5 Steps to make the Dallas Cowboys defense better in 2023

Call me a football dinosaur but watching that ESPN 30 for 30 on the 2000 Baltimore Ravens had me feeling a bit nostalgic. Watching Ray Lewis and his teammates relive that Super Bowl accomplishment, specifically for their defense, reminded me of the Dallas Cowboys teams of the 90s.

While times and NFL rules have certainly changed, Dan Quinn and the Dallas Cowboys have carved out their own version of a defense that attacks the quarterback. This defense led by Micah Parsons is not the 2000 Ravens, but they have more than enough talent to be a more elite version of themselves heading into 2023-2024.

Roster moves will happen. Improving the offense will undoubtedly take a front seat but the Dallas Cowboys would be wise not to rest on their laurels defensively.

Dallas Cowboys should get Trevon Diggs  a running mate in Patrick Peterson

Saying that the cornerback spot opposite of Trevon Diggs was a rotating door is putting it mildly. The injuries to Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis definitely didn’t help the situation. However, watching Kelvin Joseph, Nahshon Wright, Trayvon Mullen, and Xavier Rhodes all get a shot at that spot was underwhelming. If the Dallas Cowboys used the 26th pick in the upcoming NFL draft to fill this need, you wouldn’t hear a complaint from me. Not one peep.

However, what is the harm in doubling down at the position? Bringing in a veteran like Patrick Peterson is the perfect bridge player and complementary piece for this defense. His film from last season matches his numbers. Neither of them lied. Patrick Peterson played some good ball last year. According to PFF, 60 tackles, 5 interceptions and 80.7 overall grade (82.5 coverage grade) isn’t too shabby at all.

He is a bit long in the tooth at 33 years of age, but that may aid the Dallas Cowboys in contract negotiations. Spotrac shows he signed for 1 year at $4 million contract with the Vikings in 2022. If we can get something similar this offseason, sign me up.  Lining up Trevon Diggs, Daron Bland, Patrick Peterson and a healthy Jourdan Lewis on Week 1 will certainly help your chances of being better in 2023-2024.