The Dallas Cowboys, renowned for their defensive prowess in recent years, find themselves navigating a challenging 2024 NFL season. Both DaRon Bland and Micah Parsons, key components of what was a top-tier defense, are currently sidelined, significantly impacting the team's defensive performance.
Defensive Struggles
Once a powerhouse, the Cowboys have slipped from their position as the NFL's leader in takeaways and interceptions since the 2021 season. This year has seen a marked decline, with just five takeaways to date, ranking them near the bottom in this critical metric. The pressure rate on opposing quarterbacks has also been disappointing, as the team now finds itself 17th in the league with a 34.8% pressure rate.
Such statistics are reflected in the points allowed per game. In previous years, the Cowboys ranked within the top five for scoring defenses, allowing a mere 19.9 points per game from 2021 to 2023. However, they now permit 28.3 points each outing, making them the second-most scored-upon team in the NFL. These figures underscore the absence felt by crucial defensive players and highlight the strategic challenges facing the Cowboys’ coaching staff.
Injury Concerns
Much of the defensive struggle can be attributed to the injuries plaguing the Cowboys' lineup. Micah Parsons is currently in the rehabilitation phase, as overseen by Britt Brown, the Cowboys' director of rehab. Speaking on Parsons' situation, head coach Mike McCarthy notes, "He's here. He's in the meetings. Until they clear the return to play with Britt, I really don't even entertain that thought. So he's not quite there yet."
The sentiment about Parsons' value to the team is echoed in McCarthy's recognition of his impact, "He's an impact player. Where he is in the rehab, he's making gains each week. He's been in every day. He's just not ready to get into the practice format. But yeah, definitely missed him."
For DaRon Bland, the news is slightly more optimistic. Bland has been activated off injured reserve, yet did not participate in the Cowboys' Week 6 clash against the Detroit Lions. Despite practicing fully, Bland remains in the rehab group, mirroring the painstakingly cautious approach adopted by the Cowboys as articulated by McCarthy, "I think that's why, I know personally I always avoid timelines. I'm not in those specific meetings, and every injury is different. We're not going to put him out there until he's ready to go."
Strategic Outlook
The current state of the Cowboys’ defense is a far cry from its dominant past, where turnovers and quarterback pressures were routine. The setbacks of Bland and Parsons have contributed to a ripple effect across the defensive unit. Yet, as they inch closer to returning to action, their progress is keenly monitored with the hope that their eventual comeback will restore the team’s defensive fortitude.
As McCarthy wisely indicates, "We're being smart about it, which you need to be for what he's experiencing right now. If he wants to share that with you, that's his business. Yeah, he's getting close. We just want to make sure he's ready to go when it's time to cut him loose." His cautious optimism speaks volumes about the strategic patience being employed by the team in anticipation of their return.
The Cowboys are clearly in a transitional period as they await the full return of their defensive stalwarts. With their inclusion, there is hope that the team can regain the defensive excellence they have been known for and possibly turn the tide for the remainder of the season. Until then, Cowboys fans and the organization alike will be watching and waiting, not just for their return, but for the resurgence of a defense that once was the envy of the NFL.