CFZ How the Cowboys D can improve in 2022

[Bobhaze]

The Dallas Cowboys defense went from horrible to decent in rapid fashion in 2021, thanks to a 1st round dynamic stud draft pick in Micah Parsons, the development of CB Trayvon Diggs and the arrival of new DC Dan Quinn. We led the league in TOs and became a dynamic force at times. Our defense was arguably the most improved defense in the NFL last season.

But it was not without flaws or areas of improvement. So how good was the D last year and how can it be even better in a season where it may need to carry the team with lots of new faces on offense?

Here’s how the Cowboys D ranked last yr in some key areas both positive and negative:
POSITIVE AREAS IN 2021

• Ranked #1 in Takeaways with 34.
• Ranked #7 in points allowed, avg. 21.1 pts per game. (IMO, the most important defensive stat)
• Ranked #1 in INTs with a whopping 26 INTs.
• Ranked #2 in 3rd down conversion rate at 34.7 (was 49% in 2020!)
• Ranked #9 in TDs passes given up with 24.
• Ranked #9 First downs surrendered with 327.

NEGATIVE 2021 STATS

• Ranked #31 in penalties
• Ranked #27 in first downs given up by penalty.
• Ranked #22 in Yards per play (5.5 yds per play)
• Ranked #18 in Total Yards per game (an overrated stat IMO)
• Ranked #20 in Rushing yards per game (116)
• Ranked #23 in Rushing yards per attempt. (4.5 yds per att)

WHAT THIS D MUST DO TO IMPROVE IN 2022

• Improve against the run. (Been that way for years)
• Cut the number of defensive penalties.
• Stay in Top 10 with takeaways.
• Improve on # of sacks- last year had 41 which was avg. (Pitt had 55)
• Maintain or improve what I consider the MOST important defensive stat- points allowed.

For the first time in a very long time, the Cowboys defense has a real chance to be the best part of the team. The offense may take a step back from last year’s performance. The 2022 season may hinge on our defense.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

NEGATIVE 2021 STATS

• Ranked #31 in penalties
• Ranked #27 in first downs given up by penalty.

Reducing these two by 50% is worth 2 wins IMO.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

• Ranked #1 in Takeaways with 34.

• Ranked #7 in points allowed, avg. 21.1 pts per game. (IMO, the most important defensive stat)

These are good enough to get you to the Big dance BUT not when you lead the league in penalties

 

[Bobhaze]

Reducing these two by 50% is worth 2 wins IMO.

Their 3rd down conversion rate would have been even better had they not given up so many penalties last year.

 

[J-man]

DQ is known for aggressive but penalty plagued teams. Lets hope we can maintain that aggressiveness without leading the league in penalties.

 

[JonesBoys]

The Dallas Cowboys defense went from horrible to decent in rapid fashion in 2021, thanks to a 1st round dynamic stud draft pick in Micah Parsons, the development of CB Trayvon Diggs and the arrival of new DC Dan Quinn. We led the league in TOs and became a dynamic force at times. Our defense was arguably the most improved defense in the NFL last season.

But it was not without flaws or areas of improvement. So how good was the D last year and how can it be even better in a season where it may need to carry the team with lots of new faces on offense?

Here’s how the Cowboys D ranked last yr in some key areas both positive and negative:
POSITIVE AREAS IN 2021

• Ranked #1 in Takeaways with 34.
• Ranked #7 in points allowed, avg. 21.1 pts per game. (IMO, the most important defensive stat)
• Ranked #1 in INTs with a whopping 26 INTs.
• Ranked #2 in 3rd down conversion rate at 34.7 (was 49% in 2020!)
• Ranked #9 in TDs passes given up with 24.
• Ranked #9 First downs surrendered with 327.

NEGATIVE 2021 STATS

• Ranked #31 in penalties
• Ranked #27 in first downs given up by penalty.
• Ranked #22 in Yards per play (5.5 yds per play)
• Ranked #18 in Total Yards per game (an overrated stat IMO)
• Ranked #20 in Rushing yards per game (116)
• Ranked #23 in Rushing yards per attempt. (4.5 yds per att)

WHAT THIS D MUST DO TO IMPROVE IN 2022

• Improve against the run. (Been that way for years)
• Cut the number of defensive penalties.
• Stay in Top 10 with takeaways.
• Improve on # of sacks- last year had 41 which was avg. (Pitt had 55)
• Maintain or improve what I consider the MOST important defensive stat- points allowed.

For the first time in a very long time, the Cowboys defense has a real chance to be the best part of the team. The offense may take a step back from last year’s performance. The 2022 season may hinge on our defense.

Good post. The defense is going to have to be better to make up for the offense this year. Start with less penalties which lead to less first downs and kills scoring drives for other teams.

 

[reddyuta]

I think we will have better DT and LB play to force teams into more 3rd and longs,if we can be top 10 in run Defense then this D will take a big leap and help out our Offense,

 

[Majic]

I want to see a continuation of DQs development as a DC. I hope to see some new looks and fronts as OC's have a year's film on him.

Keep mixing it up.

 

[Stash]

The Dallas Cowboys defense went from horrible to decent in rapid fashion in 2021, thanks to a 1st round dynamic stud draft pick in Micah Parsons, the development of CB Trayvon Diggs and the arrival of new DC Dan Quinn. We led the league in TOs and became a dynamic force at times. Our defense was arguably the most improved defense in the NFL last season.

But it was not without flaws or areas of improvement. So how good was the D last year and how can it be even better in a season where it may need to carry the team with lots of new faces on offense?

Here’s how the Cowboys D ranked last yr in some key areas both positive and negative:
POSITIVE AREAS IN 2021

• Ranked #1 in Takeaways with 34.
• Ranked #7 in points allowed, avg. 21.1 pts per game. (IMO, the most important defensive stat)
• Ranked #1 in INTs with a whopping 26 INTs.
• Ranked #2 in 3rd down conversion rate at 34.7 (was 49% in 2020!)
• Ranked #9 in TDs passes given up with 24.
• Ranked #9 First downs surrendered with 327.

NEGATIVE 2021 STATS

• Ranked #31 in penalties
• Ranked #27 in first downs given up by penalty.
• Ranked #22 in Yards per play (5.5 yds per play)
• Ranked #18 in Total Yards per game (an overrated stat IMO)
• Ranked #20 in Rushing yards per game (116)
• Ranked #23 in Rushing yards per attempt. (4.5 yds per att)

WHAT THIS D MUST DO TO IMPROVE IN 2022

• Improve against the run. (Been that way for years)
• Cut the number of defensive penalties.
• Stay in Top 10 with takeaways.
• Improve on # of sacks- last year had 41 which was avg. (Pitt had 55)
• Maintain or improve what I consider the MOST important defensive stat- points allowed.

For the first time in a very long time, the Cowboys defense has a real chance to be the best part of the team. The offense may take a step back from last year’s performance. The 2022 season may hinge on our defense.

I think that Quinn can also help the run defense with both an increased focus in practice and in-game playcalling.

 

[Diehardblues]

The Dallas Cowboys defense went from horrible to decent in rapid fashion in 2021, thanks to a 1st round dynamic stud draft pick in Micah Parsons, the development of CB Trayvon Diggs and the arrival of new DC Dan Quinn. We led the league in TOs and became a dynamic force at times. Our defense was arguably the most improved defense in the NFL last season.

But it was not without flaws or areas of improvement. So how good was the D last year and how can it be even better in a season where it may need to carry the team with lots of new faces on offense?

Here’s how the Cowboys D ranked last yr in some key areas both positive and negative:
POSITIVE AREAS IN 2021

• Ranked #1 in Takeaways with 34.
• Ranked #7 in points allowed, avg. 21.1 pts per game. (IMO, the most important defensive stat)
• Ranked #1 in INTs with a whopping 26 INTs.
• Ranked #2 in 3rd down conversion rate at 34.7 (was 49% in 2020!)
• Ranked #9 in TDs passes given up with 24.
• Ranked #9 First downs surrendered with 327.

NEGATIVE 2021 STATS

• Ranked #31 in penalties
• Ranked #27 in first downs given up by penalty.
• Ranked #22 in Yards per play (5.5 yds per play)
• Ranked #18 in Total Yards per game (an overrated stat IMO)
• Ranked #20 in Rushing yards per game (116)
• Ranked #23 in Rushing yards per attempt. (4.5 yds per att)

WHAT THIS D MUST DO TO IMPROVE IN 2022

• Improve against the run. (Been that way for years)
• Cut the number of defensive penalties.
• Stay in Top 10 with takeaways.
• Improve on # of sacks- last year had 41 which was avg. (Pitt had 55)
• Maintain or improve what I consider the MOST important defensive stat- points allowed.

For the first time in a very long time, the Cowboys defense has a real chance to be the best part of the team. The offense may take a step back from last year’s performance. The 2022 season may hinge on our defense.

We couldn’t stop the run on defense . Until we do this can’t be considered a good defense.

And Total Yards is still the official measurement used to rank defenses despite this Fantasy era fans which many want to denounce . There’s a reason why the league uses it as such.

The other contributing factors are important. But scoring isn’t measured by defense alone. Turnovers are a bigger factor .

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

Penalties, penalties, penalties. The offense and defense have discipline problems. And that's why I'd like us to get a natural disciplinarian as a head coach someday.

Can't build a dynasty without discipline.

 

[ItzKelz]

 

[zrinkill]

Less big plays given up

 

[CouchCoach]

One thing I know for sure. For the first time in a long time, I am looking more forward to seeing the defense take the field than the offense.

They have ridden the offense for so long this is going to be a welcome pleasure to not think “Oh hell no” for a change.

However, I have not sold myself that there aren’t “Oh hell no’s” lurking around the corner with this team.

 

[Diehardblues]

Their 3rd down conversion rate would have been even better had they not given up so many penalties last year.

That’s all part of moving the chains and why Total Yards is still the official measurement for ranking defenses .

The more yards they give up the more first downs and more opportunities to score while preventing your offense more opportunities to score .

It’s why when our offense was dominating pounding the rock it lent so much support to our lesser defense masking its weaknesses .

Turnovers no doubt remain a critical stat and why turnover differential often can reflect the top teams . TO’s can be quite an equalizer .

 

[jazzcat22]

The defense will be better, as these players going into the 2nd season with this system. This is key. As now they can react and not think then react.

Some warts were covered up by all the take aways, so those need to improve. As we know the run defense, as well, cut down on penalties. And the NFL has dictated the refs watch out for defensive holding and PI's this season.

Need to stay healthy of course. Such as DLaw, Gallimore, and other missed a lot of playing time last season.

I am actually looking forward to watching the defense more than the offense for once.

 

[Diehardblues]

One thing I know for sure. For the first time in a long time, I am looking more forward to seeing the defense take the field than the offense.

They have ridden the offense for so long this is going to be a welcome pleasure to not think “Oh hell no” for a change.

However, I have not sold myself that there aren’t “Oh hell no’s” lurking around the corner with this team.

The defense has the opportunity to be more improved while we have definitely lessened the talent on offense.

But defensively we still have some of the same concerns with pass rush and QB pressure, stopping the run and secondary. Digs became INT guru but he still gave up gaping yards and big plays .

Parsons was nowhere to be found some games while having an awesome Rookie season . I know, it’s great to finally see a defense begin to take shape here but we are still a long way from a top defense .

And I’m not convinced we are really All In on building this defense like we have been on offense in recent years . We still didn’t address NT and S which is where we’ve been so weak this era. We shall see.

But I get the enthusiasm. After being bottom tier defense for most of this era we finally moved closer to average in total defense ranking aided mostly by turnovers . Which is not something you can count on every year.

 

[jazzcat22]

One thing I know for sure. For the first time in a long time, I am looking more forward to seeing the defense take the field than the offense.

They have ridden the offense for so long this is going to be a welcome pleasure to not think “Oh hell no” for a change.

However, I have not sold myself that there aren’t “Oh hell no’s” lurking around the corner with this team.

I was typing the same thing in my post, then seen yours.

 

[Diehardblues]

What happens if we have some key injuries on defense . Lawrence has had injury history in recent years. Van Esch. It only takes a couple.

If we can put constant pressure on opposing QB’s it will support other weaknesses. We are going to get two very good QB’s to open the season which will be a good test.

 

[TequilaCowboy]

The Dallas Cowboys defense went from horrible to decent in rapid fashion in 2021, thanks to a 1st round dynamic stud draft pick in Micah Parsons, the development of CB Trayvon Diggs and the arrival of new DC Dan Quinn. We led the league in TOs and became a dynamic force at times. Our defense was arguably the most improved defense in the NFL last season.

But it was not without flaws or areas of improvement. So how good was the D last year and how can it be even better in a season where it may need to carry the team with lots of new faces on offense?

Here’s how the Cowboys D ranked last yr in some key areas both positive and negative:
POSITIVE AREAS IN 2021

• Ranked #1 in Takeaways with 34.
• Ranked #7 in points allowed, avg. 21.1 pts per game. (IMO, the most important defensive stat)
• Ranked #1 in INTs with a whopping 26 INTs.
• Ranked #2 in 3rd down conversion rate at 34.7 (was 49% in 2020!)
• Ranked #9 in TDs passes given up with 24.
• Ranked #9 First downs surrendered with 327.

NEGATIVE 2021 STATS

• Ranked #31 in penalties
• Ranked #27 in first downs given up by penalty.
• Ranked #22 in Yards per play (5.5 yds per play)
• Ranked #18 in Total Yards per game (an overrated stat IMO)
• Ranked #20 in Rushing yards per game (116)
• Ranked #23 in Rushing yards per attempt. (4.5 yds per att)

WHAT THIS D MUST DO TO IMPROVE IN 2022

• Improve against the run. (Been that way for years)
• Cut the number of defensive penalties.
• Stay in Top 10 with takeaways.
• Improve on # of sacks- last year had 41 which was avg. (Pitt had 55)
• Maintain or improve what I consider the MOST important defensive stat- points allowed.

For the first time in a very long time, the Cowboys defense has a real chance to be the best part of the team. The offense may take a step back from last year’s performance. The 2022 season may hinge on our defense.

Great write up... i am fairly confident the defense is gonna take another major step forward and become better than last year and i agree that they do need to improve on run defense and limit penalties. Just that can take care of a lot of the other stuff.
As much confidence i have on the defense and DQ, it is a stark contrast to the offense and Philbin/Moore. I would worry about the OL especially in the first half of the season until Tyler and the others can develop chemistry and awareness of each other's strengths and weaknesses. Work together as a unit. They do desperately need a plug in vet LT at this point to help in a major way. I don't care if he's 40. As long as he can play this year and perform adequate and not get Dak laid out.

I agree the defense and special teams will have to carry this team this year.