{"id":270063,"date":"2026-03-24T12:05:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T16:05:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=270063"},"modified":"2026-03-24T12:05:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T16:05:31","slug":"grading-the-dallas-cowboys-defensive-overhaul-and-new-scheme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/03\/24\/grading-the-dallas-cowboys-defensive-overhaul-and-new-scheme\/","title":{"rendered":"Grading the Dallas Cowboys\u2019 Defensive Overhaul and New Scheme"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was a tale of two units for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The offensive unit produced at a Super Bowl caliber level, while the defense was in a world of trouble. Receivers were able to break free and run loose all over the field, and not even some of their best players could cure the sickness of the defensive hemorrhaging that appeared week after week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cowboys finished dead last in the NFL in passing defense and points allowed (30.1 points)<\/a>. They allowed a league-high 60 total touchdowns, which included 24 rushing touchdowns. The defense as a whole was historically bad as they took the football away only 12 times.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reviewing the Dallas Cowboys’ Acquisitions and Draft Opportunities<\/h3>\n

Ironically, the 2026 projections are significantly better and more optimistic. The team went through a massive defensive reset.<\/a> They cut ties with the inconsistent Matt Eberflus and have coordinator Christian Parker to lean on. The talk among analysts and rarely 2026 mock drafts is that the defensive side of the ball will be a priority.<\/span><\/p>\n

Changes and Acquisitions<\/h4>\n

Under Parker, the Cowboys are moving to a 3-4 base defense that emphasizes versatility and confusing pre-snap looks for quarterbacks. Dallas completed a major trade for pass rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers<\/a> to bookend the edge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gary isn\u2019t Micah Parsons.<\/a> But fortunately, he provides a Pro Bowl-caliber presence that was missing in 2025. The team also signed safety Jalen Thompson to lead on the back end. Other veteran additions like Cobie Durant and P.J. Locke (who has experience in Parker\u2019s scheme) are expected to stabilize a unit that allowed 60 touchdowns.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, the addition of massive nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia<\/a> is a direct response to the 2025 rush defense, which was inconsistent all year long. The 24 rushing touchdowns they surrendered were the worst in all of football.<\/span><\/p>\n

2026 Mock Draft Outlook<\/h4>\n

Fortunately, the Dallas Cowboys hold two first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft. Journalists anticipate the Cowboys using them both on defense. Some names that have been mentioned are topics of conversation:<\/span><\/p>\n