For the first time in many years, the Dallas Cowboys have offseason expectations of having a top-tier defense in the NFL.

With Micah Parsons doing a little bit of everything, Trevon Diggs ball-hawking, and DeMarcus Lawrence rushing the passer, this should remain one of the best defenses in the league.

For many, the essential story is whether or not they will remain a Top 5 unit even if they don't keep up with such an outrageous amount of takeaways. Diggs' 11interceptions helped the team lead the NFL with 34 total. Can they be as efficient without keeping up at such a pace?

One area that will prove decisive in this conversation is their pass rush. In 2021, Dan Quinn's defense proved to be one of the best in getting after the quarterback. Parsons and Lawrence led the hype, but Randy Gregory, Osa Odighizuwa, and many more also contributed to the efforts.

According to The Athletic, the Cowboys finished the season with the third-highest pressure rate. Parsons actually earned the highest individual pressure rate at a tremendous 22%.

But the Cowboys' defense took a hit

Despite such strong numbers, The Athletic's Larry Holder argues the Cowboys "took a hit" in their pass rush this offseason. And it's not hard to understand why.

As it has been discussed for months now, the Cowboys will try to make up for the loss of Randy Gregory with a rotation made up of Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams, and Dante Fowler.

Optimism has Cowboys Nation hoping Fowler is able to bounce back now that he'll rejoin Dan Quinn in Dallas but there's little reason to believe he'll be close to Gregory's level. In the article, Holder points out the difference between each player's pressure rate.

While Randy Gregory was able to generate pressure in 15.2% of his pass-rushing snaps, Fowler's number came in at 9.6%. A better supporting cast should help Fowler out, but chances are he won't top Randy's production.

Holder does go on to provide some positive thoughts on the Cowboys' pass rushers, noting that Fowler will not be alone in his efforts to replace Gregory:

"The Cowboys should receive some help from Dorance Armstrong, who finished last season with an 11 percent pressure rate and five sacks. Williams (6-3, 251) led Ole Miss in sacks in each of the last three seasons, including a 12.5-sack campaign in 2021."

With Parsons and Lawrence on the team and Dan Quinn scheming up ways to put his players in great situations, this should remain one of the best pass-rushing units in the NFL.

Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports