him because rookies don’t always handle pressure the best,” Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap said. “We have to get him on the ground and keep his jersey dirty.”

Only three teams have allowed fewer sacks than the six the Cowboys have given up this year. Four of the six came in one game against Washington. For the most part the Dallas offensive line has keep Prescott free of pressure, and in the rare cases when defenders get near him, he’s been able to escape and make plays with his feet.

“He’s been doing some great things, but at the end of the day he’s a rookie quarterback,” Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko said. “We have to make sure we go out there and get after him.”

The Cincinnati pass rush got off to a slow start with just four sacks in the first three games, but the Bengals got to Miami’s Ryan Tannehill five times last week.

Now they’re tasked with keeping that production going against a guy in Prescott who plays behind what many consider to be the best offensive line in the league.

“We hear a lot about their offensive line and a lot about this Dallas Cowboys offense, but we’ll see what happens Sunday,” Peko said. “We might be hearing about this Bengals defense after this.”

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