The Cowboys defense has been hit hard, but they continue to get the job done.
The Dallas Cowboys escaped by the skin of their teeth on Sunday night thanks to another strong outing by their defense. It’s refreshing to see the defense play well after horrendous showings in Weeks 2 and 3. They seemed on the verge of destruction as new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer didn’t look like the answer. Two weeks later, some of that faith has been restored as not only are they keeping teams from scoring, but they are doing so with a severely depleted unit.
One might find this yard to believe, but the Cowboys defense ranks better than the offense in the following categories…
Yards per play Interception percentage 3rd-down conversion percentage
And after such a tumultuous start, the defense is now in the top half in rushing yards per play, while the offense is second to last. This is not how things are supposed to go. The offense has returning coaches and several All-Pro players while the defense has a new defensive coordinator and is severely banged up. How is the defense pulling this off?
DEFENSIVE LINE DEPTH
Sam Williams’ season was over before it started. The team lost both Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence last week, and rookie Marshawn Kneeland was injured on the fourth defensive play of the game. For those keeping score at home, that’s DE1, DE2, DE3, and DE4 who are out. That’s incredibly unlucky.
Last season, the team could reach deep into their depth pocket and pull out Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, but both those guys are playing for the NFC East-leading Washington Commanders now. Instead, they have turned to Chauncey Golston, Carl Lawson, and Tyrus Wheat for answers. If you have started to tear up about now, we understand. This looks really bad. But to the surprise of many, this trio held up rather well on Sunday. Golston is a versatile player and can be a hindrance both in pass rush and against the run. He’s not imposing, he’s just pesky. Golston finished with the third-best PFF grade on defense for the Cowboys on Sunday night.
Lawson and Wheat aren’t splashy players, but they’re not liabilities either. Besides a roughing the passer penalty, Wheat showed good discipline and was attentive in the run game. And while Lawson never got home, he was pressuring. When you consider the team was down to DE5, DE6, and DE7, they held up rather well.
And we can’t leave the defensive line without mentioning what Linval Joseph has done. He was a late add, but he fits Zimmer’s defense so well. He was the highest-graded defensive player on Sunday and he was flat-out embarrassing guys. His presence in the middle is noticed.
LINEBACKERS FIGURING THINGS OUT
Let’s be honest, Zimmer didn’t know what he wanted to do with these guys in the beginning. It was really a “let’s see what these guys can do” situation. On paper, it was a promising squad, but on the field, it was a hot mess. Two weeks ago, they were dead last in rushing yards allowed per attempt. Now they are 15th. Their run defense is like The Jeffersons, they are moving on up.
What’s going on exactly? Well, it’s twofold. First, they’ve figured out which guys they want out there. The linebacker group now consists of three new guys, Eric Kendricks (free agent), DeMarvion Overshown (red-shirt injury last year), and Marist Liufau (rookie). The incumbent DaMone Clark has been phased out. He only played five snaps against the Giants and none on Sunday night.
While Zimmer has figured out his personnel, his personnel has also figured out his defense. They have become so much better at staying true to their gap responsibilities. The run defense flows in unison to one side of the field cutting off the running lane as the right linebacker shoots through the open crease to make the tackle. The Cowboys’ defense has allowed an average of 2.36 yards per carry over the last two games.
And if anyone wants to suggest the Giants and Steelers aren’t that good, remember that Najee Harris (three-straight 1,000-yard seasons) and Devin Singletary (three-straight 800-yard seasons) aren’t chopped liver, and Daniel Jones and Justin Fields are two of the most effective designed-run QBs in the league this year. Whatever the Cowboys are doing, it’s working.
EENY MEENY AMANI MOE
Compared to what’s going on at defensive end, the cornerback situation looks pretty good, but they’re still taking some shots. DaRon Bland got hurt in training camp and his replacement, rookie Caelen Carson, has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury. That leaves the cornerback group down two guys, but don’t fret.
Trevon Diggs is showing no ill effects from his injury last year and Jourdan Lewis might be the toughest dude in the NFL. Those savvy vets are a good start, but it’s not enough. Fortunately, the team might’ve landed a gem of a reserve in Amani Oruwariye. He played in every snap on Sunday and never once was a liability. Better health is coming, but injuries have allowed them to find two depth pieces in Carson and Oruwariye. How’s this for a CB squad:
CB1 Trevon Diggs (back to form)
CB2 DaRon Bland (returning soon)
CB3 Jourdan Lewis (tough SOB)
CB4 Caelen Carson (returning soon)
CB5 Amani Oruwariye (nice last-minute find)
When this group gets healthy, this is a strong cornerback group.