The Cowboys defense has more star-power than just about any in the NFL. With Pro Bowl-caliber players all over, and a top-five defensive player in the NFL, there should be no limit to the team’s defensive potential.
Now, it’s not like they added some major influx of defensive talent; this is generally the same group as in the year’s past. So why would this unit be drastically better?
Starting defense for Mike Zimmer and the Dallas Cowboys, as of today:
DE: Micah Parsons
DT: Osa Odighizuwa
DT: Mazi Smith
DE: DeMarcus Lawrence
LB: Eric Kendricks
LB: Damone Clark
CB: Trevon Diggs
CB: DaRon Bland
NCB: Jourdan Lewis
S: Donovan Wilson
S: Malik Hooker— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) March 14, 2024
That question is completely valid.
After all, this same defensive core failed to stop top-tier offenses over the last few years, and we have no concrete evidence to suggest they will suddenly change.
What we do have are projections, and a few key variables that could have a huge impact this season. From the roster, to the coaching staff, to the injury report, there is a world where things improve in a major way.
If that happens, the rest of the NFL should watch out.
Dallas has too much talent on that side of the ball to continue struggling against good teams, and there is a new sheriff in town who will try to make that a reality.
With that in mind, here are the three main reasons that defense could become the Cowboys’ strong suit in 2024.
Major Upgrade with Mike Zimmer
Former Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn gave a lot to this organization. He developed some key players and coaches, and had some special moments. However, Quinn’s replacement is a significant upgrade for the Cowboys.
Mike Zimmer is everything the Cowboys defense has been lacking in a coordinator, and now they have it.
From his intensity and focus on player-accountability, to his attention to detail and preparedness coming into games, Zimmer is just a different animal in these areas than Quinn.
Cowboys LB Eric Kendricks on DC Mike Zimmer and Dallas’ defensive changes: “Obviously I’m familiar with the defense. I’m in the middle of things. I’m very comfortable. … We have a lot of new stuff being implemented, which I’m excited about.
“Zim is very detailed. You know what… pic.twitter.com/5WV8ugy8bj
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 27, 2024
Fans love to remember that gruesome playoff loss against the Packers as a full indictment on Dak Prescott, but Quinn’s defense was an even bigger issue.
Blown coverage, missed assignments, and a general lack of energy. This is not something you will see happen with a Zimmer-led unit in a big game.
With Eric Kendricks here, the Cowboys have guys that know the defense and can run it, and the guys that don’t are talented enough to pick it up quickly and get to work with the scheme.
Zimmer’s influence is going to be a huge success for Dallas this season.
The Resurgence of the Secondary
After this very, very long offseason in Dallas, it might be tough for some to get excited about the upcoming season. I have a rebuttal for those fans: take a look at the entire secondary on the depth chart.
This defensive unit is loaded with talent, and it’s headlined by former All-Pro Trevon Diggs, who will return to action from his torn ACL.
You’ve got Diggs, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis, and rookie Caelen Carson, who fans should be fired up about. That group, despite Stephon Gilmore’s absence, is the best in the NFC East.
Most INTs since 2021:
1. Trevon Diggs – 15
T-2. DaRon Bland – 14 pic.twitter.com/UuA25l1nqO— PFF (@PFF) January 11, 2024
When you turn things over to the safeties, the Cowboys defense gets even more exciting. Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson, combined with a slew of young talent, are going to be fun as hell to watch.
The development of these young studs, like Juanyeh Thomas, Israel Mukuamu, and Markquese Bell, is one of the most important things to watch this year.
This unit is going to be superb if healthy. Get ready for some lockdown coverage.
The Micah Parsons Effect
When you have a player who single-handedly makes the list of reasons why your defense is elite, you’ve got a damn good player.
In the case of the Cowboys, they have that and more with Micah Parsons.
Three seasons, three All-Pro nods, three Pro Bowls, and very nearly the DPOY in each season. That is not normal, it’s extraordinary.
Parsons is on a Hall-of-Fame pace and has shown no signs of slowing that down at all.
Cowboys DE/LB Micah Parsons finished third in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting after finishing second the previous two seasons.
Myles Garrett won the award. TJ Watt finished second. Maxx Crosby was fourth and DaRon Bland fifth
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 9, 2024
No matter what you may hear about the issues of his personality, the guy works his tail off. You don’t get this good without doing that.
As long as he is on the field, Dallas will have a chance at a crucial stop, sack, or turnover.
Most importantly, perhaps, is the impact he has on the entire defense and offense. You don’t plan on double-teaming him? Good luck. You are double-teaming him? Get ready for DeMarcus Lawrence to hit your quarterback.
DeMarcus Lawrence will never get the true respect he deserves. There's nothing to see here, just back-to-back pass deflections, one resulting in an interception. pic.twitter.com/37sbrFrEu1
— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) January 9, 2024
The focus that must be on him at all times changes the game, as does his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Good pass-rushes make good secondaries, and Dallas has both of those already.
Parsons is a game changer, and the Cowboys defense is going to be elite in large part because of him and his influence.
