Quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, and Bryce Young have played some of their best football against the Cowboys defense. Just about every running back has had monster performances, too. It’s a unit that needs saving. However, it’s one so flawed that one trade or two won’t cut it.
So what is the Cowboys’ plan to save the defense? Based on their history, reports, recent comments, and reality at 3-4-1, below is my best guess at what their approach will be.
Step 1: Make a trade for a player, probably a DE
Here’s what we know: The Cowboys made calls about star pass rushers Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson before Week 8. We also know Dallas’ pass rush has been close to non-existent when not blitzing. Adding a DE makes sense because it helps both the run and pass defense while boosting the team in a critical area: Third down.
The Cowboys defense needs to get off the field. They boast the worst third down defense, being the only one giving a conversion rate over 50%. Adding people capable of rushing the passer consistently is the easiest way to lower that mark.
However, I would expect the Cowboys’ addition to be someone that meets Jerry Jones’ criteria of having a contract beyond 2025. Miami Dolphins DE Bradley Chubb, for example, is under contract through 2027 but has no guaranteed money beyond this year. On Friday morning, Jones cited Jonathan Mingo’s trade like an example of a player who can help in the present and the future despite him being a healthy scratch in Week 8. In other words, don’t expect a major impact move here.
Step 2: Get LB DeMarvion Overshown back in the lineup
The closest the Cowboys are getting to Pro Bowl-caliber reinforcements is Overshown, who is expected to return from injury (knee) in Week 11 versus the Las Vegas Raiders. He will not solve all of the team’s issues at the position but he will be a major upgrade on defense. The Cowboys’ play at linebacker has been awful eight weeks into the season.
Jack Sanborn started at middle linebacker before being switched for Kenneth Murray and later benched by rookie Shemar James. Meanwhile, James’ high-end athleticism has been dragged down by his inexperience at times. There’s upside to him but he’s not a gameday-ready linebacker. And Murray? He’s played 99% of the Cowboys’ defensive snaps this season but his play might be the worst. His athleticism allows him to make plays here and there but for the most part, he looks lost versus the run.
The question is where the Cowboys will play Overshown when he’s back and who will stay with him. To me, it seems like Overshown will play at WILL while Murray remains the MIKE.