The Dallas Cowboys have been the NFL’s most successful team since the 1990s, but they are staring down a disastrous season. They’ve struggled to stop opposing offenses, and their defense has been especially bad.
The Dallas Cowboys Defense is opening 2021 against Tom Brady as they work to rebound from an abysmal season. Read more in detail here: who is tom brady playing for.
During the 2020 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys failed to stop anybody. They were difficult to watch after quarterback Dak Prescott was down, but the defense didn’t help them either. The defense underwent a significant makeover in the summer, and the front staff is looking for a turnaround in 2021. In their season opener against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dan Quinn and the Cowboys defense will be put to the test.
In 2020, the Dallas Cowboys defense was towards the bottom of the league.
The Cowboys completed the 2020 season with a total defense ranking in the bottom five. Opposing offenses scored 473 points and gained 6,183 yards against them.
Dallas had trouble stopping the run and the throw. They gave up the second-most ground yards, behind only the Houston Texans. Allowing running backs to get five yards per rush is concerning to say the least.
Their pass defense wasn’t as terrible as their run defense, but that’s not saying much. In terms of overall yards, they were in the middle of the pack, but they allowed 34 passing touchdowns, which tied for third most in the NFL.
It looked as though the players had given up at times. It seemed like there was much too much skill on the field to be playing so badly.
When healthy, the Cowboys have one of the most potent attacks in the NFL. The offense is placed under undue strain by the defense, which is one of the weakest in the league.
Even if they are as terrible as they were in 2020, there must be some improvement in the 2021 season.
Micah Parsons has the potential to be a game-changer on defense.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images Micah Parsons on the field during Cowboys training camp
Micah Parsons was chosen with the No. 12 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Coming out of Penn State, he was well regarded. Despite this, several clubs steered clear of the linebacker owing to worries about his reputation. Jerry Jones has never shied away from a challenge, and the club has faith in Parsons.
As one of college football’s best linebackers, Parsons shone brightly. In three seasons with the Nittany Lions, he has 191 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, six caused fumbles, and five pass defenses. At Penn State, the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native played off-ball linebacker and excelled in that position.
He has an exceptional mix of size and athleticism, as shown by his performance at the collegiate level. The Cowboys’ first-round draft pick has had an immediate impact on the field.
During training camp and the preseason, Parsons showed glimpses of greatness. He was flying over the field, showing his agility and ability to make plays. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the highest-graded linebacker against the run in the preseason.
The Big Ten graduate has already established himself as one of Dallas’ most versatile defenders. In college, he lined up in a variety of spots, and we might expect the same at the next level. The Cowboys received a good deal as long as there are no off-field issues.
Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, is hoping to turn the defense around.
When questioned about DC, Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs doesn’t hesitate. “I like the way he coaches,” says Dan Quinn. You want to be a part of something like that.” pic.twitter.com/7mHv7hWtFH
July 25, 2021 — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein)
Mike Nolan, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, was dismissed as part of the defensive makeover. In his place, they hired Dan Quinn, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Dallas has enough of skill, but they need a coach who can fit the puzzle pieces together correctly. Quinn seems to be the perfect guy for the position, according to the front office.
Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch line up with Micah Parsons in the linebacker corps. Both players were selected with significant draft capital by the Cowboys, but neither has lived up to expectations.
DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, in particular, are excellent pass rushers on this defense. Lawrence had double-digit sack seasons in 2017 and 2018, but his output has subsequently dropped. Gregory is a former second-round selection who was a standout at Nebraska in college. He’s another another flop for the Dallas Cowboys in the draft.
In 2020, cornerback Trevon Diggs struggled tremendously, with opposing quarterbacks picking him apart at times. Despite his terrible start to the season, he showed signs of being able to make plays as the season progressed. He’s the team’s most talented cornerback, and he’ll have to step up to the plate.
Dan Quinn is relishing the opportunity to lead this defense. He told USA TODAY Sports, “I enjoy doing hard s*** with a bunch of people.” “To be here is why I was overjoyed when Mike invited me to come and join him.”
Being a member of the Dallas Cowboys comes with a lot of pressure, whether it’s justified or not. In 2021, the defense must improve.
Pro Football Reference provided all statistics.
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