Ranking the Dallas Cowboys' Defense: A Breakdown of the Unit's Strengths and Weaknesses

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been a polarizing topic of discussion among NFL fans and analysts alike, and as the team gears up for another season, questions about the unit's overall strength and potential have intensified. While the Cowboys boasted one of the top-ranked defenses in the league just a few years ago, the tide has turned significantly, leaving fans wondering if the team can recover its past glory. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of the Cowboys' defensive roster, highlighting their key areas of strength and weakness, and what they need to do to regain their former dominance.

The Cowboys' defense has undergone significant changes in recent seasons, with a new coaching staff and key roster additions attempting to revamp the unit's approach to the game. Despite these efforts, inconsistencies on the defensive side of the ball have hindered the team's overall success. Through a comprehensive review of the team's players, statistics, and coaching philosophy, we'll assess the Cowboys' defensive ranking and provide insight into the areas where they need to improve to return to their former standards.

**Key Statistics:**

• Total defense ranking (2020): 10th

• Points allowed per game (2020): 26.2

• Sacks (2020): 34

• Passing yards per game (2020): 246.5

• Rushing yards per game (2020): 142.1

While these statistics indicate a respectable yet unexceptional defensive performance, there are several factors to consider when grading the Cowboys' defense. The unit's leaders acknowledge the need for growth and improvement, particularly in their tackling and stopping the run.

"We know we have some issues on defense that we need to clean up," stated Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy during the off-season. "Tackling is one area we've focused on really hard in the offseason. We have to take away a lot of those big chunk plays that ended up being turn overs for our team and hurt us during the course of the game."

_ DAR Pantun (Source: ESPN).

McCarthy highlights the importance of tackling, which has been a plaguing issue for the Cowboys. According to data compiled by ESPN, the team struggled to contain opponents in the 2020 season, with numerous instances of missed tackles contributing to turnover opportunities for the offense.

Cassidy Campbell, Cowboys analyst, Essentially added：

"One of the things we want is to be able to not turn the ball over in those situations. Because teams that can do those will come right back at you and get a lot more momentum in the game. And that's just as much up to the defensive side of the ball and the BCCU mostly when they complete the task."