It is only two weeks into the 2020 season but the Dallas Cowboys defense, a big question mark before the season began, has not impressed thus far. They have struggled on all three levels and injuries are beginning to mount up. Despite these glaring issues, the Dallas Cowboys appear to be content with the current group and have not sought out help from the free agent pool with the likes of players such as Earl Thomas, Damon Harrison, Clay Matthews, Eric Reid, etc. With no apparent help around the corner, will the Dallas Cowboys defense be able to figure it out in time for their next opponent the Seattle Seahawks?
The Dallas Cowboys defensive line struggles have been the biggest surprise to start the year. Losing Gerald McCoy to injury was a huge blow but by beefing up their interior with Dontari Poe and Neville Gallimore it was expected that they would still improve at the DT spot. Instead, the Cowboys struggled against the run game VS the Rams and have not been able to generate much interior pressure at all. At the edge the results have been similarly underwhelming with both Jared Goff and Matt Ryan enjoying a clean pocket during the first two games. DeMarcus Lawrence left the Falcons game with an injury that may also sideline him this week. Everson Griffen, who recently went off after being criticised on social media by 105.3 The Fan personality Jeff Cavanaugh, has made it known that he is going to revert back to a three point stance after struggling to pass rush standing up. Clearly Griffen is not happy with his play thus far after just two games.
At linebacker Jaylon Smith has struggled mightily. Smith has not adapted well to the change in defensive scheme and admitted to being challenged by the complexity of it.
That is not a good sign for Dallas Cowboys fans. With Leighton Vander Esch out for an extended period of time the Cowboys are very thin at linebacker. Luckily Joe Thomas has emerged as one of the lone bright spots for the Dallas Cowboys defense. Hopefully Jaylon Smith can become more comfortable in the new scheme and step up his play going forward.
The Dallas Cowboys secondary has always been the biggest concern entering the 2020 season and that still remains the case. Another offseason of failing to really address the safety position has not reflected well on the Cowboys front office. Xavier Woods has been respectable but the revolving door of Darian Thompson, Daryl Worley, and now Brandon Carr has left much to be desired. The Dallas Cowboys do not seem intent on addressing it either as it appears no one wants to touch Earl Thomas with a ten foot pole. Now the injuries are starting to mount up with Chidobe Awuzie and Anthony Brown out, Jourdan Lewis still banged up, and now standout rookie Trevon Diggs showing up on the injury report too. The Cowboys are getting really thin in the defensive backfield and are going up against the hottest QB in the NFL Russell Wilson and two dangerous wide receivers in D.K Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
There does not appear to be a glimmer of hope for the Dallas Cowboys defense but appearances are often deceiving. Injuries are a concern but they do present opportunities for other players to step up. For the Dallas Cowboys Reggie Robinson II, Donavon Wilson, Francis Bernard, Luke Gifford, and Dorance Armstrong are among several candidates who could take advantage of such opportunities. There is still hope there for Cowboys fans. There is hope that as the season progresses, things will start to click for the Dallas Cowboys defense and the results will start to show. It is also encouraging that a player like Everson Griffen has been given the green light to go back to the three point stance after struggling to adapt to the new defense. This is a great example of the new coaching staff being flexible and following their own advice of adapting their scheme/style of play to fit their talent. That is a positive sign for Cowboys fans. It is also encouraging that despite their bad start and overall play, the Dallas Cowboys defense made some plays to keep the Cowboys in both games. Especially against the Falcons where they had to deal with a short field following 5 turnovers from the offense and special teams. This week’s match up against the red hot Seahawks will be the ultimate test for the Dallas Cowboys defense and I am hopeful that they can surprise us and rise to the challenge.
*Photo by Jeffrey Beall – Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62535848
Dallas is lost out there all talent gone.aldon Smith best defense gone 5yrs. no defensive pressure,coaches out coach people got big contract not playing got rid Jason Garrett.america team on Xbox.they get pushed around a lot not physical enough.db too busy playing off reciever and looking at back they look at back reciever helmet too much another busted season
Dak to get paid have to do more than that!!!