Cowboys: Dare to fantasize about a top ten defense

Sure, the sample size is very small, but early returns suggest a speedy, athletic and much improved Dallas Cowboys’ defense.

For the past several seasons, the mantra at The Star suggested the Dallas Cowboys’ best defense was their offense. To be sure, the team was constructed as such. First, the steps were taken on the offensive line to keep then quarterback Tony Romo upright. When Romo was healthy, it paid off (see: 2014. Dez caught it). When Romo’s body inevitably betrayed him, a couple of rookies–Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott–took advantage of the road graders up front and terrorized opposition defenses in 2016.

All along, the thinking was simple: hold onto the ball and win the time of possession battle. Inevitably, defenses would tire from the constant punishment and eventually crater. When the Cowboys were on their game, it worked beautifully. But as we’ve seen in 2015 and again last season, when things aren’t running under optimal conditions, games can get downright sloppy and out of hand pretty quickly. Try as they might, the defense couldn’t really be counted upon to steal a game.

I won’t go so far as to claim those days are over. It’s not like the 49ers or Bengals are considered world beaters in their respective divisions. Still, the Cowboys can only play who is on their schedule. If that’s any indication, then we might be seeing a nascent unit wholly capable of pulling their weight.

Now you might be wondering what kool-aid I’m drinking, and you might be right. As critical as I’ve been of the organization over the years, I can’t recall a season in recent memory in which I’ve been so bullish on the Cowboys. Maybe my bar is low. I’ve often said the only thing worse than lowered expectations is none whatsoever. Perhaps this is the method to the Jerry Jones madness: lull ’em to sleep with mediocrity.

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I’ll tell you what I do see, though. I see a speedy bunch that can get after the passer. The linebacker corps is deeper than they’ve been in recent memory and can run sideline-to-sideline. Stop right there and consider that. Just one year ago we sat and watched linebacker Jaylon Smith try and play on essentially one leg. Now he shows legitimate burst and appears to be most of the way back from that horrific injury he suffered at the end of his collegiate career. Finally, we might be seeing the advent of a ball hawking secondary as evidenced by cornerback Chidobe Awuzie’s acrobatic interception on Saturday night. I know I might be grasping at straws here, but I also can’t remember a defense in recent memory that flashed this brightly so soon.

Whatever the case, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give some credit to a front office that’s been in my crosshairs more often than not over the past two decades. Personnel guru Will McClay has his fingerprints all over the draft day maneuverings in recent years. The additions to the defensive side of the ball are starting to bear fruit, and it’s indicative of the lessened influence of the general manager, thank goodness.

In my mind, it all boils down to the pass rush. To that end, you’ve already got Demarcus Lawrence poised to build on last season’s career year. The troubled and enigmatic defensive end David Irving will miss the early portion of the year due to drug suspension. But in his place is an equally troubled player in end Randy Gregory. The eyeball tests suggests he’s ready to contribute. As they say, pressure will bust a pipe. So if the defensive line can continually press quarterbacks and ball carriers, mistakes are sure to follow.

That’s not to say it’s “mission accomplished” for this defense. A stern opening day test awaits a little less than three weeks away. Moreover, the schedule won’t do the Cowboys any favors at any point this season. If they plan on making any real noise this year, they’re going to have to earn it every step of the way. It is simply small solace to know they appear better prepared to handle the challenge this time around. if they can live up to their potential, a remarkable season is well within their grasp.

• Published on 08/21/2018 at 12:01 PM
• Last updated at 08/21/2018 at 11:44 AM