Why Dallas Cowboys Defense Will Continue to Improve
To say the Dallas Cowboys were struggling on defense through the first six weeks of the season would be a huge understatement. They were finding new lows week in and week out as they put up historically bad numbers. But something's changed over the past few weeks. Sure, they're not a top defense in the […]
To say the Dallas Cowboys were struggling on defense through the first six weeks of the season would be a huge understatement. They were finding new lows week in and week out as they put up historically bad numbers. But something's changed over the past few weeks. Sure, they're not a top defense in the NFL by any means, but they're playing significantly better. Why?
We could throw up all kinds of numbers and compare them but we probably don't need to. I could say that the Cowboys were allowing 36 points per game in the first six weeks and that they've allowed 24 points per game in their past three games. Or I could say they went from allowing over 400 yards per game to a more decent 324. I could even say the Cowboys had four takeaways in week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. But I won't. If you've watched the games, you just know they've improved.
And truth be told if you ask me why I'd simply say they're playing better football. I know that's an extremely easy answer but it's the truth. A few weeks ago, Mike McCarthy told the press they needed to work on fundamentals. Well, this Cowboys defense isn't the same one it was weeks ago when players were consistently blowing their assignments and missing tackles
Of course, there are plenty of more specific reasons for why things have changed. As you probably know, the Cowboys cut Dontari Poe and Daryl Worley, for example. Both of these players were getting their fair share of playing time and their releases have paved the way for younger players. And some of these players have played so well for the Dallas Cowboys defense that it's starting to look like a different unit.
Antwaun Woods probably played his best game of the season. This was the third game of the season in which he's had the most playing time being in for 55% of the defensive snaps. We knew Woods wasn't happy with his contract situation and being buried in the depth chart in the offseason. In week 9 though, he was named team captain and balled out.
Of course, the defensive tackle that stole the show was rookie Neville Gallimore who had himself an enormous day and should be on the field way more often after his performance versus the Steelers.
As a unit, the defensive line played its best game of the year as Randy Gregory had two solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and one QB hit. Not to mention his important participation on the Cowboys' key stops on fourth down.
In the defensive backfield, Trevon Diggs looked like a solid, promising cornerback yet again. The rookie is out with a broken foot, but he was killing it prior to that. That's why with Diggs out for the drive that'd put the Steelers ahead, Ben Roethlisberger targeted Savion Smith. In that drive, Smith missed a tackle against WR Diontae Johnson that resulted in a 42-yard gain for Pittsburgh. Later, TE Eric Ebron would hurdle Smith to score the touchdown. One should wonder if the Cowboys hang on to the win if Diggs doesn't get injured.
And although Digg's injury is a tough blow, at least the Cowboys can look ahead to Chidobe Awuzie's return. Awuzie is in a contract year and should be ready to ball out in order to cash in come 2021.
I believe the Dallas Cowboys defense will look more like it has in the past three weeks instead of how it did at the beginning of the season. It's important to consider Mike Nolan's defense was put in some unfavorable scenarios due to turnovers and poor special teams play. Playing constantly from behind only complicated matters as opposing offenses didn't take risks. If the Cowboys continue to keep games close, this defense should improve from top to bottom.
And who knows, maybe the Cowboys win more games than we expected after watching them lose to the Washington Football Team.
Featured Image Via Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
