The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been much-maligned through the first part of this season, but there have been some positive signs; they've just been few and far between.
The performance against the New York Jets was good, but it's the Jets, and that looks average with each passing week, but then we get to the 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders.
A total of four sacks, a fumble recovery, stopping the run (136 Commanders yards, but each was tough sledding), and a DaRon Bland pick-six was the first time this team has played complementary football this season, and look at the result.
Speaking on Sunday's win on 105.3 The Fan, owner Jerry Jones was pleased with what he saw.
"Bottom line, it's an evolving process of how this team, which also gives you a little different look each week because of injury and who's next up, all of that is a work in progress,” Jerry said. “But boy was I pleased with not just the score, but I was pleased with how well we played.”
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Cowboys' defense now has performance floor
We now know that this defense, which did play a lot of man coverage, has this type of performance in them, and that now means this is the standard going forward. No, they won't get the same stat line each week, but that must be what the aim is. Shoot for the stars and you'll reach the moon.
Given how prolific the offense with Dak Prescott is, this defense doesn't have to be great, it doesn't even have to be good -- it just has to be average, and Dallas is on its way to the postseason.
Sunday's win was a much-needed confidence boost for this defense, but now they must build on it against the Denver Broncos.
Jerry says it's a "work in progress," but Dallas can't afford two steps back at Mile High.
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