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The Cowboys offense has not been firing on all cylinders this season and that has exposed the defense. The future is promising with loads of young talent on the roster, but this was never supposed to be the unit the Cowboys would lean on to win games. I am hopeful that in due course the young talent on the roster becomes the core of a Championship defense. This could take years though. Presently the performance grades for the defense will reflect the current situation which is dire.
DL: B
This has been the weak link on the defense for many years but this year it has been the strength. Maliek Collins and DeMarcus Lawrence have been outstanding and will hopefully be the building blocks for the defensive line of the future. The Cowboys have solid depth behind those guys but no one else quite on their level in my opinion. The surprise retirement of Stephen Paea was a significant blow to this team. He had been playing at a high level in the 1 technique position. This is a spot the Cowboys have lacked a difference maker for longer than I can remember. Hopefully in the off season the Cowboys are able to address that need with a true space eater that will collapse the pocket and make everyone around him better.
LB: D
Sean Lee is a stud but he missed the last 2 games and did not show up against the Broncos. I love what they have in Jaylon Smith but he is still not 100% and has been asked to do too much and got a little exposed lately. The return of Hitchens and Lee after the bye week will surely help but there has never been much depth here.
DB: D-
The Cowboys secondary started off with a nice performance against the Giants but it all went downhill from there. I do love the young DB’s they have drafted, particularly Jourdan Lewis and Xavier Woods but they are young and will continue to experience growing pains. Anthony Brown and Orlando Scandrick have not been terrible but they have not been spectacular either. The real problem is at the safety position where Jones has been inconsistent and Heath has been awful. Perhaps Xavier Woods will continue to improve, as he looks like he could be the starter soon, and rookie corner Chidobe Awuzie can overcome his nagging hamstring injury and start to contribute.
Special Teams: B
Kicker Ban Bailey is the man. He is as reliable as they come. Punter Chris Jones has been superb and he is leading the league in pinning opponents inside the 20 yard line. The only disappointment so far has been return man Ryan Switzer. He has failed to make a significant impact other than a muffed punt against the Rams. He should make amends in the coming weeks and bring this position group to an A+ rating.