The Dallas Cowboys’ defense, once celebrated for its takeaway prowess, has seen a noticeable drop in its turnover production this season. In the 2022 season, the Cowboys led the NFL in takeaways, thanks largely to a defense that thrived on pressure, interceptions, and fumble recoveries. Cornerback Trevon Diggs’ ball-hawking skills and a formidable pass rush led by Micah Parsons were pivotal to this success, creating a high-stakes style that forced opponents into mistakes. However, in 2023, that magic seems to be fading, and the reasons are multifaceted.
One major setback for the Cowboys’ defense is the season-ending injury to Trevon Diggs, which removed a key playmaker from the secondary. Diggs’ skill in reading quarterbacks and breaking on the ball had been instrumental in securing interceptions and creating short-field opportunities for the offense. Without Diggs, the Cowboys’ secondary lost a lot of its aggression, and opposing quarterbacks now feel less compelled to take risks downfield. While Stephon Gilmore was brought in to add depth and experience, he hasn’t been able to replicate Diggs’ playmaking impact.
Another factor is the decline in pressure from the defensive front. Micah Parsons is still among the league’s elite pass-rushers, but opponents are increasingly designing quick-pass plays to neutralize his effectiveness. Without consistent pressure, quarterbacks have more time to read the defense and avoid forced throws, which decreases the chances of turnovers. The Cowboys’ defense has also seen offenses lean on the run more to minimize mistakes, another approach that limits takeaway opportunities.
Additionally, the Cowboys’ defensive scheme has undergone minor adjustments that may have affected its high-risk, high-reward approach. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn might be favoring a more conservative style to avoid big plays without Diggs and to compensate for other injuries. This approach reduces explosive plays for opponents but comes at the cost of fewer interceptions and fumble recoveries.
Lastly, turnovers can be volatile from season to season. Even the best defenses experience regression due to the unpredictable nature of takeaways, which require both skill and luck. While the Cowboys still possess elite defensive talent, the takeaway numbers are likely to remain lower without adjustments in scheme or personnel.
In short, the Cowboys’ drop in takeaways this season stems from a combination of injuries, offensive adjustments by opponents, strategic changes, and the inevitable randomness that comes with turnovers. The defense is still strong, but it lacks the same game-changing edge without those crucial takeaways.
