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Todd Archer, ESPN writer
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys’ defense isn’t perfect, but it’s certainly better than it was at the start of the season.
“We all see a difference, don’t we?” running back Micah Parsons asked after the Cowboys’ 27-20 Thanksgiving Day victory against the New York Giants. “The movie doesn’t lie. Everyone stays in their spaces. We’re playing honestly and sincerely. It just shows that we’re starting to believe in each other, really buy into the program and understand that we can really be good.” “.
The Cowboys were on pace to be one of the worst defenses in franchise history.
In the first seven games, they allowed over 400 yards four times. Teams averaged 7 yards per play and converted more than 40% of their third-down opportunities in four games. The Cowboys allowed 31 runs of 10 yards or more and 22 passes of 20 yards or more. They only had four interceptions and one fumble recovery.
In the last five games, the Cowboys have allowed more than 400 yards once, and that came when the Washington Commanders gained more than 200 yards on their last three possessions. They allowed more than 6.2 yards per play just once. They haven’t allowed a team to convert more than 40% of their third-down opportunities. The Cowboys have allowed 17 runs of 10 yards or more and 11 passes of 20 yards or more.
In the first seven games, the defense faced short field situations eight times and gave up points six times. In the last five games, they have faced that situation 14 times and have given up points eight times while also getting two steals.
“We’re a little more confident,” linebacker Eric Kendricks said. “People are understanding the plan a little more.”
Some problems remain. They still allow an average of 28 points per game. Opponents have scored points on their first possessions in 10 of 12 games. In wins against Commanders and Giants, late-game execution was lacking. Watch Terry McLaurin’s 86-yard touchdown catch for Washington and the Giants’ 80-yard touchdown drive that made it a one-score game with 2:18 left.
“I just think we’re starting to get a little bit of consistency between guys playing together,” coach Mike McCarthy said.
There could also be a Parsons effect.
After missing four games with a high left ankle sprain, Parsons has played in the last four games and has 5.5 sacks. He leads the team with 6.5 sacks, despite missing 17 quarters of action due to the injury.
As offenses need to pay more attention to their position, other players like Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith and Chauncey Golston are being more productive.
Against the Giants, Parsons had 1.5 sacks and five pressures. According to ESPN Research, Parsons has 23 games with at least five pressures since 2021, trailing only the Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby for most such games in that span (26).
“We’re a better football team, a better defense, when Micah is on the field,” McCarthy said. “That’s it for sure. I think he came back, we had him in the pitch count a little bit, and now he’s full speed. He’s an impact player for sure.”
The Cowboys acknowledged there would be a transition toward the scheme run by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer than that used by his predecessor, Dan Quinn. That was exacerbated by injuries that began in training camp when pass rusher Sam Williams was lost with a knee injury.
In consecutive games, the Cowboys lost pass rushers Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Marshawn Kneeland (knee). Cornerback DaRon Bland missed the first two games due to foot surgery. Kendricks and cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis and Trevon Diggs have also missed games.
Now, however, the defense is approaching full capacity. Parsons hinted that Lawrence could return from a right midfoot sprain when the Cowboys play the Cincinnati Bengals next Monday night (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC). Diggs has missed the last two games with foot and groin issues, but the extra time could help him. The 11-day layoff will help Kendricks, Lewis, Bland and Kneeland heal more.
“It was a learning period. We’re all understanding a new defense,” Parsons said. “Zim is much more creative and demanding how he wants people to play his slots. It was a challenge for a lot of the interior players to play in new ways, the corners to play in new ways. And I think at this point everyone feels comfortable. Everyone is locked up.
“I think at this point in the season, everyone is ready.”
They will have to be.
Four of the Cowboys’ last five opponents have top-10 scoring offenses. The Bengals have QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja’Marr Chase and WR Tee Higgins. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has 25 touchdown passes. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is performing at an MVP level. Washington has rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the potential to be explosive.
“We have to elevate ourselves,” Kendricks said. “We are approaching these last few months of the season. We have to improve our game even more.”
