Despite loss, Dallas Cowboys defense looks playoff ready

While the Dallas Cowboys offense could only muster 7 points in the Week 14 loss to the New York Giants, the defense had its best game of the season.

Boy, that loss was a painful one for Dallas Cowboys fans.

The 11-2 Dallas Cowboys experienced defeat for the first time in exactly three months this past Sunday, once again falling to the New York Giants.

The Cowboys offense looked anemic, and that is putting it lightly. Dallas converted only one third down out of 15 opportunities. They registered only 13 first downs on the day. They also turned the ball over three times.

Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has finally come back down to Earth in the past few games, having not thrown for over 200 yards in the last three outings. But the Week 14 game against the New York Giants was without a doubt his worst game of the season; completing less than 50 percent of his passes and throwing two interceptions.

The lone bright spot offensively was rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, who carried the ball 24 times for 107 yards. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be enough to lead the team to victory.

I normally watch Cowboys games several times throughout the week, but I don’t think I will be able to stomach watching the horrendous showing by the offense any more than I had to when it was live.

That being said, the Dallas Cowboys defense showed up to play and is showing us that they are ready to compete in playoff games.

Yes, the Cowboys defense gave up a 61 yard catch and run to one of the most explosive receivers in the NFL in Odell Beckham Jr., but outside of that play they kept the Giants in check.

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The Cowboys defense held the Giants offense to 260 total yards of offense. The Giants only converted 12 first downs in the game and only two of those came on third downs.

For the second consecutive week, the Cowboys registered three sacks. The pass rush is beginning to come alive at the right time, which bodes well for success come January.

The Cowboys also forced three turnovers, giving them four already in the month of December through two weeks which ties their September and November monthly totals. Rookie cornerback Anthony Brown got his first career interception, what a steal he has proven to be as a sixth round pick.

While the Giants were able to run for 93 yards, it took them 33 rushing attempts to get to that number. In other words- the Giants averaged 2.8 yards per carry in the game. Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee was all over the field in run defense, registering 18 tackles on the night.

If you would have been told that the Cowboys defense would hold the Giants to 10 points, would force three turnovers, and would get three sacks- I’m sure you would have said that the Cowboys are going to be flying home to Dallas with division champion t-shirts and hats on.

There is no question that the offensive ineptitude in recent weeks is concerning, especially for a team that has been an offensive juggernaut for the better part of this season.

I never would have guessed that the least of my concerns for the Dallas Cowboys and their Super Bowl chances would be a stingy, fired up, and surprisingly good defense.

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The good news is, there are three weeks remaining in the year for the offense to get things back on track. If that happens and the defense keeps playing at the level we have seen in recent games, you should start booking your hotel and flight for Houston in February.

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