The Dallas Cowboys’ once-struggling defense has found new life in recent weeks, a resurgence that coincides with the return of their most impactful player – linebacker Micah Parsons. After missing four games with a high ankle sprain, Parsons has reignited a unit that looked lost without him, restoring hope that the Cowboys can make a legitimate playoff push.
From Liability to Strength
Early in the season, the Cowboys’ defense was on pace for historic futility. In their first seven games, they surrendered over 400 yards four times, allowed a staggering 7 yards per play, and couldn’t get off the field on third down. Big plays abounded, with the defense yielding 31 runs of 10+ yards and 22 passes of 20+ yards. Turnovers were scarce, with just four interceptions and one fumble recovery.
But in the five games since Parsons’s return, it’s been a different story:
- Only one 400-yard game allowed
- 6.2 yards per play or less in 4 of 5 games
- No 40%+ third down conversion rate allowed
- 17 runs of 10+ yards, 11 passes of 20+ yards allowed
While still not elite numbers, they represent a significant improvement. Players credit increased confidence and comfort in defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme. But Parsons’s presence cannot be overstated.
“We’re a better football team, a better defense, when Micah is on the field, without question,” said head coach Mike McCarthy.
The Parsons Effect
In the four games since his return, Parsons has racked up 5.5 sacks, giving him a team-leading 6.5 on the season despite missing significant time. His 23 games with 5+ pressures since 2021 trails only the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby. Parsons’s presence frees up other defenders to make plays.
“We all see a difference, don’t we?” said Parsons. “The film’s not lying. Everybody’s staying in their gaps. We’re playing honest and true. That just goes to show that we’re starting to believe in each other, really buying into the program and understanding that we really can be good.”
The injury bug that bit the defense hard earlier in the year is also subsiding. The upcoming mini-bye following the Thanksgiving game should further aid the healing of key contributors like DeMarcus Lawrence, Trevon Diggs, and others.
Stiff Challenges Await
The Cowboys will need their defense at full strength given the offensive firepower that awaits them. Four of their final five opponents boast top-10 scoring offenses:
- Bengals (Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins)
- Buccaneers (Baker Mayfield’s 25 TD passes)
- Eagles (MVP candidate Saquon Barkley)
- Commanders (rookie phenom Jayden Daniels)
“We’ve got to elevate,” said linebacker Eric Kendricks. “We’re headed into these later months of the season. We’ve got to pick up our game even more.”
Sustained success against that slate would cement the Cowboys’ defensive revival as legitimate. With Parsons leading the charge, they have a chance to prove they’re more than pretenders. The next five weeks will reveal if they’re true contenders.
