The new-look Dallas Cowboys have surrendered a whopping 92 points through the first three games of the NFL season, marking the fourth-most points they've given up through three games in franchise history. Needless to say, the status quo can't remain.
Perhaps trading their Defensive Player of the Year candidate wasn't a good idea. Unfortunately, the front office continues to show its ineptitude by failing to address a defense that needs help across the board, especially as far as the secondary is concerned.
Much to the Cowboys' dismay, they just missed out on a chance to sign a cornerback, as NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that Mike Hilton has signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
Cowboys Ignore Secondary as CB Mike Hilton Signs with Colts
The Colts lost starting cornerback Kenny Moore II to a calf injury in Week 3. They did what they were supposed to do by signing a proven veteran like Hilton, who has 13 career interceptions and 66 tackles for loss.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, are still without star CB DaRon Bland. He sustained a foot injury on Sept. 8, forcing him to miss the last two games.
Trevon Diggs also suffered a shoulder injury in the Week 3 loss, leaving the Cowboys' already thin secondary even more undermanned. They only have Kaiir Elam, C.J. Goodwin, Trikweze Bridges, Robert Rochell, Zion Childress, and Reddy Steward as healthy cornerbacks right now, and none of them is a marquee name by any means.
Also, even if Diggs were fully healthy, he's been one of the defense's biggest liabilities this season, and that's a lot to say, given how bad they've performed so far. America's Team has allowed the third-most total yards per game (409.7), as well as the second-most passing yards (288.0). They have also given up the fourth-most points per game (30.7%) and give up the most successful third-down conversions (53.7%).
Additionally, Dallas' 47.4 Pro Football Focus coverage grade is the sixth-worst mark in the NFL so far.
The Cowboys have nearly $31 million in available cap space, but owner/general manager Jerry Jones seems to be adamant about making needle-moving deals. That's been the never-ending story in Arlington, and it'll be difficult to get excited about Dallas' outlook for as long as Jones & Co. continue to take this approach.