The Cowboys’ defense! After their loss to the Bears, it’s clear that they have some significant issues to address. While it’s just one game, the concerns are legitimate. Here’s a breakdown of what went wrong and how bad it might be:
Immediate concerns:
- Pass rush: The Cowboys’ pass rush, which was supposed to be a strength, was virtually non-existent against the Bears. They managed only one sack and five quarterback hits on Mitchell Trubisky. This lack of pressure allowed Trubisky to operate comfortably and make plays down the field.
- Secondary struggles: The Cowboys’ secondary, which was already a question mark, was exposed by the Bears’ receivers. They gave up several big plays, including a 53-yard touchdown pass to Allen Robinson. The safeties, in particular, struggled with deep coverage.
- Tackling issues: The Cowboys’ defense missed several tackles, which led to extra yards and first downs for the Bears. This is a fundamental aspect of defense that needs to be addressed.
- Run defense: While the Cowboys’ run defense wasn’t terrible, they still allowed the Bears to rush for 102 yards, which is more than they would have liked.
Underlying issues:
- Lack of depth: The Cowboys’ defense is thin at certain positions, particularly in the secondary and at defensive tackle. Injuries to key players like Leighton Vander Esch and Tyrone Crawford have already started to take a toll.
- Inexperience: The Cowboys have several young players on defense, including rookies like Trevon Diggs and Neville Gallimore. While they have potential, they’re still learning and making mistakes.
- Scheme issues: The Cowboys’ defensive scheme, which is designed to be aggressive and attacking, sometimes leaves them vulnerable to big plays. They need to find a better balance between being aggressive and being sound.
How bad is it?
While the Cowboys’ defense isn’t the worst in the league, it’s certainly a concern. They have the talent to be a top-10 defense, but they need to address these issues quickly. If they don’t, they might struggle to stop opposing offenses, particularly those with strong passing games.
In terms of rankings, the Cowboys’ defense is likely to be in the middle of the pack, around 15th-20th in the league. However, with some tweaks and adjustments, they could still become a solid unit.
What’s next?
The Cowboys need to regroup and refocus on the fundamentals of defense. They need to work on their pass rush, secondary play, and tackling. They also need to find ways to generate more turnovers and be more opportunistic on defense.
In the short term, they face a tough test against the Cleveland Browns, who have a potent offense. If they can’t shore up their defensive issues, they might be in for a long day against Baker Mayfield and the Browns’ offense.
