Through four weeks, the Cowboys defense has answered the bell. Dan Quinn’s unit is currently ranked second in EPA per play and fourth in success rate in 2023. Their pass coverage is tops in expected points and the defensive unit overall is second in total takeaways.
Few will argue they are one of the best, if not the best, in the entire NFL this season. Aside from a few lapses in run defense, they’re a complete unit, with depth and star power throughout. All of this will be put to the test in coming weeks.
Based on future strength of schedule, things are about to get much more difficult for the Cowboys defense. For as worthy as their opponents have been in the first four weeks, they’re about to face a murderer’s row of offenses.
Future strength of schedule
(Mahomes to win the MVP can be had for +550) pic.twitter.com/ddpQdc4iRb
— Timo Riske (@PFF_Moo) October 3, 2023
Starting off in Week 5 against San Francisco, the Cowboys defense will be facing off against the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL.
The 49ers are the second-ranked offense in the NFL, with the Chargers coming in just two spots behind in fourth. Following those two matchups, Dallas takes on the eighth ranked Rams and the 10th ranked Eagles, giving them a four-game stretch against top-10 offenses (all EPA numbers per rbsdm.com).
After battling the seventh-ranked Seahawks in their post-Thanksgiving affair, the Cowboys defense faces the Eagles once again, followed by the No. 3 ranked Bills and No. 1 ranked Dolphins. That’s yet another four-game stretch against top-10 offenses.
Given the dominance of the Dallas defense this season it’s understandable if they feel confident taking on the best. But lest we forget, the Cowboys have only played one top-10 offense this season and that team had little issue beating the Dallas defense (Arizona is ranked No. 9).
The Cowboys’ three wins this season have all come against bottom-five offenses. It’s safe to say they haven’t been remotely tested this year.
That’s all about to change.