Defensively, the Dallas Cowboys are horrific, but why? Many fans have been asking themselves this question for the last two weeks.
After a fantastic performance against the Cleveland Browns, the Cowboys defense has looked like one of the worst in the league. The games against the New Orleans Saints and, most recently, the Baltimore Ravens have made the defense look weak.
There are numerous issues with this defense; the one major factor that has changed is the defensive coordinator. Could the change from Dan Quinn’s defense to Mike Zimmer’s defense affect the outcome this badly?
Let’s compare the defenses under each coordinator through the first three games of each coordinator’s first season as defensive coordinator. The results may be surprising.
Dan Quinn’s defensive outcomes after 3 games
Dan Quinn was the Dallas Cowboys‘ defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2024. This past year, he was hired by the Washington Commanders as the new head coach of their football team.
The hole left by Dan Quinn’s departure may not be as large as fans think, or we may have seen this before. As the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, his defenses were genuinely elite.
The defense dramatically improved from the first year he was hired, but the first few games were rough.
In 2021, Dan Quinn’s first season with the Cowboys, the defense gave up 1,206 total yards. The team did go 2-1 over the first three weeks.
The run defense only gave up 211 yards through these games, while the pass defense gave up 995 yards. The only silver lining was the Cowboys defense created ten turnovers.
The defense could only muster four sacks but did have nine tackles for a loss and 16 quarterback hits.
How does this compare to Mike Zimmer’s defense? Well, let’s take a look.
Mike Zimmer’s defensive outcomes through 3 games
Mike Zimmer took over a talented defense left behind by Dan Quinn, but how does Zimmer’s defense compare so far?
This defense has not looked the same as last year’s throughout Mike Zimmer’s first three games.
However, the differences may not be as drastic as people think, given it is the first year of a new defensive coordinator scheme.
The defense has given up 1,118 yards total in the first three games, going 1-2 in that span.
The pass defense has given up 561, while the rush defense has given up 557 yards. The difference maker is the turnovers, as this defense has only had three takeaways.
When digging deeper, turnovers are not the only issue. This defense had only seven sacks, eight tackles for a loss, and 18 quarterback hits.
Six of the sacks and 17 quarterback hits were against the Cleveland Browns. Not much consistency for the defense.
The difference defensively isn’t just statistics
While the two defenses are similar statistically, the differences can be seen elsewhere.
Many thought Dan Quinn was too soft on his players, and they did not have that extra gear or intensity.
Fans were excited about Mike Zimmer’s new hardcore coaching approach coming to this fantastic defense. The only problem is that there seems to be a greater lack of effort this year.
The differences in the scheme could also play a part. The defense does not seem to be as fast at diagnosing plays and is slower to the ball.
The defensive line was even given some size to help stop the run. The only problem is the help brought in was good several years ago.
Is it all on the defense?
Heading into the next game, the defense could gain some momentum against a struggling New York Giants offense. If the defense can come in and make some key stops, it will benefit morale.
The defense on the field is not much different than what we are used to; they may be tired three games in.
If the offense can knock the rust off and get back to scoring the way we know they can, it will greatly benefit this defense. This defense’s strength is its ability to rest, pin its ears back, and go after the quarterback.
Last year and in previous years, the Dallas Cowboys’ offense could score 30 points in no time. This year, however, it has been a struggle to get to 20 points, garbage time points notwithstanding.
Dak Prescott and company can help elevate the defense by returning to the big-play offense they can be. This change alone will return the defense to the one we know and love.
Can the Cowboys defense turn the corner?
Mike Zimmer has been coaching in the NFL long enough to know how to fix the defense’s issues. It will take some time.
The one promising thing this team has is that it’s struggling at the beginning of the season.
The defense will also get more help as the season progresses. A few key defense players are injured and will return to help.
Daron Bland is sorely missed, and we have yet to see him and Trevon Diggs playing at full strength together. Together, these two players will give offensive coordinators nightmares.
The other player on injured reserve is Sam Williams, who was having a promising off-season until he got hurt.
Getting him back in the rotation will boost the non-existent pass rush and take pressure off Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
The last two games have been hard to watch, but the defense may not be as bad off as everyone thinks. The next few games will be a great measuring stick for what to expect from the defense.
Defensively, if the Dallas Cowboys can hit their stride in the middle of the season, it could lead to the playoffs.
The team has to get wins until reinforcements arrive, and the offense needs to get going. These two factors will get the team back on track.
