The Dallas Cowboys offense has had it struggles this season, but the fact that the defense is the biggest weakness of their football team is not a secret. The Cowboys went out this last off-season and signed veterans hoping that it would improve the team’s play on that side of the ball. Dallas has already traded away Everson Griffen and released Dontari Poe.
When evaluating the Dallas Cowboys defense there are three main reasons it is obvious they need to rebuild on that side of the ball.
Dallas Cowboys Defense Is Struggling and It Is Time for a Rebuild
Run Defense Must Be Top Priority
The Dallas Cowboys are currently ranked last in the NFL in run defense. Teams are lining up and running the ball at will against the front seven of the Cowboys. Dallas’ defense has given up 1,248 yards this season.
Opposing offenses are averaging 178.3 yards per game on the ground against the Dallas Cowboys defense. The only team to surrender more rushing touchdowns than the Cowboys thus far this season is the Las Vegas Raiders. If the Cowboys decide to rebuild their defense, they need to start with their front seven.
Secondary Must Improve
Although the Dallas Cowboys pass defense is ranked 12th in the NFL, they have not really been tested yet. The reason behind the secondary not being tested is because the run defense doesn’t give opposing offenses a reason to pass. The Cowboys secondary is giving up 229.9 passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks.
In addition to those per game passing yards, the Dallas defense has given up 1,609 yards in total passing yards this season. The Dallas secondary has given up 16 touchdown passes so far this season. The Cowboys secondary has given up a lot of passing touchdowns, but they are not 100 percent at fault. Dallas has been unable to generate enough of a pass rush to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.
They Need Young Players Who Are Hungry
As of last season the Cowboys were the 24th oldest team in the NFL. But there are four players the Cowboys could target in the 2021 NFL Draft who could really help improve their defense.
Marvin Wilson, Gregory Rousseau, Patrick Surtain II, and Micah Parsons are four players the Dallas Cowboys could use on defense. Wilson would bring a strong defensive tackle with great hand technique. Rousseau would give the Dallas Cowboys the burst of energy they need. He can line up anywhere on the defensive line and can make an impact at each spot.
Parsons would give the Cowboys an explosive, big linebacker that can stop the run. Sean Lee has been injury prone and the Cowboys will most likely look to move on from him at the end of this season. Parsons would be a great fit to replace the veteran linebacker.
Surtain II has amazing upside and would be a big boost to the Dallas Cowboys secondary. The junior cornerback from Alabama has proven he should be a top draft prospect. If the Cowboys have the opportunity to draft Surtain II in this year’s draft they should do so because he could be an immediate starter. He has proven to be a lockdown corner at the University of Alabama and that he is worthy of a first-round pick.
The Cowboys need to drastically improve their defense if they hope to be a winning team.
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