Outlook for the Cowboys defense
By: Jake Rajala
The Dallas Cowboys said fair well to DeMarcus Lawrence this off-season, as he left for Seattle. Nonetheless, the Boys still have an All-Pro pass rusher in Micah Parsons. All Parsons has done is record at least 12 sacks in each of his seasons. It should be noted that Parsons missed four games last season and he still registered 12 sacks, 23 QB hits, and 12 TFLs. Parsons is joined by Dante Fowler Jr, who brought home 10.5 sacks last season.
The Boys were third in sacks last season! The Denver Broncos were first with 63 sacks. The Ravens were second with 54 sacks and Dallas was third with 52 sacks. I could foresee the Boys being second in sacks in 2025. It won’t be easy for Denver, who has young and elite pass rushers to take a step back.
Sacks don’t tell the whole story. It’s vital to have a pass defense that can intercept the opponent. Thankfully, the Boys have Trevon Diggs, who recorded 11 ints in 2021. They also have Daron Bland, who notched nine interceptions in 2023. The Boys were 12th in interceptions last season. I expect a bit more growth from Bland. Diggs and Bland also missed a combined 16 combined games last season! They should undoubtedly be Top-5 in ints next season in my opinion.
The Boys were 31st in PPG allowed last season. Sure, they can make plays and hunt down the QB. Well, that doesn’t matter if they give up a 50-yard bomb to the endzone. Their offense also ranks 24th in TOP. They simply let their defense on the field too much.
I believe it’s really worth mentioning that they have a new DC by the name of Matt Eberflus. It’s a fine break from Mike Zimmer, who failed at stopping the QB or turning the ball over, as well.
I’d love to see their best pass rusher and defensive back stay healthy. If this happens, they should be a Top-20 defense in PPG allowed.
If the Boys offense can also do their part in staying healthy, they could put up a lot of points. This would help the Cowboys pass rushers pin their ears back and collect more sacks and make big plays.
Leave a Reply