Breaking Down the Dallas Cowboys Defense Player-by-Player

David Irving, Defensive Lineman

Pro Football Focus grade – 77.6
12 tackles, 2 for loss
2.0 sacks
3 forced fumbles, 1 recovered fumble

It is hard not to include the Week 6 NFC defensive player of the week on this list of standouts.

While Irving has been a rotational player at both defensive tackle and defensive end, Irving has made profound use of his opportunities.

In Week 6 alone, he registered four tackles, a sack, and forced three fumbles- all in 19 defensive snaps.

Irving has clearly been playing well enough to demand more playing time, whether inside or outside along the defensive line.

What is impressive with David Irving, is the fact that he is only beginning to scratch the surface of what he can become for a team in desperate need of a dominant pass rusher.

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Barry Church, Safety

Pro Football Focus grade – 81.2
42 tackles, 2 for loss
2 interceptions, 3 passes defensed
1 forced fumble

Barry Church has been one of the elite players on the Cowboys defense, and has been much improved in pass coverage.

Church had always been a consistent tackler as an in-the-box strong safety, but he has learned how to use angles to drop into coverage and read the quarterback’s eyes while making plays with the ball in the air.

If Barry keeps producing at his current rate, he could be due for a Pro Bowl bid this year.