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Todd Archer, ESPN Staff WriterDec 2, 2024, 06:00 AM ET
- Todd Archer is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Dallas Cowboys. Archer has covered the NFL since 1997 and Dallas since 2003. He joined ESPN in 2010. You can follow him on Twitter at @toddarcher.
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys‘ defense is not perfect, but it is certainly better than it was at the start of the season.
“We all see a difference, don’t we?” edge rusher Micah Parsons asked after the Cowboys’ 27-20 Thanksgiving Day win against the New York Giants. “The film’s not lying. Everybody’s staying in their gaps. We’re playing honest and true. That just goes to show that we’re just starting to believe in each other, really buying into the program and understanding that we really can be good.”
The Cowboys were on pace to be one of the worst defenses in franchise history.
In the first seven games, they allowed over 400 yards four times. Teams averaged 7 yards per play and converted more than 40% of their third-down opportunities in four games. The Cowboys allowed 31 runs of 10 yards or more and 22 passes of 20 yards or more. They had only four interceptions and one fumble recovery.
In the past five games, the Cowboys have allowed more than 400 yards once, and that came with the Washington Commanders gaining more than 200 yards on their final three possessions. They gave up more than 6.2 yards per play just once. They have not allowed a team to convert more than 40% of their third-down opportunities. The Cowboys have given up 17 runs of 10 yards or more and 11 passes for 20 yards or more.
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In the first seven games, the defense faced short-field situations eight times and gave up points six times. In the past five games, they have faced that situation 14 times and given up points eight times while also creating two takeaways.
“We have a little bit more confidence,” linebacker Eric Kendricks said. “People are understanding the scheme a little bit more.”
Some issues remain. They are still allowing an average of 28 points per game. Opponents have scored points on their first possessions in 10 of 12 games. In the wins against the Commanders and Giants, the late-game execution was lacking. See Terry McLaurin‘s 86-yard touchdown catch for Washington and the Giants’ 80-yard touchdown drive that made it a one-score game with 2:18 to play.
“I just think we’re starting to get a little consistency of guys playing together,” coach Mike McCarthy said.
There also might be a Parsons’ effect.
After missing four games with a high left ankle sprain, Parsons has played in the past four games and has 5.5 sacks. He leads the team with 6.5 sacks, despite missing 17 quarters of action with the injury.
With offenses needing to pay more attention to where he is, other players such as Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith and Chauncey Golston are being more productive.
Against the Giants, Parsons had 1.5 sacks and five pressures. According to ESPN Research, Parsons has 23 games with at least five pressures since 2021, trailing only the Las Vegas Raiders‘ Maxx Crosby for most such games in that span (26).
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“We’re a better football team, a better defense, when Micah is on the field,” McCarthy said. “That is without question. I think he came back, we had him a little bit on a pitch count, and now he is at full speed. He’s an impact player without a doubt.”
The Cowboys acknowledged there would be a transition to the scheme run by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer than the one used by his predecessor, Dan Quinn. That was exacerbated by injuries that started in training camp with pass rusher Sam Williams being lost to a knee injury.
In back-to-back games, the Cowboys lost pass rushers Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Marshawn Kneeland (knee). Cornerback DaRon Bland missed the first two games because of foot surgery. Kendricks and cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis and Trevon Diggs have missed games too.
Now, however, the defense is getting closer to full strength. Parsons hinted Lawrence could return from a sprained right mid-foot when the Cowboys play the Cincinnati Bengals next Monday night (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC). Diggs has missed the past two games with foot and groin issues, but the extra time could help him. The 11-day break will help Kendricks, Lewis, Bland and Kneeland heal more.
“It was a learning period. Everyone’s understanding a new defense,” Parsons said. “Zim’s a lot more creative and demanding how they want people to play their gaps. It was challenging a lot of the interior guys to play new ways, the corners to play new ways. And I think at this point everyone is comfortable. Everyone is locked in.
“I think at this point in the season, everyone is ready.”
They will have to be.
Four of the Cowboys’ final five opponents have top-10 scoring offenses. The Bengals have QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja’Marr Chase and WR Tee Higgins. Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield has 25 touchdown passes. Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley is performing at an MVP level. Washington has rookie QB Jayden Daniels and the potential to be explosive.
“We’ve got to elevate,” Kendricks said. “We’re headed into these later months of the season. We’ve got to pick up our game even more.”
