IRVING, Texas -- Dallas cornerback Brandon Carr is ready for the challenge Falcons receiver Julio Jones presents Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
"It's going to be a big challenge," Carr said. "It's another big week for us on the back end. Like I said, every week, this is what you play the game for to check these elite receivers, these elite high-powered offenses. It's going to take all 11. It's going to take the whole back end being on the same page and executing the play call."
Not only is Jones is having the best two-game start to a season of his five-year career, but he is also having the second-best two-game start in Atlanta club history. Jones' 22 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns have been an integral part of the Falcons' starting 2-0 for the ninth time in team history.
"They move him around a lot," Carr explained. "They always find different positions to give him the ball throughout the game, different spots on the field. So, we always have to be alert to where he is. He's their biggest playmaker thus far in the season."
If the Cowboys secondary isn't careful, Jones could earn the reputation as a "Cowboy Killer." In 2012 in his first meeting against Dallas on Nov. 4, 2012, Jones caught five passes for 129 yards. Against Tampa-2 defenses, Jones averages six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Carr thinks his group and the defense collectively can slow down the Falcons high-powered offense.
"It's all 11 being on the same page," said Carr. "We play some high-powered offenses, some pretty elite receivers these first three weeks. And guys are just being locked in each and every day and taking it on to Sundays. And guys have been ready and focused to play."
One way to slow down offenses is with an effective pass rush. The Cowboys defense currently has a sack in the past seven games, including playoffs. The team's record is 6-1 in those games.
"The rush and cover goes hand in hand. Those guys do a great job of getting after the quarterback, getting pressure, just getting hits on him, making our job easier not having to cover as long. We don't get all the routes like we did in years past.
"We're still a work in progress. We still got some things we got to clean up on the front and the back end. Just max effort. That's what it comes down to on the field. Who wants to put more effort on the field?"
