Cowboys Country

Cowboys' glaring defensive weakness from 2024 remains unsolved

The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 season facing the same glaring defensive weakness they had this past season.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith rushes the passer while blocked by New York Jets guard Laken Tomlinson.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith rushes the passer while blocked by New York Jets guard Laken Tomlinson. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

In just three weeks, the Dallas Cowboys will begin the regular season with their opening night matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

That means time is running out on getting things right before the start of the regular season. The Cowboys' preseason opener was not a good reminder that time is running out.

In their loss to the Rams, the Cowboys gave up 181 rushing yards. No one needs ot be reminded that the Cowboys were one of the worst teams in the league this past season at stopping the run.

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Recently, the team at the official Cowboys website was asked if fans should be worried about the run defense heading into the 2025 season.

Los Angeles Rams running back Cody Schrader gets past Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Denzel Daxon for a first down
Los Angeles Rams running back Cody Schrader gets past Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Denzel Daxon for a first down | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

"I'm not sure yet if the run defense is or is not fixed, to be honest with you, considering so many starters who were held out of the preseason opener against the LA Rams," Patrik Walker wrote.

"What I can tell you, though, is that I have a very real concern about depth behind those starters who will also be asked to help stop the run in the event of injury at their respective position."

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It is hard to tell what the run defense looks like without the guys who will be taking the majority of the snaps playing. But just like Walker highlighted, it's probably safe to start feeling a little worried about the depth behind the starters.

Los Angeles Rams running back Cody Schrader scores on a 9-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles Rams running back Cody Schrader scores on a 9-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Tyler Reed
TYLER REED

Tyler is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he majored in communications. Aside from his roles with the Cowboys and Chargers on SI, Tyler also covers sports and pop culture for The Big Lead.