Cowboys Even Better on Defense? 'We're Leveling Up!' - Coach Dan Quinn

The Dallas Cowboys defense has been a fine unit since Dan Quinn took over from Mike Nolan, but they could be set for big improvement this season.

The Dallas Cowboys defense has been one of the better units in the NFL since Dan Quinn took the reins. After having a historically bad defense under Mike Nolan in 2020, the coordinator Quinn has flipped the script and transformed the defense into a powerhouse over the course of two seasons.

At this time of year, everything feels rosy. All players look like Pro Bowlers, the routes look crisp, and the quarterback is throwing dimes. Once training camp begins, of course, reality takes hold.

But for Quinn, who is now entering his third season as defensive coordinator, this time of year has him excited for what his unit can accomplish next season.

"I am fired up," said Quinn. "And I know you'll say, 'Q, you always say that at this time of the year.' But ... I am ... You walk into the defensive meeting room and the players, the engagement, the connection that they have — I feel us leveling up in a lot of ways."

Dallas' defense leveling up? That would be a serious achievement.

Since Quinn took over in 2021, the Cowboys defense has ranked seventh and fifth for points allowed per game (21.1 and 20.1), has led the NFL in takeaways in both seasons (34 and 33), and has been ranked 11th and fourth for sacks (41 and 54).

Any improvement on that would be welcome. And it could come from several rookies already turning heads at minicamp. And part of that is learning from the current group of vets inside The Star, and for Quinn, the current set-up has players primed for improvement.

"If I was a young player, like Mazi [Smith] or Eric Scott, I would almost pay anything to have a guy like Johnathan Hankins and Stephon Gilmore mentor me," Quinn said.

"Just think of yourself as that young player, if you had that kind of support behind you with someone helping you get there, you'd pay anything for it because they've walked the walk at the highest level."

With Mazi Smith, Sam Williams, Eric Scott, Jabril Cox and Damone Clark (and more) all looking to make their mark in training camp, the Cowboys defense could be deeper in several positions than in previous seasons ... which could bode well for improvement across the board.

And if those young players can take the next step - "leveling up'' along with the rest of Quinn's guys - the Dallas defense might be a frightening prospect for opposing teams in 2023.

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