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.