Is It Time to Be Concerned About the Cowboys’ Defense?

Dec 2, 2023
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2 mins read
Football players from the Cowboys and Jets during a game, with a focus on a Cowboy wearing jersey number 97.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa celebrates after a sack against the New York Jets during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

We witnessed the season’s best Thursday night football game a few days ago.

The Cowboys won the game over Seattle 41-35, which kept Dallas on the heels of the Eagles for the NFC East.

With no punts from either team, opponents with a winning record are now averaging over 35 points against the Cowboys this season.

Next four games

The next four games for the Cowboys are against teams with winning records.

The Bills are .500, but they have an offense on the same level as the others.

The defense looks lost in coverage when they don’t get pressure, and one thing they need help with is when teams run motion.

Seattle’s playoff hopes hung on this game, so they played more aggressively, but they did whatever they wanted to on offense.

The Cowboys are going to see the best of the best when it comes to the postseason.

If they give up 35 points a game to teams that will play in January, that is a reason to be concerned.

Right now, Dak Prescott is playing the best football of his career, and probably better than anyone in football since the loss to the 49ers.

Yet, this offense was not made to carry them, and it has at times.

We have to keep it fair and give them credit for getting the stops when they needed them.

Late in the fourth quarter, they stopped the Seahawks offense on three straight drives that turned them over on downs, allowing the offense to score a touchdown and a field goal to end the game.

Time will tell

As noted, we will find out what this team is made of over these next four games, two at home and two on the road.

They had a good start by beating Seattle on Thursday, but if they can go 3-1 over these next four games against the Eagles, Bills, Dolphins, and Lions, folks will start thinking they have a real chance to win it all.

I have yet to give up on the defense, but to say they are elite still will not work.

They are struggling with teams that have winning records and those that can push the ball down the field.

They still have a penalty problem that will cost them in the big games.

The toughness and confidence are something I still see from them even when struggling, which is a good thing.

DaRon Bland was getting lit up all game and could still come away with an interception.

Jourdan Lewis made a big play late.

DeMarcus Lawerence and Micah Parsons made the two biggest plays of the night when they needed them.

I trust Dan Quinn to put them in the right spots to be better, but you can’t give up 35 points to playoff teams and force no punts if you want to win a Super Bowl.

We are lucky that Prescott is playing the best ball of his life, or this game and others may get ugly in a hurry.

Shane Taylor

Shane Taylor

Shane Taylor is a sports journalist with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and seven years of professional media experience. He has written 766 articles for InsideTheStar.com, reaching over 928,000 readers. Prior to Inside The Star, Shane worked as a Sports Reporter for Journal Star and a Regional News Reporter for Shaw Media. He currently works in the TRIO Upward Bound department at a junior college.

84 Comments
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Brian McVicker
Brian McVicker
Dec 2, 2023 1:59 PM

Yes they need to get shit together

Joey Guyton
Joey Guyton
Dec 2, 2023 2:00 PM

The Cowboys defense is average at best.

Tucker Ophof
Tucker Ophof
Dec 2, 2023 2:06 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton
Channah Polis
Channah Polis
Dec 2, 2023 2:11 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Joey Guyton smoke another. Eagles defense is way worse

Mike Johnson Jr.
Mike Johnson Jr.
Dec 2, 2023 2:32 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Joey Guyton so, you don’t do football huh chief??

Jeff Clark
Jeff Clark
Dec 2, 2023 3:14 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Joey Guyton three games and 13 days give them a break we will be fine. We will have 10 days off. 

Larry D. Smith
Larry D. Smith
Dec 2, 2023 3:27 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Channah Polis Dallas won at home last year with the same exact 9-3 record.

Joey Guyton
Joey Guyton
Dec 2, 2023 3:56 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Channah Polis, the Eagles defense is not bad, but it does have a weakness, like the secondary. The Cowboys are weaker in both pass and rush defense. The Cowboys defense is average at best.

Channah Polis
Channah Polis
Dec 2, 2023 3:59 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Larry D. Smith point?

Channah Polis
Channah Polis
Dec 2, 2023 4:06 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Joey Guyton yah that’s why Dallas d is ranked 3rd and eagles are way down the list
Media: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10223315793434330&set=p.10223315793434330&type=3

Larry D. Smith
Larry D. Smith
Dec 2, 2023 4:20 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Channah Polis That it’s shaping up to be a repeat of last year!

William T Clark Jr
William T Clark Jr
Dec 2, 2023 5:59 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Joey Guyton The Eagles rank 19th in points allowed and at home they are allowing an average of 25 points per game which is fifth-most. They are also struggling to stop third-down. The Eagles are allowing opponents to convert 43% of the time on third-down, that’s seventh-worst in the league. The Cowboys offensive line is allowing the third-fewest pressures and has found better success with the ground game when on the road.
Win: Cowboys

Joey Guyton
Joey Guyton
Dec 2, 2023 6:20 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Larry D. Smith, the 2023 Eagles are even better than the 2022 Eagles. The 2023 Cowboys aren’t as good as the 2022 Cowboys. The 2022 Cowboys schedule was noticeably harder than the 2023 Cowboys schedule.

Gary Workman
Gary Workman
Dec 2, 2023 9:38 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Joey Guyton you give up 35 points you are bad

Joey Guyton
Joey Guyton
Dec 2, 2023 10:05 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Gary Workman, the Cowboys defense is good against bad teams, but HORRIBLE against good teams.

Gary Workman
Gary Workman
Dec 2, 2023 10:20 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Joey Guyton yes

Joey Guyton
Joey Guyton
Dec 2, 2023 10:21 PM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Gary Workman, no good defense allows an average of 35 points per game against strong teams.

Robert Hartle
Robert Hartle
Dec 3, 2023 10:05 AM
Reply to  Joey Guyton

Joey Guyton so is your dad but we don’t complain… smh

Tucker Ophof
Tucker Ophof
Dec 2, 2023 2:05 PM

3 games in 11 days takes its toll..they have 10 days to rest up and get ready. 1 poor performance all year? Not worried.

Shane Taylor
Shane Taylor
Dec 2, 2023 2:07 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Tucker Ophof One poor performance? They’ve given up an average of 35 PPG to playoff teams…. That’s more than one.

Tucker Ophof
Tucker Ophof
Dec 2, 2023 2:09 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Shane Taylor they are currently ranked 3rd in the league.
https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nfl/2023-nfl-defense-rankings-team-pass-and-rush-stats

Tom Carroll
Tom Carroll
Dec 2, 2023 3:10 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Tucker Ophof exactly 3 games in 11 days made the stops they needed to in the fourth

Doug Mackenzie
Doug Mackenzie
Dec 2, 2023 7:59 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Tucker Ophof ONE? 15 TDS allowed against 3 teams with a winning record then add Cards game

Doug Mackenzie
Doug Mackenzie
Dec 2, 2023 8:00 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Tom Carroll Seattle played 3 games in 11 days too and Dallas won TOP against Seattle but they still lit up Dallas

Tom Carroll
Tom Carroll
Dec 2, 2023 8:03 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Doug Mackenzie win is a win Philly gets lit up every week when they win it’s a different naritive

Tucker Ophof
Tucker Ophof
Dec 2, 2023 8:06 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Doug Mackenzie currently top 3 D, Im
Fine with that. Philly is 19 against similar teams.

Doug Mackenzie
Doug Mackenzie
Dec 2, 2023 8:09 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Tom Carroll Eagles didn’t give up 15 tds to 3 teams with a winning record
Plus this isn’t a 1 season problem for Dallas last year blew 17 and 14 point leads costing Dallas #1 seed then only an incomplete pass in end zone on last play prevented them from losing to a backup QB when offense put up 40 points or OT loss to bad Vegas team

Doug Mackenzie
Doug Mackenzie
Dec 2, 2023 8:11 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Tucker Ophof those numbers reflect success against teams with bad offensive lines who they so dominate.
Again 15 tds in 3 games to teams with a winning record plus Cards Fiasco, oh and top 3 BEFORE Seattle game

Tom Carroll
Tom Carroll
Dec 2, 2023 8:13 PM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Doug Mackenzie it’s every teams Superbowl when they play the boys. They get everyone’s best shot Seattles a decent team they aren’t scrubs like NYG CAR and Wash

George Cole
George Cole
Dec 3, 2023 7:45 AM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Doug Mackenzie 3

Robert Hartle
Robert Hartle
Dec 3, 2023 10:04 AM
Reply to  Tucker Ophof

Tucker Ophof facts

Clinton Avery
Clinton Avery
Dec 2, 2023 2:07 PM

No. They’ll be fine, 3 games in 12 days takes a toll…

Coley Earthman
Coley Earthman
Dec 2, 2023 2:08 PM

Revisit this comment after they 10 days of rest

Darrell Hudson
Darrell Hudson
Dec 2, 2023 2:14 PM

No they were exhausted

Doug Mackenzie
Doug Mackenzie
Dec 2, 2023 8:02 PM
Reply to  Darrell Hudson

Darrell Hudson Seattle was in same boat and Dallas won TOP but defense still lit up

Patrick Bowhay
Patrick Bowhay
Dec 2, 2023 2:20 PM

The next 4 weeks should clear all this up. Whether it be the defense, red zone offense, beating the best teams, etc. They need to beat the Eagles and win 2 out of their next 3 to be considered a true contender. The defense will be tested each week too with those opponents.

Mike Albritton
Mike Albritton
Dec 2, 2023 2:28 PM

Roll. With star ok keep mike

Robert Hartle
Robert Hartle
Dec 3, 2023 10:08 AM
Reply to  Mike Albritton

Mike Albritton English please

Mike Johnson Jr.
Mike Johnson Jr.
Dec 2, 2023 2:31 PM

Fuck that 3-1 stuff….just win….who’s going to beat them? They score 35…well Dak and the offense will score 41…. Bland had a match up problem with Metcalf….who’s a match up problem going forward? Hill? Speed, but not size….I’m not saying it was a complete aberration, just take everything in context….but the what if shit is stupid…players think about winning against who’s next

Pete Diaz
Pete Diaz
Dec 2, 2023 2:38 PM

No, I just think they are tired. They only played 3 games in 3 days!! Lol

Billy Pernell
Billy Pernell
Dec 2, 2023 2:44 PM

Bad game plan, defensively

Jimmy Gonzalez
Jimmy Gonzalez
Dec 2, 2023 2:54 PM

I think cowboys came into this game over confident and Seahawks came in and smacked that defense up

Corey Villegas
Corey Villegas
Dec 6, 2023 1:43 AM
Reply to  Jimmy Gonzalez

Jimmy Gonzalez if your an eagles fan I wouldn’t be talking to loud because you got a butt whipping by 49ers and to top it off I heard the fight song on top off the rooftops go boys

Jimmy Gonzalez
Jimmy Gonzalez
Dec 6, 2023 8:03 AM
Reply to  Jimmy Gonzalez

Corey Villegas I’m a cowboys fan

Kenneth Harvey
Kenneth Harvey
Dec 2, 2023 3:03 PM

Hell, no, two games where you give up 35+ points don’t mean there should be concern about anything except teams are going to play you like it’s their Superbowl!

Jerry Hankins
Jerry Hankins
Dec 2, 2023 3:19 PM

Yes!!!

Larry D. Smith
Larry D. Smith
Dec 2, 2023 3:24 PM

Seattle was prepared and executed well on offense. So did Dallas. Penalties, all over the field, on both sides was the underlying detractor of this game. Offenses wrote the story to the last man standing. And of course, Micah Parsons sealed the game for Dallas.

Christopher Vega
Christopher Vega
Dec 2, 2023 3:25 PM

The cowboys are missing their top CB and their starting LB not to mention just finished 3 games in 11 days. I’m not worried at all.

Gwen Daniels Fisher
Gwen Daniels Fisher
Dec 2, 2023 4:01 PM

Wow just stop. Just keep boasting the team up.

Douglas Paul
Douglas Paul
Dec 2, 2023 4:19 PM

NO, LETS just be concerned with the Duk not choking when games matter.

Stephen Ballard
Stephen Ballard
Dec 2, 2023 6:59 PM
Reply to  Douglas Paul

Douglas Paul if you don’t win the games that don’t matter, then you won’t get to the games that do matter. So I guess all games matter.

Douglas Paul
Douglas Paul
Dec 3, 2023 7:45 AM
Reply to  Douglas Paul

Stephen Ballard Obviously YOU know the Duk has always Folded like wet cardboard when they count the most. UGH dukers.

Douglas Paul
Douglas Paul
Dec 3, 2023 10:23 AM
Reply to  Douglas Paul

Robert Hartle Stop loving Losers bun boi.lol

Gary Lovio
Gary Lovio
Dec 2, 2023 4:38 PM

i’m concerned

Tommy Cox
Tommy Cox
Dec 2, 2023 4:57 PM

No…they need rest …they will be ready at the eagles game

Jusino Tony
Jusino Tony
Dec 2, 2023 5:12 PM

I would, they played like garbage against a subpar team , we got lucky but that won’t hold up against good teams .

Danny E Belfield Sr.
Danny E Belfield Sr.
Dec 2, 2023 5:48 PM

No

Johnny Joe Gloria
Johnny Joe Gloria
Dec 2, 2023 6:03 PM

The choke is coming when they need a win to stay in see y’all next season

Johnny Joe Gloria
Johnny Joe Gloria
Dec 3, 2023 10:38 AM

Robert Hartle I bet you do

Twon Antwon
Twon Antwon
Dec 2, 2023 6:37 PM

They always find something but look at how many points the Eagles gave up in their close games..smh find somebody else to talk about and half the people talking ain’t never played on a defense as good as the Cowboys

Clarence Minnis
Clarence Minnis
Dec 2, 2023 7:08 PM

It’s been time hell I don’t no how dam much plainer it can be said or shown our defense is very overrated very the Seahawks had there way out there they really did we overrated

Robert Hartle
Robert Hartle
Dec 3, 2023 10:04 AM

Clarence Minnis you should prolly start watching ALLLLLL the games … smh.. stupid ass comparison…

Victor Salazar
Victor Salazar
Dec 2, 2023 7:14 PM

Defense seems to play!! When they feel like it!! Not consistent at all!! True test is coming!! The rest of the schedule games!! Will show us who we really are!!

Kirk Kuykendall
Kirk Kuykendall
Dec 2, 2023 7:49 PM

Yeah … the #1 Defense
Is in trouble ~~~ lmao

Robert Hartle
Robert Hartle
Dec 3, 2023 10:05 AM

Kirk Kuykendall right…

Bobby Bakirtzis
Bobby Bakirtzis
Dec 2, 2023 7:49 PM

No one bad game no worries for now

Doug Mackenzie
Doug Mackenzie
Dec 2, 2023 7:58 PM

YES against any team with a functional QB

Glenn Guillory
Glenn Guillory
Dec 2, 2023 8:53 PM

Only when they play against very good offenses.

Jane Roe-Balster
Jane Roe-Balster
Dec 2, 2023 8:55 PM

I think the defense was tired they had four games with little rest, so their get a ten days rest they should be ready to go, Let’s go Cowboys.

Eddie Walker
Eddie Walker
Dec 2, 2023 10:08 PM

The defense needs to Wake up and come out playing I give them credit they did step up when needed but they got to come out swinging to hell win games

Allan 'Colton' Pearson Jr
Allan 'Colton' Pearson Jr
Dec 2, 2023 10:30 PM

They’re really a good defense…need consistancy

Brian Walker
Brian Walker
Dec 3, 2023 9:37 AM

My concerns began during the 49rs game

EthanC
Dec 3, 2023 10:20 AM

What nonsense. Truly. The D has been flat out balling all season and gave the offense the support it needed to find itself in MM’s play-calling. They compensated for Gallup being nothing, for Cooks not being utilized, for TP gaining less than 4 ypc, for Dak to gain confidence in the new system. And you are going to write how this D cannot give up 35 points in the playoffs when they have been balling most of the season? I suggest a little bit of reality or at least objectivity in your “writing”!

John Smith
John Smith
Dec 3, 2023 5:42 PM

Playing 3 games in 11 days will take its toll especially on the defense … let’s see what happens after the mini break

Leonard Colbert
Leonard Colbert
Dec 3, 2023 11:12 PM

I think that they will turn it around as the season goes along they are built for this

Grant Pryor
Grant Pryor
Dec 4, 2023 8:24 PM

Just the run.

Daryl Daniels
Daryl Daniels
Dec 5, 2023 2:52 PM

Defense has always been a concern even when we win. Started off the season on both sides of the ball with stellar potential. Then the injury bug hit but we still had plenty of depth. What we really have is stellar performers at key positions and then we expect too much out of one individual while on the other side they’re not making plays. Some of these players have practiced against the likes of Pollard, Rico, even Zeke, yet we still can’t stop the run. Quinns a good coach but it’s our good players saving him.

Christopher Bailey
Christopher Bailey
Dec 5, 2023 3:55 PM

They’re fine, every defense has rough games, sometimes it’s about consistency

Joe Fitzpatrick
Joe Fitzpatrick
Dec 5, 2023 6:13 PM

The defense has slipped a little!

Elmer M Baker Jr.
Elmer M Baker Jr.
Dec 6, 2023 2:45 AM

Come
Dallas beat those eagles this weekend ok guys

Walter Rodriguez
Walter Rodriguez
Dec 6, 2023 9:29 AM

Yes. The pass rush has disappeared and the secondary is getting torched for it.

Andre Brittentine
Andre Brittentine
Dec 6, 2023 12:04 PM

Defensive tackles stay n gaps, rb got come 2 Line of scrimmage LB will clean I up

Robert Levitt
Robert Levitt
Dec 6, 2023 12:25 PM

What was it like 4 games in less than two weeks. I’m sure they were pretty tired. And sorry Lockett and megatron are beasts. All corners struggle against them. I’m sure the D will be just fine going forward.

Mark Reis
Mark Reis
Dec 6, 2023 4:04 PM

Not as long as they are playing the cupcakes !

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