Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
With the Dallas Cowboys‘ fourth preseason game in the books, their starting defense has already proven that they are better than they were last season. Through the first three preseason games, and Saturday night’s “dress rehearsal” game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cowboys’ starting defense has yet to give up a touchdown, and they are coming up with big plays in key situations.
When the Cowboy’s starting defense is in the game, opposing offenses are finding it difficult to make big plays against this unit. Even if the opposing offense does manage to get close to the end zone, this defense comes up with a key interception, or “bone crushing” hit, that jars the ball loose and abruptly ends their drive. Last season, the Cowboys’ defense were among the league’s worst, in terms of generating turnovers, making it difficult for them to win the field position battle.
With the Cowboys’ defense struggling last season, Jerry Jones decided to fire Rob Ryan, and bring in Monte Kiffin. When Kifffin took over this defense, he preached about generating turnovers and, so far, it looks like the players have listened.
With Cowboys’ defense keeping opponents out of the end zone, it will take more pressure off of Tony Romo and the rest of the offense. If the defense can hold their opponents to a minimal amount of points, the offense won’t have to play under the pressure of needing to constantly come up with big plays. If the defense can continue to play like they are, the Cowboys are going to be playoff, maybe even Super Bowl, contenders.
Pete Osmolia is a Dallas Cowboys writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @posmolia and like him on Facebook.
