If there's one thing opposing teams have learned lately about playing the Dallas Cowboys is that they better bring it offensively, because they have one of the best defenses in the NFL.

With defensive coordinator Dan Quinn pulling the strings, the Cowboys have finished in the top 10 in the fewest points allowed and have led the league in turnovers over the last two seasons. 

Mina Kimes of ESPN recently brought something to the forefront as to why that is on her podcast "The Mina Kimes Show" earlier this week.

"One of my favorite things about this Cowboys defense. Last year, I think they really hit on something with all the Dime personnel they were using," said Kimes. "They were in Dime personnel the fourth-most of any team, and when they did have three safeties on the field they averaged -0.22 EPA per play which is crazy, a QBR of 29. They were awesome. 

"I just remember down the stretch seeing Jayron Kearse in the box, Donovan Wilson, (Israel) Mukuamu, like these players I hadn't heard of. I really think it gives them such unique flexibility from a coverage standpoint against some of these offenses that are going to come out throwing all over the yard."

EPA stands for Expected Points Added. It measures the value of each play by the effect it has on the offense's likelihood to score. 

Kearse dealt with some injuries last season but he spread effectiveness to many areas. In addition to his 308 snaps in the box, Kearse logged 183 in the slot, 180 at free safety, and 31 as an outside cornerback. His 63.6 coverage grade was the third-best of his career. 

Wilson had a career year with 101 tackles and five sacks thanks to 404 snaps in the box, 357 at free safety, 99 in the slot, and 20 as an outside corner. Malik Hooker also had his best season with career highs in tackles (62) and interceptions (3), and his 72.4 coverage grade was the second-highest since he entered the league. Although he did most of his work at free safety with 715 snaps registered there he had 72 in the box, 60 in the slot, and four as a boundary cornerback as well.

Mukuamu only got 153 snaps in 2022 but he played well. When the Cowboys moved rookie DaRon Bland from the slot to the outside, Mukuamu played in the slot during their playoff run (logged 32 snaps there). He also played 63 snaps in the box, 43 at free safety, and four as an outside corner. 

So, as you can see, Kimes was on point when she said how much versatility the Cowboys have in coverage from the safety position. Sprinkle in Trevon Diggs, Stephon Gilmore, and Bland at cornerback, and Quinn has an embarrassment of riches for what he can throw at opposing offenses against the pass.

Cowboys: Former late-round pick is finally getting the respect he deserves

The Dallas Cowboys have made a complete turnaround defensively under coordinator Dan Quinn, and it's led to them leading the NFL in turnovers the last two seasons. A major reason why has been the rise of the safety position, and former sixth-round pick Donovan Wilson has been at the forefront. Sports Illustrated deemed Wilson the […]

Feature image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports