Dallas Cowboys revamped run defense is key to turnaround
By Brad Austin
![Demarcus Lawrence and Neville Gallimore, Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Demarcus Lawrence and Neville Gallimore, Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthelandryhat-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2021-2F06-2F13398750-850x560-600b78d16cbf54f32724212fdde718b321990739ecd8549543ed1686a1694b02.jpg)
Under the new direction of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the Dallas Cowboys underwent a targeted effort to aggressively revamp the run defense. Precise additions occurred by identifying player strengths and scheme fit needed to excel.
Many significant benefits come from having a suffocating run defense in the NFL. One, it greatly limits defensive confusion on play-action calls. Second-level defenders are far less likely to bite on fake handoffs when the front is corralling the run.
More advantageous down and distance is another benefit. Defending a versatile offense facing 2nd and 5 is much more difficult than 2nd and 9.
In the modern game, offensive coaches are less likely to run again on second down with a long-distance needed to convert. One passing attempt at a first down completion is not preferred.
Lastly, making teams one-dimensional beyond the first quarter is a sizable defensive advantage. It’s rare to see a team keep plugging away at the run once the opening quarter showed few benefits and increased limitations through wasted downs.