The biggest criticism and concern that critics have for the 2024 Cowboys is their lack of depth. It’s a reasonable concern. The squad doesn’t look that deep with so many rookies and unproven talent on the team. However, this Dallas Cowboys defense might have more surprises than originally anticipated.
Better Than Anticipated? Cowboys Defensive Depth Making Waves
Preseason Prowess: Cowboys Defense Looking Strong
Although preseason is no indicator of regular season ability, the defense of the Cowboys has been the show. They’ve been able to create several plays that throw quarterbacks off-balance and have stagnated the run game.
The Las Vegas Raiders had three different QBs play in this past game and not one seemed capable of standing the rush the Cowboys provided. This rush, unfortunately, didn’t create any sacks, but it did force several bad passes or incompletions.
As far as the run game, the Cowboys defense was also able to play at a high level. There were several stops for short-yard gains. On occasion, the running back would exploit a zone defense, but generally speaking, there weren’t many rushing yards from the Raiders. They only collected 68 rushing yards compared to the Cowboys 137 rushing yards.
This was an improvement over the running game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams collected 101 yards to the Cowboys’ 93 yards. Showing growth against the run game is huge for a defense that had a hard time previously.
Marshawn Kneeland Standing Out
The Cowboys second-round draft pick, Marshawn Kneeland, had a phenomenal game. It was clear that he made an effort every single time he went against the offense.
From his two possessions in the game, Kneeland came up with a tackle, and was constantly in the backfield for the running game. His presence made a huge difference, shutting down the run and forcing passes into traffic.
Cowboys Defense Creating Big Turnovers Repeatedly
It isn’t just the consistent pressure and forced, incomplete passes to worry about. It’s also the ability to create turnovers that have been so intimidating.
In their preseason opener against the Rams, the Cowboys’ defense forced four interceptions, with four different players. They went on to lose the game, but it wasn’t from lack of effort on the defense’s part.
Then, against the Raiders, the team was able to create a pick-six. Kemon Hall had a stand-out game, stepping up in one possession and then creating the play necessary to turn the tides for the team and solidify a win.
A Defense that Makes a Difference
There’s something special that happens when the defense can hold the opponent to only one touchdown in both regular season games. These aren’t supposed to be high-scoring games, but a defense that makes even one touchdown a fight is something deeper than most people thought.
Not to mention, both touchdowns were a result of third-string play, players that are unlikely to make the team anyway. Meaning that the second-string players are just as capable of stopping defenses as the starters. Once the engine of this defense gets started, it’s going to be tough to stop.
Main Photo: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
