Dallas Cowboys put on their best defensive performance of the year: What has changed

Toby Coxon

Dallas Cowboys put on their best defensive performance of the year: What has changed image

The Dallas Cowboys' defence finally delivered a statement performance in their dominant 44-22 victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 7.

After entering the game ranked last in the NFL in total yards allowed, the much-maligned unit put together its best collective effort of the season, fueled by a distinct shift in defensive strategy.

The success of the week came down to a simple formula: increased aggression, more man-to-man coverage, and game-changing turnovers.

The significant improvement has alleviated immediate pressure on Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus and provided proof that this talented unit can, at times, match the production of the top-ranked Cowboys offence.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. Commanders

The changes: More blitzing and less zone coverage

For the first time this season, the Cowboys deviated from their conservative, zone-heavy scheme, opting for a more aggressive, attacking front.

Increased Blitzing

The most visible change was the increased use of the blitz, which resulted in four sacks and directly led to a massive turning point: a third-quarter blitz by linebacker Shemar James caused a sack-fumble that injured Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

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Man Coverage

The secondary, which had previously struggled in zone coverage, mixed in more man coverage looks.

This change put cornerbacks in better positions and helped limit the Commanders to a season-low 16 completions.

The increased aggression immediately paid off, creating the momentum the unit had lacked all season.

The defence secured two crucial turnovers, including a spectacular pick-six by cornerback DaRon Bland, who now has six interceptions in his career.

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AP Photo

Dallas Cowboys incremental improvements

The Cowboys’ defensive performance was by no means perfect, they still conceded 136 rushing yards, but the effort represented a massive step forward from the unit that had been on pace to surrender a franchise record in yardage.

The victory confirmed the theory that the Cowboys do not necessarily need a historic, top-five defence to win.

They simply need a unit capable of complementary football: one that can create timely turnovers and secure key stops.

With Dak Prescott and the offence playing at an elite level, the message from the organization is clear: the defence just needs to be "pretty good at times" to ensure the team is a genuine contender.

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Toby Coxon

Toby joined The Sporting News in 2025 after completing a degree in Multimedia Sports Journalism. He has previous experience writing for online and print publications including VAVEL, Breaking Media and The Non-League Paper. He also has experience working within football clubs in previous roles at Curzon Ashton FC and Bradford City AFC.