While the Dallas Cowboys offense has the potential to be elite if everything goes right, the Cowboys’ defense has the potential to be barely above average if everything goes right. With Orlando Scandrick returning from injury and improvement at defensive tackle, there is hope that the Cowboys defense will improve upon their performance in 2015; however, they don’t have enough talent to be a defense that can carry the team in case the offense is struggling.
With that in mind, let’s take a look who the defensive starters will be when the Cowboys take on the New York Giants in the season opener.
Left Defensive End: David Irving
With DeMarcus Lawrence suspended for the first four games, the left defensive end spot is up for grabs. David Irving is the favorite, and his talent suggests he should be. He is a long and athletic defensive lineman who has position flexibility. On the edge, he can be a fantastic run defender who can occasionally put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Now, his best position is at under tackle, but the lack of starting quality players at defensive end forces him to the edge for at least the first month of the season.
Nose Tackle: Cedric Thornton
The biggest acquisition the Cowboys made during free agency was bringing in Cedric Thornton. The former Eagle is a menace against the run with his strength and hand usage. This is the first time he is playing in a one-gaping defense, but he showed the traits necessary to be successful in defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli’s defense. Thornton is a huge upgrade over Nick Hayden from a year ago, which is great for the defense.
Under Tackle: Tyrone Crawford
Tyrone Crawford is a very good, but not great, under tackle for the Cowboys. He battled through a bad shoulder injury last year, which hampered his ability to be as effective as he should be. Now that he is fully healthy, Crawford should be able to make a bigger impact in 2016. He is a strong and surprisingly quick defensive tackle who can make plays as a run defender and pass-rusher
Right Defensive End: Benson Mayowa
With Randy Gregory’s suspension for the first month of the season, Benson Mayowa should slide into the starting slot at right defensive end. Mayowa fits the archetype that Marinelli is looking for in his right defensive end. He is an athletic and bendy player who wins with quickness and flexibility off the edge. This is the first time in his career when he will play the majority of the snaps, but he has all the traits necessary to be a solid right defensive end for the Cowboys.
“Sam” Linebacker: Kyle Wilber
He’s not great, but Kyle Wilber just gets the job done. Much like James Hanna on offense, Wilber is one of the unsung heroes for the Cowboys. He is a fantastic special teams player and he always does his job as the “Sam” linebacker. In today’s NFL, the “Sam” linebacker doesn’t play the majority of snaps because of the proliferation of three-wide receiver sets, but it is still a part of the Cowboys base defense and Wilber is the best one on the Cowboys roster.
“Mike” Linebacker: Anthony Hitchens
Rolando McClain has been suspended for the first 10 games, which left a huge hole in the middle of the Cowboys defense. Anthony Hitchens is the favorite to win the job because he did exactly that last time McClain was suspended. Now, there has been talk that the Cowboys could sign Justin Durant, and if they do, he will likely be the starter, but until they do that it’s impossible to project him there. Hitchens isn’t a good “Mike” (he’s a better fit on the weak side) but he is the best option the Cowboys currently have.
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Sean Lee (50) during a NFL preseason season game between the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Vikings won 28-14.
Photographer: Ray Carlin/Icon Sportswire
“Will” Linebacker: Sean Lee
Despite all the injuries, Sean Lee is still an elite linebacker in the NFL. However, the key for Lee is staying healthy. Without Lee, the Cowboys defense is swimming upstream without a paddle. He is the leader and tone setter for the defense, and Dallas can’t survive without him. Lee has incredible instincts, and he is as fundamentally sound as you can be. Furthermore, Lee is great in coverage and he is the one great talent on the defensive side of the football for the Cowboys.
Cornerback: Orlando Scandrick
Returning from injury, Orlando Scandrick should take back his position as a starting cornerback on the Cowboys defense. Scandrick is an ultra-quick defensive back who has great footwork and fantastic coverage ability. He is the closest thing the Cowboys have to a great cornerback, and he has the added versatility to be able to slide down to the slot in the nickel defense.
Cornerback: Brandon Carr
Brandon Carr has been the most maligned cornerback on the roster since he signed his $50 million contract; however, he re-did his contract this offseason, which lowered his cap number. Now, Carr is being paid at a number commensurate with how he is playing on the field. Carr has always been a solid cornerback who is a better No. 2 rather than No. 1 cornerback. He will have to stave off Morris Claiborne, but Carr is as consistent as it comes in the Cowboys secondary.
Free Safety: Byron Jones
As a rookie, Byron Jones was playing all over the place. He spent time at each of the five defensive back positions throughout the season last year because of injuries and other mitigating circumstances. This year, Jones will be playing at his natural position of free safety. Jones freakish athleticism and intelligence will lend themselves well to the deep middle. Jones has the added ability of being able to slide down into the box to take away tight ends as well. The Cowboys need Jones to take a big step in his progression this year, if they want the defense to take a step forward in 2016.
Strong Safety: Barry Church
Barry Church is one of the leaders of the defense and he is another solid, but not great player on defense (seeing the pattern?). Church is a good run defender who can play in the box. He is a sound tackler who takes good angles to ball carriers. Nevertheless, Church is below average in coverage. He doesn’t do a good job recognizing route concepts and his eyes aren’t always in the right places. Overall, in the right role, Church can be a good player, but that’s the role the Cowboys really need right now.
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