Cowboys' defense on the verge of accomplishing a rare feat

If there's one thing the Dallas Cowboys have done well over the last two seasons defensively is take the ball away. After leading the NFL with 34 turnovers a season ago, the Cowboys currently ranked first in that category again with 32. Barring anything foreseen, the Cowboys' defense is on its way to leading the […]

Matthew Lenix
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Dallas Cowboys
Dec 29, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) celebrates after a fumble was recovered by linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

If there's one thing the Dallas Cowboys have done well over the last two seasons defensively is take the ball away. After leading the NFL with 34 turnovers a season ago, the Cowboys currently ranked first in that category again with 32.

Barring anything foreseen, the Cowboys' defense is on its way to leading the league in turnovers for the entire year. If that happens, they will be the first defense since the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s to lead the NFL in that category for consecutive seasons (1972-1974).

After leading the league with 11 interceptions in 2021, one would think that Trevon Diggs would have another massive total this season. However, Diggs is second on the team with three while rookie DaRon Bland tops the list with five. Safety Malik Hooker has two and five other players have hauled in one.

The Cowboys have forced 24 fumbles and recovered 17 of them. Linebacker Micah Parsons and rookie defensive end Sam Williams are tied for the team lead with three. Safety Jayron Kearse, linebacker Anthony Barr, and defensive end Dorance Armstrong have two a piece and five other players have snagged one.

This collective effort can is a testament to the guidance of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Whether it's been seasoned veterans that have already been on the team, free agent additions, or draft picks, he's gotten everybody to buy in on causing turnovers, which always gives the Cowboys a chance to win. Also, the contributions of senior defensive assistant George Edwards, secondary coaches Al Harris and Joe Whitt Jr, and defensive tackle line coaches Aden Durde and Leon Lett can't be overlooked either.

This element of the Cowboys will be vital to keep up in the postseason when games matter the most. If the Cowboys can do so, they have a good chance of making a deep run, something they haven't done since the mid-1990s.

Feature image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

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