Dallas Cowboys: Expect significantly more interceptions in 2017

Last season, the Dallas Cowboys ranked 27th in the league in interceptions, expect that negative element to change next season.

Besides looking for the so called “war daddy”, the Dallas Cowboys have been looking for a ball-hawking defensive back and someone who can at least force fumbles.

It’s not a secret the Cowboys have ranked low in creating turnovers for a long time now. They haven’t had a ball-hawking, pick-six corner since Deion Sanders.

The only defensive player on the Cowboys roster with a knack for getting his hands on the ball and taking it to pay dirt is linebacker Sean Lee.

I don’t expect Woods, Awuzie, and Lewis to come in and make the Pro Bowl next season, but I can see these young studs intercepting a lot of passes

In 2016, safety Barry Church had two measly interceptions to lead the entire team, while seldom used, reserve safety, Jeff Heath, was tied with six others with one.

In all, the Cowboys had a total of only nine interceptions.

Ridiculous!

As good as the Cowboys defense played last year, especially its secondary, their Achilles heel was forcing turnovers.

It’s one thing to have a defense that can get after the quarterback and lead the league in sacks, but it’s just as good to have a team that can create and force turnovers. Especially when you have a high-octane offense to give the ball back too.

Well after struggling to force turnovers last season, in 2017 expect Dallas’ defense to create and force more turnovers.

I know you’re wondering why I’m writing this piece about Dallas’ defense improving in the turnover department, when there is no evidence to support my statement. But there is proof, and the proof is in the this year’s draft class.

Not only did Dallas draft really good defensive backs, they had the audacity to draft ball-hawking, athletic, and versatile defensive backs.

Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, and Xavier Woods are talented ball hawks. This trio has the capability of jumping routes and taking it to the house at any given time. Let’s dive in…

Xavier Woods

Woods had 14 career interceptions, five forced fumbles, and two pick-six’s while at Louisiana Tech. As a player Dallas’ coaching staff has high hopes for, Woods is the type of safety who plays the position like a center fielder, a player who relies on his instincts as much as his football IQ.

With a Woods roaming the deep third of the field, he’s bound to make a difference, picking off a few passes or dislodging the ball with a devastating hit (he’s a big time hitter, too).

Woods’ playmaking skills bodes well for Dallas because now they have a player that can actually put his hands on the ball and make a play, unlike former safety Barry Church. Plus, Woods can learn the ropes while watching up-and-coming free safety, Bryron Jones.

Chidobe Awuzie

In a division that boasts pass happy teams, Awuzie will have plenty of opportunities to intercept passes from Eli Manning, Kirk Cousins, and Carson Wentz.

“Chido” Awuzie is another corner who has a knack for getting to the ball. Awuzie didn’t record as many interceptions as Woods, but Awuzie had 34 PBU (Pass Break Ups), and five interceptions while playing at Colorado. The fact that Awuzie had 34 PBU’s means he’s always around the ball to make a play.

When watching film on Awuzie, you can see he possesses the ability to burst on the ball and get his head around and look for the ball, which is something a lot corners struggles with. This explains why Awuzie had so many PBU’s.

In a division that boasts pass happy teams, Awuzie will have plenty of opportunities to intercept passes from Eli Manning, Kirk Cousins, and Carson Wentz.

Awuzie is the type of corner that’s going to be in position to create turnovers, whether from intercepting passes, knocking down passes or forcing fumbles.

At Colorado, Awuzie had seven sacks from the slot corner position in a two year span. I’m sure defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli will use this skill set.

Jourdan Lewis

Out of this trio of defensive backs, Lewis is probably is the most talented one. Dallas got a steal with Lewis. Lewis can flat out play. He’s a baller. Lewis’s one handed interception is all of the proof you need of his athleticism.

Lewis recorded six interceptions, defended 42 passes, and only allowed two touchdowns during his entire college career. Plus, Lewis has the ability to play with the slot receivers and basically shut them down.

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What makes Lewis special is his ability to make plays on the ball with his back to the quarterback.

Lewis’ skill set is needed when Dallas plays teams with shifty and quick slot receivers.

Lewis might not start right away because Orlando Scandrick is supplanted as the starter, but Lewis will see playing time because of his athleticism and for having a nose for the ball.

I don’t expect Woods, Awuzie, and Lewis to come in and make the Pro Bowl next season, but I can see these young studs intercepting a lot of passes or making plays on the ball and allowing the other corners to be in position to make plays, too.

The young trio will play with along side experienced players like Scandrick, Anthony Brown, Nolan Carroll, and Jones. So it will be the right combination to get the best results.

With a talented group of players in the secondary, it raises the play of others, good competition breeds better players.

In addition, with a good secondary that can cover, this allows the defensive line to get coverage sacks, something this team needs badly.

With turnovers, Dallas’ high powered offense gets the ball back and score more points. It’s a blueprint that worked well for the New Orleans Saints back in 2009, when they won the Super Bowl.

The Saints defense forced 39 turnovers that season, leading the league. With the Saints boasting the number one offense in the NFL, it was easy for the Saints to blow out teams and mostly play with a lead.

Next: Dallas Cowboys: Tyrone Crawford is playing for his job

Creating turnovers will lead to extra possessions for Dallas’ offense, which is one of the best in the NFL.

And this is what you can expect from the defense next season.

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