Mike Nolan’s tenure in Dallas could and should be done this season. At an appalling 4-9 record, the Cowboys are on pace to hit historical numbers highlighted by poor defensive play.

Statistically, the Cowboys this season trail the league in multiple categories. Dallas has given up a league worst 2,115 total yards rushing (162.7 YPG), while surrendering 5.1 yards per carry which also ranks last. The Cowboys are inching closer to breaking the team record for most rushing yards given up in a single season (2,636 in 2000).

Former Dallas Cowboy receiver Michael Irvin said it best after the week 4 loss to the Browns. He said, “Dallas is playing that Oprah Winfrey defense, ‘you get 40 points! You get 40 points!” While 40 points is a bit of an exaggeration, Mike Nolan's squad is the closest in the NFL to reaching that mark. The Cowboys are the worst in the NFL in terms of points forfeited at 400 points, (30.77 PPG). Dallas is on their way to shattering the team record set in 2010 for points given up at 446.

Michael Irvin on @nflnetwork: “Cowboys are out there playing that Oprah Winfrey defense, ‘You get 40 points! You get 40 points! You get 40 points!’ It is absolutely sickening…People are trying to say, ‘I don’t think it’s a manhood thing.’ Yes it is. It’s about your manhood.”

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 9, 2020

At the start of the 2020 season, Dallas began the year with seven pro-bowlers on the front seven. Due to injuries from Gerald McCoy and the release of Dontari Poe, Dallas still has a plethora of talent on the defensive side of the ball to at the least be a respectable defense.

A lack of talent and injuries is not a valid excuse for the lack of effort on defense. This year a few key players have made their way to the Injured Reserve list like Tryvon Diggs (foot), Trysten Hill (ACL), and even Chidobe Awuzie has spent time nursing injuries of his own. Most of the injuries this season have come in the secondary, which has looked to be a promising position group. On the other hand, the front seven for Dallas has remained healthy for the most part, but has been glaringly atrocious.

As a first-year coach it has to be difficult to plug in a scheme with a shortened offseason, but it does not excuse the fact Dallas is looking at one of the worst seasons defensively in NFL history, and that’s within the same season as the winless Jets.

On the bright side, Dallas is in an interesting spot this offseason. The front office needs to bring reinforcements to the defensive side of the ball. As it sits right now, the Dallas Cowboys are looking at a top five pick in the NFL draft. That puts Jerry and Steven Jones in a position to bring help to a lackluster defense.

Amidst the pandemic, injuries, and being his first season coaching the Cowboys, don’t be surprised when Nolan is standing on the sideline come next season. Per 105.3 the Fan, Stephen Jones said Mike McCarthy will be the head coach next season. Although McCarthy is safe, Nolan could be working on his resume for next season. If Dallas wants to make it over the hump next year, some drastic changes have to be made.

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