ESPN analyst says Cowboys could have NFL's best defense

Going back to the Tony Romo days, and even for the majority of the Dak Prescott era, the Dallas Cowboys haven't consistently had good defenses.  That all changed when Dan Quinn was hired before the 2021 season. Not only have the Cowboys drafted the right pieces but they've been very strategic in their free-agent signings, […]

Matthew Lenix
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Going back to the Tony Romo days, and even for the majority of the Dak Prescott era, the Dallas Cowboys haven't consistently had good defenses. 

That all changed when Dan Quinn was hired before the 2021 season. Not only have the Cowboys drafted the right pieces but they've been very strategic in their free-agent signings, whether it be in-house or not. 

The newfound swag the Cowboys have defensively made Ryan Clark of ESPN make a profound statement about the potential on that side of the ball in Dallas.

"Sitting right here right before training camp starts, I believe they have a chance to be the best defense in the entire NFL," Clark said.

"Dan Quinn has been sensational as the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. So much so people speak of him being the head coach at some point that's why Mike McCarthy's seat gets hotter and hotter and hotter. And Joe Whitt, the pass game coordinator, whether it's blitzes, two-minute, third down, always seems to be able to find pressure and capitalize by getting the ball back to the offense. 

"I love what this defense is. I love going out and getting Mazi Smith early in the draft. This team can definitely be the best defense in the entire league and maybe that's more important than Dak Prescott not throwing 10 interceptions."

Dallas was 31st against the run and 28th in points allowed before Quinn showed up. The Cowboys have finished seventh and fifth in points allowed under Quinn and they have also led the NFL in turnovers for the last two seasons, becoming the first unit since the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s to accomplish that. 

The Cowboys have become one of the best teams when it comes to getting after the quarterback as well. In 2022, they would lead the NFL with an unreal 337 pressures and finish third in sacks with 54.

Quinn has found the right ingredients in Dallas starting with All-Pro linebacker/edge Micah Parsons and he's been doing nothing but cooking up gourmet masterpieces since his arrival. As long as the Cowboys keep giving him adequate talent, the defense in Big D will be the least of the team's worries as long as health is on their side. 

Feature image via Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

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