Cowboys vs 49ers: Will Dallas' Defense Lead Them to Divisional Round?

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DALLAS- The Cowboys are often the subject of cruel online jokes and memes. After two years of adding big-time playmakers on defense, the Cowboys look like they are a threat to win the Super Bowl. That’s not a stretch when you consider this team has something it hasn’t had in a while, defense.

As much talk as there is about what the Cowboys can do on offense, the defense deserves a lot of credit for not only being a part of the playoff berth but positioning the team to win it all. Drafting linebacker Micah Parsons out of Penn State was an absolute “home run” in what was an unexpected move considering Parsons should’ve been off the board sooner. His quick, twitchy style of play was a real boon to the Cowboys’ defense this season. In addition, the young corner-back Tre’Von Diggs is racking up a lot of interceptions. He needs to improve in not giving up so many yards but that should come in time. Parsons and Diggs are a great one-two punch for the defense right now. These two playmakers are the first impact players that come to mind.

It’s also important to keep the defensive line in mind when talking about Dallas’ defense. Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence can wreak havoc against the running game and pressure the quarterback. These two are a tag team of their own and they are not fair to go up against when they’re playing their best football. They could be tested right away against the rookie running back out of Ohio State Trey Sermon who returned from injury.

The depth at linebacker is one of the best features of defense as Leighton Vander-Esch and rookie Jabrill Cox can also make big plays.

Granted, most NFL fans will not take the 23rd overall defense statistically seriously at all. However, considering the defense was the Achilles heel before, this is a noticeable improvement. There’s still a lot of work to be done.

The Cowboys feature the best offense in the NFL statistically with Dak Prescott, Cee Dee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and Ezekiel Elliott. With an improved defense to back them up, there’s no telling how far the Cowboys can go this season. They’re still a team that needs improvement but they came a long way in a short time.

Prediction:

The Cowboys will come out with a quick passing touchdown right away, and won’t look back. They will have some struggles on defense before getting into a rhythm in the second half.

Dallas: 35 San Francisco 17