Dallas Cowboys: 3 issues Mike McCarthy must fix in 2020

3. The turnover narrative

Forgive me if you heard this sermon, but the Cowboys have preached turnovers for so many years the record player is broken. It broke to the point where Rod Marinelli and a plethora of defensive coaches were released from their duties.

Change is a good thing. In this case, when we discuss the turnover battle, change is a necessary thing. In 2019, the Dallas Cowboys tied for 18th place in the turnover differential battle (-1 in 16 games).

In the interception column, they tied for dead last, earning only seven interceptions. The Patriots and Steelers led the way with 25 and 20 picks, respectively. The Pittsburgh Steelers also led the NFL in fumbles (18).

In this column, the ‘Boys fared better defensively with 10 fumbles. The Chargers and Dolphins were the worst teams, earning only three fumbles each.

The turnover narrative is a topic heading to 2020. Can the Dallas Cowboys finally land a top safety prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft? More importantly, will the Dallas brass finally aim and fire for one?

Look, McCarthy will have his hands full with the offense, but I love the guys he brought along for the ride on the defensive side of things. The Dallas Cowboys get new blood in defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

America’s Team will stick to a 4-3 scheme, and I’m curious to see how Nolan will play with linebackers Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch.

Jim Tomsula is running the defensive line. The Cowboys weren’t a threat at the front line defensively. Can Tomsula spark DeMarcus Lawrence? More importantly, will we see a spark from Trysten Hill, the Cowboys defensive tackle and first pick for the ‘Boys in the 2019 draft.

In conclusion, there are still questions. But with the 2019 hard drive wiped clean, the Dallas Cowboys run to 2020 refreshed and revamped. A new operating system is installed. Change never sounded so good.