What if the defence is getting good?

[DallasEast]

The defense was historically the worst in NFL history in 2025. So technically, a bad defense would be better than worse.

I just don't see a substantial increase in talent thus far to raise this defense to good.

That is Dallas history, not NFL history, in terms of points allowed. Last season, the Cowboys' defense finished sixth behind the 2024 Panthers (534), 1981 Colts (533), 2020 Lions (519), 2023 Washington (518), and 2008 Lions (517) after giving up 511 points.

On the other hand, Dallas' 2025 defense's 511 points surrendered topped the previous 2020 record holder's 473. Previously, Dallas has only seen its defense surrender 400 or more points seven times in its (then) 65-year history: 2024 (468)*, 2010 (436)*, 2013 (432)*, 2004 (405)*, 1962 (402), and 2012 (400)*.

* post-Super Bowl XXX/Jerry Jones GM era

 

[Stash]

So, there's a thread out about how the defence beat the offense today in the first full padded practice. Rather than trashing the offense, which was one of the best last year and was good the day before, I think we need to ask a different question. What if the defence is getting good?

Think about it. If our offense can get back to being as good or better than last year. If Aubrey is still automatic. Then, we just needed the defence to be average/middle of the road......but......what if Parker is making them to where they are good?

I'm not trying to put too much stock into one practice. However, the defence actually beat the offense today. And a top offense at that. They're making them have to rethink their approach and adjust the strategy to go against them. To me, that's a something. Not a nothing.

I think that Christian Parker has this defence developing into something exciting. If the offense and ST (particularly Aubrey) are truly among the top again, I think this defence could make us a legit contender IF they're able to follow up today with more impressive activities. Especially when they ultimately go into the joint practices. Our first preseason game is against the defending SB champs. Today has me excited to see how they do against a really good team. If they can outplay Seattle's offense, my goodness....

So yeah, I'm not taking today as a concern about the offense. I'm taking it as maybe we have something on defence. If we do, we might have something in 2026 with the Dallas Cowboys. I hope so anyway.

I think someone made a good point when they said that you want a balance between offense and defense. You want to see some days where the offense wins, and some days when the defense wins.

That tells you that both sides are doing well rather than just one side dominating. And that’s when iron truly sharpens iron.

 

[shabazz]

Believe folks!

This will be a Top 5 DEF

......definitely in the NFC East

Book it

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

There is no if about it. A simple analysis of the talent added says we will be a viable D. Best guess is somewhere in the 15-20 range.

The NFL is all about talent. Yes, coaching matters a ton, but only if you have the talent. We do.

I agree, and I could see it being top 10 by the end of the season. I really like what I'm hearing about this defence.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

I think someone made a good point when they said that you want a balance between offense and defense. You want to see some days where the offense wins, and some days when the defense wins.

That tells you that both sides are doing well rather than just one side dominating. And that’s when iron truly sharpens iron.

Exactly, if both are winning against each other, then that means they're getting BETTER, especially with how good our offense has been.

 

[HungryLion]

Rusty,

I’ve already requested PTO for the day after the Super Bowl.

 

[JBS]

The defense was historically the worst in NFL history in 2025. So technically, a bad defense would be better than worse.

I just don't see a substantial increase in talent thus far to raise this defense to good.

You would be wrong then

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Rusty,

I’ve already requested PTO for the day after the Super Bowl.

Not saying we will be there haha. Unfortunately, the Rams might be untouchable if they get Donald back. But I'm excited by the progress this team is making.

 

[Stash]

Rusty,

I’ve already requested PTO for the day after the Super Bowl.

 

[TexasBacon]

The defense was historically the worst in NFL history in 2025. So technically, a bad defense would be better than worse.

I just don't see a substantial increase in talent thus far to raise this defense to good.

Seemed like last year's issues were as much about terrible scheming and game planning and players not knowing their assignments as it was a blatant lack of talent. The talent has improved quite a bit in all positions except CB and DE so I think overall there is a great chance they will be much improved.

That said, defense always wins early when pads come on. I believe the same thing happened last year, and we saw how bad the defense actually was. So probably best not to put stock in it.

 

[stilltheguru]

Still want another pass rusher. I don't trust Sam Williams. Don't see how von Miller wouldn't be a better option than him

 

[zrinkill]

It is getting crowded on the Hype Train. Cowboys will not have a top 5 defense. Possibly the D will be good by the end of the season which would be great if we can somehow slip into the playoffs.

WARNING:
Cowboy fans . . . it is early August . . . we do this every year . . . yes things seem different with the new DC but tap the brakes until we can actually SEE the product they field. I remember my grandpa always having a cautionary warning about not counting your chickens before they hatch.

 

[jazzcat22]

The defense was historically the worst in NFL history in 2025. So technically, a bad defense would be better than worse.

I just don't see a substantial increase in talent thus far to raise this defense to good.

Where have you been this off season. They have a huge upgrade on talent for the defense.

 

[jazzcat22]

Still want another pass rusher. I don't trust Sam Williams. Don't see how von Miller wouldn't be a better option than him

Sam Williams will prove to be a good player under Parker.
Fans need to get over the Miller or Wagner stuff. They would be progress stoppers at this point. Wait and see what they have first.
It is not like they are missing out on a player that will absolutely put them in the SB. They are still out there for reasons. Either physically or financially.

They also need to get off of the trades for Brooks and Crosby. They do not have the draft capital to get them, nor need to wreck the scary cap more than what it is now.

 

[Majic]

Sam Williams will prove to be a good player under Parker.
Fans need to get over the Miller or Wagner stuff. They would be progress stoppers at this point. Wait and see what they have first.
It is not like they are missing out on a player that will absolutely put them in the SB. They are still out there for reasons. Either physically or financially.

They also need to get off of the trades for Brooks and Crosby. They do not have the draft capital to get them, nor need to wreck the scary cap more than what it is now.

Spot on!

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Not that it's important, but why does OP spell offense with an "s" and defense with a "c"?

 

[jazzcat22]

I agree, and I could see it being top 10 by the end of the season. I really like what I'm hearing about this defence.

This has been I I said most of the off season. They may finish around the middle of the pack overall.
But play like a top 10 going into December and the playoffs.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Still want another pass rusher. I don't trust Sam Williams. Don't see how von Miller wouldn't be a better option than him

I'm all for this, and for us getting Decker.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

This has been I I said most of the off season. They may finish around the middle of the pack overall.
But play like a top 10 going into December and the playoffs.

Yup, and if they can do that and if the rest of the team is top 10 too, we might be a legit contender.