After an injury-riddled 2024 season, the Dallas Cowboys have taken bold steps to transform their defense into a quarterback’s worst nightmare. With key additions like Dante Fowler Jr., Solomon Thomas, and Peyton Turner, the Cowboys are reloading a pass rush that already proved dangerous last year, despite missing some of its biggest stars.
Under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Dallas has made it clear: pressure on the quarterback is priority number one. Fowler, who recorded 10.5 sacks with the Commanders in 2024, headlines a group of explosive edge rushers. He’ll join a stacked rotation that already includes Micah Parsons,DeMarcus Lawrence, Osa Odighizuwa, and second-year talent Marshawn Kneeland.
A hidden strength from 2024 is now front and center
Despite allowing an average of 27.5 points per game last season, ranking near the bottom of the league, Dallas quietly posted some of the NFL’s best pass-rushing numbers. They finished third in total sacks (52.0) and forced 18 fumbles, even as Parsons, Lawrence, and Kneeland each missed significant time.
Now with those stars healthy and new reinforcements arriving, Dallas could unleash one of the deepest defensive fronts in the league. Pro Football Focus recently highlighted the team’s ability to retain Odighizuwa, who earned a strong 78.5 pass-rush grade, calling it one of the Cowboys‘ smartest offseason moves.
Can the new scheme deliver results?
Of course, turning offseason hype into regular season success is never a guarantee. The team is betting on its depth and health, as well as the potential of younger players like Turner and veteran newcomers like Fowler Jr. to mesh in Eberflus‘ system.
It’s also worth watching how players adapt to the new philosophy. Eberflus brings a different energy and scheme than the one led by Mike Zimmer in 2024, which faced criticism amid injuries and underperformance.
Big questions, bigger expectations
If the group stays healthy and the additions live up to expectations, Dallas could finally field a consistent, top-tier defense to match its offensive firepower. In a division that includes Jalen Hurts and a rising Washington squad, quarterback pressure might be the difference-maker.
Read the full article here
