How the Cowboys Stack Up Against the NFL's Top Defenses

By Jason Bolton March 20, 2025 09:20 GMT+4 min read

With Matt Eberflus taking over as defensive coordinator, the Dallas Cowboys hope to reverse recent trends of vulnerability. Micah Parsons alone can't salvage a defensive lineup that looks thin in critical positions like defensive tackle and cornerback. Even with these signs highlighting the challenges that remain, strategic shifts could transform the Cowboys' defensive squad into a formidable force capable of shutting down high-powered offensive attacks.

Key Takeaways

The Cowboys' defensive performance in 2024 dropped from 8th to 16th in EPA per dropback, indicating significant regression among top-tier defenses.
Key defensive injuries to DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs exposed critical vulnerabilities in the secondary, weakening their competitive defensive ranking.
Micah Parsons remains the Cowboys' premier defensive asset, providing elite pass-rushing capability that prevents complete defensive collapse.
The Cowboys struggle with consistent pressure and generating turnovers, ranking below the league average.

The hiring of Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator signals a strategic reset aimed at rebuilding the defense's reputation and effectiveness.
Cowboys' Defensive Free Fall

Although the Cowboys entered the 2024 season with high expectations, their defensive performance quickly spiraled into a disappointing free fall.

Their gameplay exposed critical defensive vulnerabilities, with key players battling injuries that decimated their secondary. DaRon Bland started the season on injured reserve, while Trevon Diggs suffered a season-ending knee injury, forcing backup defenders into challenging roles.

First-round draft pick Mazi Smith struggled mightily, earning a meager 34.8 PFF grade across 17 starts. Despite these setbacks, the defense wasn't completely ineffective, managing to rank 12th in takeaways with 22 total.

The stage was set for a transformative defensive strategy, with Matt Eberflus poised to reinvigorate the unit's performance. Micah Parsons' versatility promised to be a crucial element in rebuilding the Cowboys' defensive identity under Eberflus' leadership.

Comparing Elite Defensive Units

Comparing defensive prowess across NFL units reveals strategic complexity and individual brilliance. The Pittsburgh Steelers' edge rushers, TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, exemplify this dynamic with their formidable pass-rushing capabilities.

Their performance highlights key defensive metrics:

Ranking 14th in Pressure %
Placing 15th in Sack %
Generating 40 total team sacks

While the team's overall defensive statistics mightn't scream dominance, Watt and Highsmith consistently disrupt opposing offenses. Watt's 11 sacks and Highsmith's 6 sacks demonstrate their individual impact, with Nick Herbig providing additional depth to their edge rushing unit.

NFL game matchups and prop insights often highlight key defensive performances like these, as elite pass rushers can significantly influence sack totals, turnover probabilities, and game flow. Their ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks and create potential turnover opportunities underscores the nuanced nature of defensive performance beyond raw statistical rankings. The Cowboys' defensive unit similarly demonstrates the importance of strategic defensive play and individual talent in disrupting offensive momentum.

Impact of Injuries, Personnel

The Cowboys' 2024 season defined three key defensive challenges: injuries, personnel gaps, and strategic vulnerabilities.

The team's secondary suffered significantly, with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland playing together only once. This caused the defense to drop from eighth to 16th in EPA per dropback. Weak cornerback positions and a thin pass rush compounded these issues, especially with DeMarcus Lawrence potentially leaving as a free agent. The team's reliance on Micah Parsons became increasingly apparent, highlighting critical needs at defensive tackle and inside linebacker.

While the Cowboys' defense struggled, Dak Prescott player props remained a focal point for bettors, as his ability to adapt to high-pressure situations often influenced passing yards, touchdowns, and interception totals. While other teams like the Texans and 49ers faced similar challenges, the Cowboys' defensive volatility stood out, signaling urgent offseason reconstruction requirements to restore their defensive prowess.

Fantasy Football Defensive Outlook

Currently ranked 16th, they're hovering in the middle of the defensive tier rankings, and challenges await.

Your fantasy draft strategy should consider their potential limitations:

No standout defensive performers
Mid-tier fantasy defense ranking
Need for significant defensive improvements

While Micah Parsons remains a bright spot, he alone can't elevate the entire defensive unit. The Cowboys' defensive weaknesses are evident, particularly in their defensive line and secondary.

To boost their fantasy value, they'll need strategic offseason acquisitions and draft picks. Teams looking to draft Cowboys defenders should temper expectations and view them as a depth option rather than a primary defensive selection.

Strategic improvements could help them climb the rankings, but they remain a risky fantasy football defense for now.

Reinforcing the Line…

The Cowboys' defense is hanging by a thread in a competitive NFL landscape. Despite Matt Eberflus's strategic approach, their defensive gaps are as clear as day. With inconsistent pass rush and vulnerable secondary positions, they're far from an elite unit. If you're banking on this defense for fantasy football, you might want to think twice and explore more reliable alternatives.