As one of the most talked-about teams in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to high expectations. With a storied history and a large fanbase, the Cowboys are often thrust into the spotlight, where every victory and defeat is scrutinized by both analysts and fans alike. In recent years, the Cowboys have boasted a defense that has had its share of successes, but there have also been moments where it has faltered. Recently, former NFL quarterback Cam Ward voiced his concerns about the defense, and the critique has ignited a deeper conversation about the team’s defensive strategies, personnel, and future outlook.
In this article, we will examine Cam Ward’s criticism of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, the areas of concern that he highlighted, and what the Cowboys can do moving forward to address these issues. We will also explore the strengths of the defense, where it stands in comparison to other NFL teams, and how the Cowboys can improve their chances of contending for a Super Bowl.
Cam Ward’s Criticism: A Strong Voice in the NFL Community
Cam Ward, who played quarterback in the NFL and gained a reputation for his strong football acumen, recently made waves by publicly criticizing the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. Ward, who has spent years observing and analyzing NFL defenses, didn’t mince words when it came to pointing out the shortcomings of the Cowboys’ defensive unit.
Ward’s critique was based on a few key points:
- Inconsistency in Coverage One of the most notable criticisms from Ward was the inconsistency in the Cowboys’ pass coverage. He pointed out that while the defense, led by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, has shown flashes of brilliance, it is often plagued by lapses in coverage, particularly in critical moments. Ward emphasized that the secondary, while featuring standout players like Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons, has had its share of breakdowns, especially in key games against high-powered offenses.
- Struggles Against the Run Another area that Ward highlighted was the Cowboys’ struggles against the run. Despite boasting a talented front seven, the Cowboys’ defense has occasionally been gashed by strong running teams, particularly in games where they have faced elite running backs. Ward pointed out that while the Cowboys have had moments of dominance in the trenches, they often find themselves vulnerable to well-executed ground games that wear down the defense over time.
- Missed Tackles and Lack of Physicality Ward also mentioned the issue of missed tackles, which have been a recurring theme in the Cowboys’ defensive play. The inability to wrap up ball carriers and finish plays has led to big gains for opposing offenses. Ward specifically noted that while the Cowboys’ defense is filled with athletic players, they sometimes lack the physicality and discipline needed to make key tackles and prevent yards after contact.
- Overreliance on Star Players Finally, Cam Ward addressed the overreliance on individual stars like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. While both players are elite in their own right, Ward believes that the Cowboys’ defense has sometimes failed to perform cohesively as a unit, relying too heavily on the playmaking ability of their stars to cover up systemic flaws.
While Ward’s critique was candid, it wasn’t meant to be a full condemnation of the defense. Instead, it was a constructive look at areas where the Cowboys can improve in order to become a more complete defensive unit.
A Deep Dive into the Cowboys’ Defense: Strengths and Weaknesses
To better understand Cam Ward’s criticism, we must first examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Cowboys’ defense. Over the past few seasons, Dallas has built a defense that has the potential to be elite, but it has struggled to reach its full potential at times.
Strengths of the Cowboys’ Defense
- Micah Parsons – The Defensive Superstar The heart of the Cowboys’ defense is undoubtedly Micah Parsons, the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowler. Parsons is an exceptional linebacker with the ability to rush the passer, cover the field, and stop the run. His versatility and athleticism make him one of the most feared players in the league, and he is often the focal point of the Cowboys’ defensive schemes.
Parsons’ ability to create pressure on quarterbacks and disrupt plays in the backfield has been a major asset for the Cowboys. His 2022 season, where he recorded 13.5 sacks, was a testament to his dominance. When Parsons is on the field, the Cowboys’ defense is undoubtedly more effective.
- Trevon Diggs – A Ball-Hawking Cornerback Another strength of the Cowboys’ defense is their secondary, particularly cornerback Trevon Diggs. Known for his ball-hawking ability, Diggs has become one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, with 17 interceptions in his first three seasons. His ability to create turnovers is a game-changer for the Cowboys, often putting the offense in a position to capitalize on short fields.
However, while Diggs’ playmaking ability is undeniable, he has also been prone to giving up big plays due to his aggressive style of play. Ward alluded to this in his critique, noting that Diggs’ gamble for interceptions sometimes leaves him out of position.
- DeMarcus Lawrence – A Veteran Pass Rusher DeMarcus Lawrence is another key piece of the Cowboys’ defense. As one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, Lawrence has consistently been a force on the edge. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and generate pressure is invaluable, and his leadership on the defensive line cannot be overstated.
While Lawrence’s sack totals may not always be as high as some other elite pass rushers, his impact is felt in the way he disrupts the pocket and forces quarterbacks to make hurried throws.
- Dan Quinn’s Defensive Scheme Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has done an excellent job of implementing a scheme that takes advantage of the Cowboys’ talent. Quinn, known for his success with the Seattle Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” defense, has brought a physical, attacking mindset to the Cowboys’ defense. Under his leadership, the defense has become more aggressive and opportunistic, leading the league in takeaways during the 2021 season.
Quinn’s use of different defensive fronts and creative blitzes has helped make the Cowboys’ defense one of the most disruptive in the NFL. His ability to adapt his scheme to the strengths of his players has been a key factor in the Cowboys’ defensive success.
Weaknesses of the Cowboys’ Defense
- Inconsistency in Coverage While the Cowboys have a talented secondary, they have shown inconsistency in coverage at times. Trevon Diggs’ aggressive style can lead to big plays, and while he excels at making interceptions, he sometimes gets beat by quick, precise route runners. Additionally, while the Cowboys have talent at safety with players like Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse, they haven’t always been able to shut down opposing passing attacks, especially against elite quarterbacks.
- Run Defense Struggles As mentioned by Cam Ward, the Cowboys’ defense has had trouble stopping the run at times. Despite having standout defensive linemen like Lawrence and rookie standout Osa Odighizuwa, the Cowboys have allowed big runs against them, particularly when facing physical running backs like Derrick Henry or Jonathan Taylor. There have been instances where the Cowboys’ defense was worn down by sustained ground attacks, which led to the defense giving up crucial yards and touchdowns.
This issue is compounded by occasional lapses in tackling, which Ward highlighted as a major concern. While the Cowboys have the athleticism to shut down the run, their inability to consistently bring down ball carriers has been a recurring issue.
- Lack of Depth in Key Areas While the Cowboys have star players like Parsons and Diggs, their depth in certain areas remains a question mark. Injuries to key players can significantly impact their ability to perform at a high level. Additionally, the Cowboys lack proven playmakers behind their top-tier talent, which makes it more difficult to maintain defensive effectiveness throughout the entire game.
- Reliance on Big Plays The Cowboys’ defense has a tendency to rely on big plays, such as sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles, to shift momentum in their favor. While this can be highly effective, it can also lead to breakdowns in coverage or missed tackles when the big plays don’t materialize. This over-reliance on splash plays can sometimes leave the defense vulnerable, especially when facing teams that can methodically move the ball down the field.
What Can the Cowboys Do Moving Forward?
In light of Cam Ward’s criticism, the Cowboys need to address several areas of concern to improve their defense and increase their chances of contending for a Super Bowl. Here are a few possible solutions:
- Improve Tackling and Physicality To address missed tackles and improve their physicality, the Cowboys should focus on fundamental drills in training camp and during the season. The defensive players must prioritize wrapping up ball carriers and finishing tackles to prevent big gains.
- Develop Depth in the Secondary With the risk of injuries to key players like Diggs or Hooker, the Cowboys must look to develop depth in the secondary. Adding experienced depth or younger prospects to the defensive backfield can help ensure that the defense can continue to perform even when star players are unavailable.
- Fix Run Defense Issues The Cowboys need to focus on stopping the run, especially in critical games. Strengthening the defensive line through the draft or free agency could help address this issue, as would focusing on gap discipline and tackling technique.
- Continue to Build on Dan Quinn’s Scheme Dan Quinn has shown that his defensive schemes can be highly effective, but the Cowboys must continue to evolve and adapt to changing offensive trends in the league. By tweaking the scheme to address the weaknesses highlighted by Ward, Quinn can continue to make the defense one of the NFL’s best.