The Dallas Cowboys have experienced a problem on defense for a while now, and it’s not getting better. That’s the message that was sent yet again last weekend, when the team fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-16.
The loss hurt even more because it marked the Buccaneers’ first win of the season. It never feels good to lose to a team that literally hasn’t won a game yet a month into the NFL season.
But the issue is defense. Quarterback Dak Prescott and the team’s offense can get points on the board, but it’s hard when the defense is not only allowing too many points but also not running the clock down.
The Dallas Cowboys’ biggest issue on defense
On Tuesday, ESPN released its NFL power rankings, taking into account Week 5 games. They slotted the Cowboys at No. 15, down three spots from No. 12.
When asked about the team’s “biggest issue on defense,” ESPN’s Todd Archer replied, “Everything?” So, it’s not good news that this team’s defense is still considered a hot mess.
He added, “How do you pick just one issue when it comes to the Cowboys? They are giving up 27.2 points per game, which ranks 26th in the NFL. They are giving up 168.4 rushing yards per game, which is last in the league.”
He added that the team has recorded just five sacks and still hasn’t had an interception. Because of that, the quarterbacks they’re going up against are completing 72.3% of their passes.
“Through five games, new coordinator Christian Parker’s defense might not be worse than it was under Matt Eberflus last season,” he added. “But it is at least the same and a big reason why Dallas is 2-3.”
