4 reasons the Dallas Cowboys will disappoint in 2022
By Randy Gurzi
3. Regression to the mean
For years, the Cowboys were one of the worst teams in the NFL in creating turnovers. For whatever reason, they just could never get the ball back for their offense and it was a major reason for the struggles of their defense overall.
Then in 2021, something changed. Dallas recorded 26 interceptions and recovered nine fumbles on the season and scored six touchdowns on defense. They even did something the franchise hadn’t accomplished since 2010, forcing at least four takeaways in three separate games.
After recording four takeaways today, Dallas has forced four turnovers in three games this season. The last time the Cowboys totaled four takeaways three different times in a season was 2010.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) December 12, 2021
Some of that is due to the style of play Dan Quinn brought over, but some of that fortune was simply luck. There were times when a fortunate bounce that wouldn’t have gone their way in years past just happened to go in their favor in 2021.
Unfortunately, that’s not likely to be the case in 2022. This isn’t to say it’s going to go back to the days of cornerbacks being allergic to the ball, but there’s a good chance the defense forces a lot fewer takeaways this season.
If that does happen to be the case, they could be in trouble. Last year, Dallas didn’t surrender many points on defense but they were 19th in the NFL in yardage surrendered. Take those turnovers away, and that could lead to Quinn’s unit struggling.