The Landry Hat
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With secondary intact, Dallas Cowboys will scorch NFC foes

By Brad Austin

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys corner back Brandon Carr (39) and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens (59) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys corner back Brandon Carr (39) and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens (59) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Byron Jones (31) and Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox (27) bat down a hail-mary pass attempt intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson (18) on the final play of the game in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Byron Jones (31) and Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox (27) bat down a hail-mary pass attempt intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson (18) on the final play of the game in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

WHOLE GREATER THAN SUM OF ITS PARTS

If it’s added confidence Cowboys fans seek, the finally healthy and experienced secondary is exactly where to look.

While the top ranked Dallas run defense is always a sure bet, the pass defense sagged behind due to continuous health setbacks.

Even dealing with multiple injuries and rotating starters, the coverage still held up well enough to preserve 13 wins and contest every meaningful game.

The 2014 and 2016 playoff pass defenses were both vulnerable and ranked 26th in receiving yards allowed.

Yet the current group is 14th in yards per attempt, while the latter was 27th. The modern secondary defended 75 more passes allowing only 137 more yards.

Even with their difficulties, the 2016 unit has never played together as healthy and battle-tested as the force we’ll see in 10 days.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - 3 Thoughts Heading into Wildcard Weekend

Don’t let the media hype and first round winning performances distract from reality.

Once this Dallas defense takes the field as complete as it’s been all season, the explosive Cowboys offense will have a new companion to fuel their assault.

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