The Dallas Cowboys in two games are the number one team when it comes to takeaways with six after struggling to produce them over the past five years. This is mainly due to the free-agent acquisitions of safeties Damontae Kazee and Jayron Kearse who have played outstanding since the season opener in Tampa.
Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn also has a lot to do with the defense's success as he has these guys flying and playing the ball on each snap to give the offense more possessions. Previously with Mike Nolan, the defense had no clue about the calls and packages which resulted in blowout losses and big plays consistently given up.
Things have changed now that Quinn convinced the front office to bring in better quality safeties than what the Cowboys had over the past few years.
Kazee has a forced fumble and an interception so far on the season, displaying his playmaking ability. Those were the types of plays the Cowboys did not make last season, as they were one of the worst in franchise history.
COWBOYS GAME REPLAY 🎬: FS Da'Montae Kazee comes up big with the pick in the end zone! ✭ #dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/wpESLykfB3
— The Cowboys Network (@TheCowboysNet) September 21, 2021
Kearse, who nearly had two interceptions, one of which was negated by a penalty, has been a major surprise since joining Dallas. He has shown versatility playing both safety spots and some as a nickel cornerback, which has allowed the defense to get the best guys on the field.
If this is pass interference in the league they might as well not even cover WR or TE. Awful call. pic.twitter.com/5h4uecwOc2
— ✭ Your_Guy_Nix ✭ (@Your_Guy_Nix) September 20, 2021
For years, fans were begging and pleading to bring in better players at safety to prevent big plays, but it seems so far as if they shored up the back end. The old saying “If you have a great defensive line you do not need a good secondary” is not entirely true since the Cowboys only notched two sacks on the season but have four interceptions because of their ability to cover.
Doesn't matter if it's Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, Damontae Kazee, or Jayron Kearse: the safety play through almost two full games appears to be dramatically better than previous seasons.
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) September 19, 2021
Despite the injuries to the defensive line, the secondary knew they were faced with a tall task against Tom Brady and Justin Herbert the first two weeks and for the most part, has done well. The next four quarterbacks the secondary will face are Jalen Hurts, Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Mac Jones.
All four quarterbacks are still out to prove they can be the franchise quarterback for their respective teams. If Kazee and Kearse can maintain their aggressive approach, there will be plenty of turnovers and takeaways to cash in on over the next four weeks.
