3 things the Dallas Cowboys must address in 2022 offseason

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 19: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 21-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Continue to upgrade an improving defensive unit

Under new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the Cowboys certainly made strides from a year ago when they allowed a team record 473 points and surrendered a whopping 54 offensive touchdowns. But there’s still a lot of work to be done when it comes to this unit. While there were some outstanding individual performances, this group proved it could still be pushed around.

The pass rush was sparked by 2021 first-round pick Micah Parsons, who finished second on the team with 84 tackles and a club-high 13 sacks. Second-year pro Trevon Diggs led the NFL with 11 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, and knocked down 21 passes. All told, the Cowboys allowed 115 fewer points (358) despite playing one more game than in 2020.

But in their 12 games outside the division (including playoffs), Dallas allowed 22.8 points per outing (compared to 17.8 vs. their NFC East rivals). All told, Quinn’s unit was a mediocre 16th in the league against the run (112.8 average). And the Niners did roll up 169 yards on the ground in their 23-17 wild card win at Dallas.

This was an improved defense this past season. But when it comes to the big picture, this unit still has plenty of work ahead of it.

Home/Dallas Cowboys