Full-strength Dallas Cowboys defense starting to ‘show it’ with emerging dominance
Not too long ago it was the Dallas Cowboys defense that seemed to be the team’s biggest concern.
Now, after about a month of offensive struggles, it’s the Cowboys’ offense that is wobbling up against the ropes.
The defense appears to have found its second wind with the return of DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory to the defensive line. The pressure they bring, including in Sunday’s 27-20 win against Washington, along with the talent of rookie sensation Micah Parsons, have suddenly propelled the Dallas defense into the team’s strength.
The Cowboys held Washington to 224 total yards, second-lowest for Dallas this season behind the 214 against the Falcons a month ago. Washington was also 3 of 14 on third down. It’s the ninth time in 13 games the Cowboys have held their opponent to 33% or less on third down. That’s the fifth most in a season in Cowboys history.
“You could see this building coming out of the spring and in training camp and it’s just a great group,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. “Just the love and the tightness and the energy and now they have everybody back, too. So it’s just great to see them all not only out there, but just to see the guys in the locker room afterward.”
Added to the reinforcements was defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, who had missed the first 12 games with an elbow injury. He had one of the team’s five sacks.
Rookie Micah Parsons had two more sacks and now has 12 this season, seventh most by a rookie in NFL history. Jevon Kearse’s 14.5 in 1999 is the record. Parsons has four games remaining, including against the Giants at noon Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Dorance Armstrong, who recovered a fumble and returned it 37 yards for his first career touchdown in the first quarter, said the defense has been waiting since training camp to put it all the pieces together. Parsons forced the fumble when he hit quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Armstrong’s touchdown gave Dallas an 18-0 lead.
“It’s a great feeling to have that much talent in one room,” Armstrong said. “To be able to play off each other, we’ve been looking forward to this since camp. We knew what the potential of having everyone together could do. Now it’s the time to show it.”
The defense forced four more turnovers against Washington, including three fumbles. Only the Colts (29) have more takeaways than the Cowboys’ 27.
Trevon Diggs, who leads the NFL with nine interceptions, said the defensive line showed what is possible.
“It was amazing. I’m so excited those guys are back, so happy. They showcased their stuff,” he said.
Randy Gregory, who missed the previous four games with a calf injury, forced a fumble and recorded his first career interception. He’s the second player in team history to have a sack, forced fumble, and an interception in a game. Tony Dixon did it on Dec. 29, 2002 at Washington.
The Cowboys’ 20 interceptions are the most in a season for the team since 2010 and the most through 13 games since 1999.
“They’re playing lights out,” Ezekiel Elliott said. “The defensive line has their ears pinned back. I feel bad for the opposing quarterback.”
This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 5:30 AM.
