Pre-Training Camp: Grading Dan Quinn's Cowboys Defensive Position Groups

The Cowboys don’t need a top-five defense in the NFL in 2021. But can the defense be ‘good enough’ in 2021? Which position group shows the most promise?

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys’ offense should shine in 2021. The defense, however, is in the middle of a complete overhaul being overseen by new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

How good can the D be? How good must it be if Dallas is to contend?

Welcome to the Daily Blitz by DSP Media in partnership with CowboysSI.com. 

We make the argument: Coming off a historically poor defensive performance in 2020, all we really need to see for the Cowboys’ defense in 2021 is a move toward "average.''

Quinn being installed as the new defensive coordinator is certainly a factor that must be considered when grading position groups. Also a must when gauging and predicting: The injury history for players within that group. 

How healthy, for instance, can Leighton Vander Esch and DeMarcus Lawrence stay?

READ MORE: Pre-Training Camp: Grading Cowboys' Offensive Position Groups

READ MORE: Cowboys Camp: Is Oxnard A 'Super Bowl Move' For Jerry?

Several new players have joined the club on defense, through both the draft and free agency. Can those new players, led by Micah Parsons, have a measurable impact on this 2021 defense?

Add it all up: Healthy players, new players and a well-liked boss ... What is the sum for the D in 2021? Let’s discuss!

Please join us daily for the Daily Blitz or each Tuesday night starting at 7 pm for sports talk LIVE on Facebook, or listen to the recorded podcast the next day at CowboysSI.com and TheBlitzcast.com!

Please continue the conversation on Twitter: @BlitzcastNFL, @ColbySapp, and @IndyCarTim. And make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest videos and visual content!

To be featured in our BlitzBox segment please reach out to us on Twitter with the hashtag #Blitzbox or send your questions to TheCowboysBlitzcast@gmail.com and we’ll read your question and answer it on the air on our next show.