Fresh off the disappointing 28-16 loss to Arizona, the Dallas Cowboys defense is left with more questions than answers. During the first two weeks, the defense looked like it would become unstoppable for weeks to come, but that was all torn apart in the desert. It seems like ever since the loss of Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys have lost their juice of motivation.
However, it’s an issue inside the pocket where the run needs to be stopped. Yes, they’ve lost Diggs, but somehow the team’s defense is now struggling when it comes to quarterbacks and running backs running down the field. It seems like the issues are starting to come back from 2022, something Dan Quinn was hoping was already solved on the defensive front.
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The Key Ingredient For the Dallas Cowboys Defense
The Run Defense
The run defense issues are starting to accumulate and it was well showing in the first half against the Cardinals. The Dallas Cowboys defense gave up 181 yards on the ground which is the most for the franchise since 1991. There were improvements in the second half, but it was a little too late. The overwhelming totals in the first half played a crucial role in the loss.
As for the Doomsday defense, it’s definitely exposing for the team while it finally has found its weak point. There was indeed a lack of energy in that first half, which is something the Cowboys defense needs to work on.
If the Dallas Cowboys run defense wants any success for the rest of the year, it will need to stop the run early. The relentless energy needs to show up now rather than later, and be consistent as the game progresses. Micah Parsons always shows up and his teammates indeed need to replicate his energy.
Dan Quinn shares some thoughts following the performance of the defense, “When you walked around our locker room, you had a lot of pissed-off people and they should be. We were not up to the standard that we had set for ourselves.”
Dallas Cowboys Defense Faces Familiar Foe
The Dallas Cowboys defense now has a new challenge as they head to New England to meet an old friend. Ezekiel Elliott is eager to return to play in front of Dallas Fans at AT&T Stadium. It definitely steps up the challenge for the run defense that is struggling, and if they want to make a statement then it should be against the former star.
While Rhamondre Stevenson is the starter, it doesn’t mean that the Patriots won’t get Elliott in the mix. Especially after Elliott put up critical first downs in situations where Stevenson failed to do so. The pairs of Stevenson and Elliott should definitely worry about Dallas’ run defense as they are looking to make adjustments this coming Sunday.
It should be a fun showdown to witness for Dallas fans, as both teams will be looking to knock off one another, especially Elliott who has history at AT&T stadium.
Stop the Run And Switch Gameplans
There are worries ahead that Elliott and former Cowboy backup quarterback, Will Grier are giving intel to the Patriots. This forces Dallas to make adjustments in their playcalling and hand signals. However, this is only one of the worries for the Cowboys. It’s a no-brainer that the defense needs to mount pressure with Micah Parsons at front and center.
Parson’s teammates need to step up their game and have the same mentality that he has this coming Sunday. It’s critical for the defense to stop the run early, avoid third-down conversions, and prevent the Patriots from getting near the red zone.
This is the only key ingredient for Dallas, for now, that can win the game in their upcoming matchup. However, a consistent mixture is a need for the Dallas Cowboys if they want long-term success rather than one game.
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Main Photo: Tim Heitman – USA Today Sports
