Over the first 11 weeks of the 2024 season, the Cowboys had the third worst defense in the NFL based on EPA/play. Mike Zimmer’s first year back in Dallas was as rocky as advertised. His complex system, combined with major roster holes and significant injuries were a recipe for disaster, contributing heavily to Dallas’ 3-7 record at the time.
The past four weeks things have changed in Dallas. Injuries have continued to take their toll, but responsibilities have started to click, and gameplay has started to improve. In fact, it’s done so to a pretty drastic degree. Over the past four games the Cowboys defense shockingly ranks fifth in EPA/play. Their -0.121 EPA/dropback ranks No. 2 in the NFL and their 0.014 EPA/rush has jumped from 32nd to 26th overall per rbsdm.com.
The Cowboys’ run defense has been prone to give up explosive plays here and there all season but where they make up ground is in the success rate against. Over the last four weeks they’ve jumped from 28th to ninth. Like the pass defense, the run defense is starting to make stands and it’s resulting in a top five defense.
Obviously playing against Carolina and New York helps with the rankings, but the last four weeks also includes Washington and Cincinnati, offenses that rank third and sixth respectively. Zimmer’s unit is finally starting to play good ball and they’re doing it with players like DeMarvion Overshown, Trevon Diggs and DeMarcus Lawrence missing significant, if not all, snaps.
The narrative has changed considerably on defense and unlike the Cowboys running game, it can’t be pinned on the opposition. They’re simply playing better.
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