Cowboys 2025 Defense On Historic Pace

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense is off to one of the worst starts in franchise history. Through three games, they have surrendered 1,193 total yards and 92 points.

That ranks as the second-worst three-game start in franchise history in terms of yardage allowed, trailing only the 2020 season’s disastrous opening stretch when Dallas gave up 1,214 yards and 97 points.

Fans expected the defense to be a stabilizing force, but instead, it has been a major liability.

Historic Context

When looking back at Cowboys history, only a few seasons compare to this level of defensive futility.

In 1963, Dallas allowed 1,065 yards and 96 points through three games, highlighted by a game in which Jim Brown rushed for over 230 yards.

The 2000 Cowboys allowed 1,078 and 94 points, but still managed to create turnovers and keep games close.

This 2025 team, by contrast, is giving up more total yards than either of those squads and is not producing enough takeaways to flip momentum.

Breaking Down the Numbers

The numbers paint a very clear picture of a defense that is struggling in one area in particular, stopping the passing game of opponents.

Here’s how the 2025 Cowboys compare to other historically poor three-game starts:

Passing Defense: The Achilles’ Heel

What stands out most about the 2025 defense is its vulnerability through the air. Dallas has given up 864 passing yards in just three games, averaging nearly 300 yards per contest.

Explosive plays have been the killer—several passes of 25 yards or more have flipped field position and created quick touchdowns.

Trevon Diggs and Kaiir Elam are man-to-man specialists but are being asked to play heavy doses of zone coverage under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, which neutralizes their strengths and leads to soft spots in their coverage.

Run Defense and Lack of Playmaking

While the run defense numbers are better than the passing defense, opponents have still managed 329 rushing yards.

The Cowboys have only four sacks through three games and just two takeaways, both of which came in high-leverage moments.

Unlike the 2000 Cowboys, who forced six turnovers in their first three games, this unit has not been able to generate momentum-shifting plays.

The lack of disruption up front has allowed quarterbacks to stay comfortable and pick apart the secondary.

Historically Bad, But Hope for the Future

While this may not technically be the worst defensive start in Cowboys history by points allowed, it is alarmingly close—and in terms of total yards, it is worse than almost every season except 2020.

If Dallas cannot adjust its coverage schemes and find a way to generate more pressure and turnovers, this group risks going down as one of the most disappointing and historically poor defenses in team history.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this defense can rebound, or if 2025 will be remembered as the season when the Cowboys’ defensive identity completely unraveled.