Micah's Cowboys Defense Disrespected In Latest 'Triplet' Rankings

FRISCO — The 2024 Dallas Cowboys defense looked nothing like the unit that had tormented offenses in the years prior under Dan Quinn. Transition to a new scheme under Mike Zimmer and a number of costly injuries spelled the downfall for Dallas last season. 

Nonetheless, their reputation has taken a hit and its up to newly installed defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to help right the ship. One advantage for Eberflus has is the abundance of notable talent still plentiful across the roster. 

Defensive superstar Micah Parsons headlines this crew of course with Trevon Diggs, Da'Ron Bland and Osa Odighizuwa also earning some shine. But how do they stack up against the rest of the league's best?

Taking a snapshot of every team's defense, Gilberto Manzano ranked 32 groups of triplets, selecting one player from everyone's pass rushers, linebackers and secondary to create the rankings.

Somewhat shockingly, the Cowboys came in at No. 21 overall with their group of Parson, Bland and De'Marvion Overshown. Much of this placement came in part  with some lingering injury concerns. 

"It’s strange ranking a team with Parsons this low. But there’s a possibility that Overshown will miss the entire 2025 season after his breakout year ended with a significant knee injury and Bland struggled to return to top form due to a foot injury sustained in training camp last summer."

All three players missed time with injury last season though the first two should be back on the field without any concerns in 2025. Bland did lack the same qualities that contributed to his breakout a few years and Overshown started on a tear before a brutal knee injury. 

At the same time, Parsons only missed four games and still returned, serving as the lone spark amid a lost season. It may have not saved the Cowboys, but Parsons did reach 50 career sacks at a record pace by the end of the campaign. 

Frankly, Parsons on his lonesome could be worth a top 20 placement in this exercise regardless of the talent around him. And being more liberal with the exact three chosen, Osa Odighizuwa would certainly enhance the positioning as well. 

But rankings holds truth in that it shows the Cowboys have plenty of ground to make up on their rivals and other contenders. Eberflus will serve as the architect for it all and has the tools mold a more refined piece.