Dallas Cowboys: Top 3 most positive takeaways from Week 1
Dallas Cowboys: 2. The defense is much improved from last year
The Dallas Cowboys defense is likely much better than it was in 2020. Although it is a small sample size, this defense did what it could against this elite Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense.
Last season, the Cowboys were ranked as one of the worst defenses in the league. They finished in the bottom half of the league in almost every category including rush yards allowed per game (158.8), points allowed per game (29.6), and opponent’s yards per completion (11.1). However, now it seems like this team is probably not going to put up these kinds of numbers in 2021.
In this game, the Dallas Cowboys were able to force four turnovers, something that didn’t happen quite often last season. In 2020, the Cowboys didn’t force a turnover in five games but also forced 3+ turnovers four times including three of their last four games.
It appeared that this defense had more energy on the field than it did last year. With the new additions of safety Jayron Kearse (11 tackles), linebacker Micah Parsons (seven tackles), linebacker Keanu Neal (six tackles), and safety Damontae Kazee (two tackles & a forced fumble), this proved to be key pieces of this revamped defense.
Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence also probably had the best game of any Cowboys player. He finished the game with five tackles and one forced fumbled. His PFF grade of 91.4 is one of the best in Week 1.
Additionally, second-year cornerback Trevon Diggs had himself a great start to his 2021 campaign. He had his hands full covering one of the game’s best wide receivers in Mike Evans. However, the former Alabama star allowed only one catch for ten yards on three targets to three-time Pro Bowler. He also winded up with a tipped ball interception and a key late-game deflection.
There’s plenty to like from this Cowboys’ defense in their season opener. It wasn’t an ideal matchup for this team, but they made the most of it and will probably only get better throughout the season.