The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as defensive previews from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
While offenses dominate NFL discussion, the other side of the ball plays a large role.
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Dallas Cowboys and preview how it might perform this season.
2025 Dallas Cowboys Defense
The Cowboys were midpack against the run in 2024, finishing 21st in yards per carry allowed on running back runs (4.4), though they were worse at creating negative plays.
Dallas was 30th in forcing negative RB runs and 25th in yards before contact allowed on those carries.
One of Dallas’ biggest offseason moves was re-signing Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year contract, keeping him under contract through his prime seasons.
The spot next to Odighizuwa is a question mark.
A first-round pick in 2023, Mazi Smith has not lived up to that draft capital through two seasons.
Free agent addition Solomon Thomas is more of a backup option for Odighizuwa, so he does not really solve the issue if Smith cannot take a step forward.
Dallas got after the quarterback well in 2024, finishing ninth in pressure rate (36.1%) and third in sacks (52).
They blitzed at the seventh-highest rate, something that is likely to come down under new DC Matt Eberflus, but their non-blitz pressure rate was still good.
Seemingly incapable of getting a deal done at the right time, the Cowboys have let an extension for Micah Parsons linger deep into the offseason.
As it did with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, something will likely get done with Parsons, but he is headed into a contract year.
Dallas reunited with Dante Fowler Jr, who logged 10.5 sacks with a 14.1% pressure rate for the division-rival Commanders in 2024.
The Cowboys lost several contributors in free agency including DeMarcus Lawrence, so they will need 2024 second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland to take a step forward and Sam Williams to return to form following a missed season due to injury.
They also drafted Donovan Ezeiruaku in the second round.
A late-season knee injury to DeMarvion Overshown has created more questions at linebacker than expected.
Dallas acquired something of a contingency plan in free agency, signing Kenneth Murray after his one-season stay with the Titans.
A 2024 third-round pick who showed well enough when given extended playing time later in the year, Marist Liufau should play a big role as a sophomore.
The Cowboys struggled to stop the pass in 2024, allowing 7.9 yards per attempt (31st) and a 5.5% touchdown rate (28th).
Trevon Diggs underwent knee surgery in January and will likely miss the start of the season.
DaRon Bland missed the start of last season because of a stress fracture in his foot, returning to play the final seven games.
Dallas lost Jourdan Lewis in free agency, but Israel Mukuamu was re-signed and has some experience playing the slot.
They also added Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round. He likely would have gone much earlier if not for injury concerns.
With both Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson back, the two guys who led the Dallas defense in snaps played last season, there are not many questions at safety.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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