‘It Has Come Under Fire…’: NFL Insider Gets Real on Outlook of Cowboys’ Defense

Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report highlighted that the team’s defense has given up 61 points over two games, with a concerning 51.9 percent conversion rate on third downs. These statistics underline the urgency for Dallas to improve its defensive cohesion and effectiveness in critical situations. Without Parsons, who typically anchors the defense, the unit appears vulnerable and disjointed.

The upcoming games will be crucial for the Cowboys as they attempt to address these issues. Facing teams with potent offenses could expose further weaknesses if adjustments are not made. The pressure is on defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to find solutions and reinvigorate the team’s defensive strategy.

NFL Expert Shares Thoughts on Dallas Cowboys’ Defense Early This Season

Dallas’ defense isn’t the same as it was, especially after trading Parsons away. This is detailed more in an analysis by Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler for ESPN.

The Cowboys’ defense post-Micah Parsons is a work in progress, but the team has some hope that reinforcements are on the way. The signing of veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney should help bolster the front while Dallas awaits health improvements on the back end. DaRon Bland’s absence isn’t expected to be long-term, and Trevon Diggs should continue to settle in and play more snaps as he works his way back from injury. Dallas also believes third-round rookie Shavon Revel Jr. — who opened the season on the non-football injury list while working his way back from a knee injury he suffered in college last year — will be a big help once he’s able to return to the lineup in Week 5. The Cowboys also expect to get linebacker DeMarvion Overshown back from his knee injury at some point in October or November.

The Cowboys are learning a new defensive scheme under coordinator Matt Eberflus, and it has come under fire from some after Russell Wilson and Malik Nabers ate their zone defense alive in Sunday’s thriller. But they point to Week 1, when they held Saquon Barkley to 60 rushing yards and the Eagles’ top two receivers to 24 yards combined, as an encouraging sign that Sunday wasn’t who they’re always going to be this season.

While Dallas has a strong offense capable of high-scoring games, its defense must step up to keep pace in the competitive NFC East. As the season progresses, the team needs to establish its defensive identity to remain relevant in the playoff conversation.

The Cowboys’ defense is at a crossroads, facing significant challenges without Micah Parsons. With the spotlight on them, the upcoming weeks will determine whether they can reclaim their status as a formidable unit in the league.