The Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks are currently at different ends of the defensive spectrum in the NFL. The Seahawks have emerged as the league’s top defense, while the Cowboys’ performance has been less than stellar. This contrast raises important questions about defensive strategies and coaching changes.
Seattle Seahawks: A Model of Defensive Excellence
The Seattle Seahawks have transformed their defense remarkably in recent years. In just two seasons, they moved from having the 30th-ranked defense in the league to finishing first in terms of Expected Points Added (EPA) per play. This transformation has been largely attributed to the strategic hiring and effective leadership of their coaching staff.
Coaching Changes and Success
- Mike Macdonald took over as defensive coordinator and has since been promoted to head coach.
- In his previous role with the Baltimore Ravens, Macdonald led them to historic defensive rankings.
- Under his leadership, seven of the eleven current defensive starters were already part of the team before his arrival.
- Key acquisitions included defensive tackle Byron Murphy II and veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.
Macdonald’s philosophy focuses on maximizing players’ strengths. He emphasizes designing game plans that align with players’ capabilities. This tailored approach has proven effective.
Challenges for the Dallas Cowboys
In contrast, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled with their defense, finishing poorly in terms of EPA allowed per play since 2020. Currently, the Cowboys are in the process of hiring a new defensive coordinator following the dismissal of Matt Eberflus, who oversaw a historically weak defensive unit.
Current Coaching Search
- The Cowboys have interviewed candidates including Daronte Jones from Minnesota and Jonathan Gannon, former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
- Upcoming interviews include Christian Parker from Philadelphia and potentially Jim Leonhard from Denver after the AFC Championship Game.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has stated that a careful, consensus-driven approach will guide their hiring process, mirroring their previous strategy.
Future Outlook for the Cowboys
The Cowboys have foundational pieces in their defensive line, highlighted by the recent addition of Quinnen Williams. However, they face a longer challenge to bolster their overall defense. With two first-round draft picks available, team management is likely to target defensive players, depending on draft availability.
Additionally, the offseason presents opportunities to improve through free agency. The Cowboys could significantly strengthen their defense, following the Seahawks’ example, by finding the right talent and leadership.
As both teams navigate their respective paths, the Seahawks demonstrate that with strategic changes and effective leadership, a defense can rise to prominence quickly. The Cowboys have the potential to emulate that success by focusing on their coaching and player acquisitions.
