It is clear that the Dallas Cowboys need major help defensively, sitting at the bottom of the league in nearly every meaningful metric, which includes giving up 30.7 points per game through the first six weeks of the season. It is an incredibly frustrating number that points to the need for both reinforcements and in-house adjustments.
The early defensive woes led to owner/general manager Jerry Jones commenting on the situation, even hinting at potential defensive reinforcements when talking about linebacker DeMarvion Overshown's looming return, per Cowboys writer Tommy Yarish.
"We will have something else by the time that we get there, and I hope that (Overshown's return is) sooner than 4-5 weeks."Jerry Jones
Jones is indicating that the Cowboys are going to be active ahead of this year's trade deadline. It is an interesting position considering the franchise sits at 2-3-1, able to argue itself in either direction. However, it doesn't come as a surprise that Jones is of the mindset of remaining aggressive over the next weeks of the season.
Jerry Jones Offers Cowboys Hope that Needed Defensive Improvements Lie Ahead
Jones' mindset is exactly what ownership should have this early in the season. Cowboys fans have yet to see what the offense can accomplish when fully healthy, so it's understandable that the 83-year-old billionaire is focusing attention on adding to a struggling defense.
Projected sellers like the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and New York Jets could all be potential trade partners that the Cowboys contact.
Looking at where the Cowboys might target an addition is close to impossible to guess. Every level of the team could use an upgrade, with the defensive line, secondary, and linebacking groups all needing a bit of a boost. If there is one addition that would clearly help push the Cowboys into relevance, it is a playmaking safety or a star pass rusher to help take pressure off the secondary.
If the Cowboys are going to make further moves to attempt to contend, this is where attention should be focused in the next weeks of the season. It is exciting to hear that Jones isn't punting on the season and expects to remain aggressive in the coming weeks. This isn't a franchise that is simply a healthy player or two from returning to its capability.
It needs true impact additions, and Jones seems to be aware of this ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.