Beneath the glitz and glamour of Jerry Jones’ flamboyant ownership lies the heart of the Dallas Cowboys, a team that continually captivates fans with its on-field prowess. While critics have been quick to point out the team’s lackluster performance against winning teams and the contrast between Jones’ enthusiasm and the Cowboys’ postseason record, some undeniable truths paint a brighter picture.
In this article, we delve into essential statistics that showcase the Cowboys’ journey thus far into the season. So, Cowboys fans, buckle up and enjoy this statistical ride through the season’s progression!
Dallas Dominates on Defense: No. 1 in EPA per Play under Dan Quinn
The arrival of Dan Quinn in 2021 as the defensive coordinator has been nothing short of a game-changer for the Cowboys. From a mediocre ranking of 23rd in 2020, Dallas has made a stunning leap to become the top team in defensive EPA per play under Quinn’s guidance.
This significant transformation is not just a testament to Quinn’s defensive tactics but also a pivotal factor that has contributed to the Cowboys’ impressive winning percentage. Currently, Dallas ranks third, just behind the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. With their defensive dominion, the Cowboys are redefining their play, and fans can anticipate even more thrilling performances ahead.
Quinn’s Arrival Spurs Touchdown Surge
Since Quinn’s arrival, the Dallas defense has been nothing short of electrifying, scoring an incredible 15 touchdowns. This impressive count is one more than the Cowboys managed in the eight seasons before Quinn’s tenure and significantly more than any other team has scored since 2021 (New England has 10). It even triples the league average during this period.
This touchdown surge underlines the profound impact Quinn has brought to the Cowboys’ defense, bringing a new level of excitement and anticipation to each game. Fans can look forward to potentially record-breaking performances as the season progresses.
Dallas Cowboys Among Top-Ranked Teams in EPA and Success Rate
The Cowboys’ defensive prowess extends beyond touchdowns and EPA per play. Over the past three seasons, even when we remove all defensive touchdowns from the equation, Dallas still ranks fourth in EPA per play. It’s a clear indicator that the Cowboys’ defense is not solely reliant on big plays for its success. Furthermore, the team has also held a No. 4 ranking since 2020 in defensive success rate, a metric that measures the percentage of plays that reduced the opponent’s chances for scoring.
This consistency in performance highlights the Cowboys’ ability to continually apply pressure on their opponents, minimizing scoring opportunities and maximizing their own chances of victory. Without a doubt, under Dan Quinn’s leadership, the Cowboys’ defense continues to establish itself as one of the most formidable units in the NFL.
Dak Prescott’s Career-Best Season: Unstoppable Passing Stats and Consistency
When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive arsenal, one cannot overlook the phenomenal performance of their quarterback, Dak Prescott. This season, he has shown an exceptional performance, exhibiting consistency and precision that rivals his best career stats.
Notably, across a six-game stretch, Prescott boasts a career-high within a season, with a passer rating of 122.6, 18 touchdown passes, and an adjusted yards per pass attempt of 10.2. Furthermore, with an impressive net adjusted yards per pass attempt of 9.2, he has once again demonstrated his ability to convert opportunities into on-field progress.
Prescott’s successful season aligns with his first year under coach Mike McCarthy’s play-calling. Moreover, for the first time since 2019, he has started the first 11 games of the season, a testament to his dedication, hard work, and resilience. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more of Prescott’s efficient and consistent play, leading the Cowboys to promising heights.
Scoring Surge and Defensive Dominance Fueling Success
The Cowboys’ offensive prowess has been shining bright this season, with an average of 27.0 offensive points per game, marking their best performance in the first 11 games since 2007. The team’s scoring surge is not just a result of their offensive strategy but also a testament to their defensive dominance. A standout player in this regard is cornerback Daron Bland who has returned five interceptions for touchdowns, setting a new team record.
This defensive effectiveness, while not putting the Cowboys at the very top in terms of average starting field position (they rank 12th), certainly contributes to their success by creating shorter fields for the offense to traverse. So, while the Cowboys’ defense is adding to the scoreboard directly, it’s also setting the stage for the offense to continue their scoring surge. This combined strength of offense and defense is truly fueling the Cowboys’ success this season.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas Cowboys are demonstrating both strength and resilience in this NFL season, making their mark both offensively and defensively. While the path to the playoffs is laden with formidable opponents like the Eagles and 49ers, the Cowboys have shown that they have the skill and strategy to stand their ground.
Although their 23rd rank in rushing defense success rate might seem a concern, their dominant pass rush gives them an upper hand, especially when equipped with a lead. It’s evident that the team’s ability to maintain this duality of strength will be crucial going forward.As we move closer to the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys odds are looking increasingly favorable, with their superior performance under Dan Quinn’s guidance and the explosive play of Dak Prescott on full display. With a solid foundation established by both the defense and offense, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from the Dallas Cowboys as they continue their journey toward greatness.
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