Tony Romo stresses the importance of a dominate defense
In a recent interview, former Dallas Cowboys superstar Tony Romo stressed the importance of having a dominant defense. Even over great quarterback play.
When you think about today’s Dallas Cowboys team, you likely think about their offense first. With stars like quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, wide receiver Dez Bryant, tight end Jason Witten and their talented offensive line dominating headlines, there isn’t much space left to mention the defense.
Even with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence tying for second in the NFL in sacks (14.5) last season, those accomplishments were overshadowed by news of Elliott’s suspension, Prescott’s sophomore slump, Bryant’s poor play and the Cowboys offensive line struggles.
The truth is offense rules in Dallas right now, and has for years. And that’s not to discredit coordinator Ron Marinelli and his defense. But the fact is many are amazed at the level of play Marinelli is able to get from his players, often calling them overachievers. That tells you everything you need to know about the perceived talent level on that side of the ball.
And that is mainly due to the draft, as the Cowboys are bottom-feeders when it comes to signing free agents. First round selections like Elliott, Bryant, guard Zack Martin, center Travis Frederick and tackle Tyron Smith have resulted in multiple Pro Bowl selections. Where their defensive first rounders like cornerback Morris Claiborne, safety Byron Jones and defensive end Taco Charlton have all underwhelmed.
The Cowboys have hit multiple home runs in the draft offensively. But some of their biggest strikeouts have been on defense. And that has shifted the balance of talent in one direction. And according to former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, it’s the wrong direction.
"“At the end of the day football is really about getting a dominant defense, carrying it through, and, if you get any kind of good quarterback playing, you have a chance to win the title every year,” Romo told TheRinger.com. “And if you get a great quarterback you’re going to have good seasons, but you will normally lose somewhere to a great defense along the way. And that’s the story of the NFL … and I think you’ll see that in the future.”"
This past weekend’s participants in the NFL ‘s divisional championships support Romo’s claims about dominant defenses. Three out of the four teams involved in these games had a defensive unit ranked 4th or higher in total defense in 2017. Those franchises being the Minnesota Vikings (1st), the Jacksonville Jaguars (2nd) and the Philadelphia Eagles (4th). Romo’s point resonates even more when you consider the starting quarterbacks under center for these teams are Case Keenum (Vikings), Blake Bortles (Jags) and Nick Foles (Eagles).
As for Romo himself, the Cowboys full-time starter for nine seasons had his most consistent success when he had a top ten defense supporting him.
Dallas Cowboys Total Defense Rankings from 2007-2015
2007 – 9th (13-3)
2008 – 8th (9-7)
2009 – 9th (11-5)
2010 – 23rd (6-10)
2011 – 14th (8-8)
2012 – 19th (8-8)
2013 – 32nd (8-8)
2014 – 19th (12-4)
2015 – 17th (4-12)
Next: Ranking Tony Romo’s Best Seasons In Dallas
Do the current Dallas Cowboys possess a “dominate” defense? I believe most would say no. But their “D” ranked 8th in total defense in 2017. And that’s something they haven’t accomplished since 2008, when the Cowboys also finished 9-7. If America’s Team can retain some of their bigger pieces on defense this offseason, and add a talented rookie or two, Dallas’ defense could easily be ranked among the best in the NFL this upcoming season.