Dan Quinn Cowboys D NFL's Best? 'Definitely Can Be!’

The Dallas Cowboys enter this season with some question marks offensively, but defensively, many think Dan Quinn's unit is one of the best in the NFL.

The Dallas Cowboys usually go as the offense goes, but since Dan Quinn took over the defensive coordinator position from Mike Nolan in 2021, the once-historically-bad defense has been transformed into a juggernaut.

Headlined by Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys' defense has been in the upper echelon of units in the league under Quinn.

But can they be the best defense in football? Former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Clark believes they can be.

“Sitting here right before training camp starts, I believe they have the best chance to be the best defense in the entire NFL, and I don’t believe there’s an argument to be put up for that,” Clark said on NFL Live. “When you look at Micah Parsons making that full transition to simply rush the passer, imagine how much better he can be now that he’s not trying to play two positions."

Under Quinn, the Cowboys have led the NFL in takeaways in back-to-back seasons (34 in 2021 and 33 in 2022), have finished 14th in sacks in 2021 (41), and then fourth in 2022 with 54.

In 2021, the Cowboys only allowed, on average, 21.1 points a game (ranked 7th), and last season averaged 20.1 points a game (ranked 5th). They also led the NFL in interceptions in 2021 (26) and were eighth last year with 16.

So the key markers are there. But now we move into this season's version of the defense, and Clark loves the two key additions Dallas has made.

“The depth they now have in the secondary when last year it was throw it away from 7 [Trevon Diggs], but DaRon Bland showed he can be a factor at the nickel position. You add a former Defensive Player of the Year [Gilmore]. I love what this defense is, going out and getting Mazi Smith early. This team can definitely be the best defense in the entire league.”

With head coach Mike McCarthy now taking over the play-calling duties, many get a sense that Dallas will rely on its defense more this season. By being in better situations and not forcing the ball down the field, instead punt and letting the defense get to work, many think the Cowboys will be tougher to beat this season.

On paper, the case can easily be made that Quinn has the best defense in the NFL already, but that counts for little right now...they have to prove it again on the field.

In back-to-back seasons, Dallas has had one of the better defenses in the NFL, is this the year the move to No. 1 They have all the talent necessary to do so. 

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