As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. A team once known for its ferocious defense is grappling with the harsh reality of dwindling numbers and injury setbacks. Key players DaRon Bland and Micah Parsons are sidelined, affecting the Cowboys' formidable reputation on the defensive end.
Defensive Struggles
Historically a defensive powerhouse, the Cowboys have led the NFL in takeaways and interceptions since the 2021 season. However, this year tells a different story. With only five takeaways so far in 2024, the Cowboys rank near the bottom of the league, a stark contrast to their previous performances. Compounding these struggles is their quarterback pressure rate, which stands at 34.8%, placing them 17th in the league. This dip in defensive prowess is emphasized by the fact that the Cowboys' defense is allowing an alarming 28.3 points per game, ranking as the second-most scored-upon team in the NFL.
The Impact of Injuries
The absence of stars like Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland has undoubtedly played a role in these defensive woes. Parsons, a vital part of the Cowboys' defensive strategy, is still in the rehab group and hasn't received clearance for a return. Britt Brown, the Cowboys’ director of rehab, oversees his recovery, and head coach Mike McCarthy remains cautiously optimistic. "He's here. He's in the meetings. Until they clear the return to play with Britt, I really don't even entertain that thought. So he's not quite there yet," McCarthy shared, underlining the careful approach the team is taking.
Bland, who has been activated off injured reserve, did not take the field in the Week 6 clash against the Detroit Lions, despite practicing fully. Like Parsons, Bland remains in the rehab group, showing promising signs but not yet ready to return fully to the gridiron. "He's an impact player. Where he is in the rehab, he's making gains each week. He's been in every day. He's just not ready to get into the practice format. But yeah, definitely missed him," McCarthy expressed, highlighting Bland's importance to the team.
A More Cautious Approach
The Cowboys' decline from a top-five scoring defense between 2021 and 2023, where they allowed just 19.9 points per game, is apparent. McCarthy, known for his pragmatic approach, avoids setting timelines for player recoveries. "I think that's why, I know personally I always avoid timelines. I'm not in those specific meetings, and every injury is different. We're not going to put him out there until he's ready to go. We're being smart about it, which you need to be for what he's experiencing right now," said McCarthy. This highlights the team's focus on ensuring player welfare over hasty returns.
With the Cowboys struggling on defense and key players still on the mend, their strategy in the coming weeks will be crucial. Fans, analysts, and the team alike are eagerly awaiting the return of Parsons and Bland, hopeful for a boost in what has been a challenging season so far. As the Cowboys' leadership continues to prioritize the health of its players, there's hope that a return to form is on the horizon, guided by cautious optimism and strategic patience.