I was a little worried about the defense after losing those free agents and then the Sam Williams Injury. That being said, Marshawn Kneeland is a monster. I think the Cowboys will be a top-10 all-around defense this year and not just pass rushing all game. Thoughts? – Ron Alton/Cinnaminson, NJ
Nick Harris: Oh, for sure. I think being a top-10 defense is certainly on the table for this defense. Last season, the Cowboys finished fifth in total defense, and while I think some defenses around them have improved, I think this is a better overall unit coming out of camp. The depth is the biggest game-changer in my eyes, especially at the second level with the additions of Eric Kendricks and Marist Liufau as well as getting DeMarvion Overshown back from injury. I think the exclamation point was adding veteran defensive line presences in Carl Lawson and Jordan Phillips after identifying and quickly moving on a depth issue up front. Lastly, the secondary will prove to be another top unit in the league once again if it can stay healthy over the duration of the season. But even within that, the depth with guys like Caelen Carson and Markquese Bell playing back at safety this season will give them a little more comfort in case an injury does arise. All in all, give me this defense to be top-five once again.
Mickey Spagnola: If these young defensive players the Cowboys are counting on to replace some of those veterans leaving in free agency do step up you could be right. The key factor will be if this run defense improves. See, the secondary with the return of Trevon Diggs should improve. The Cowboys are four deep at safety. Now just need to find a fourth emergency corner (likely at this point rookie Caelen Carson). As for the front seven, Mike Zimmer's scheme should help that part of the defense. Having veteran Eric Kendricks replacing the retired Leighton Vander Esch who was sorely missed last year after suffering the neck injury leaving a big hole in the defense realty helps. And you're right on the rookie Marshawn Kneeland. If he can take some run-down snaps away from Micah Parsons, giving him an ability to play linebacker, too, that become a bonus. Now on to the nose tackle. Jury still out on Mazi Smith, seemingly improving and it can't hurt acquiring veteran Jordan Phillips at 6-6, 341, giving the front some girth if nothing else. Think about this: Despite last year's problems stopping the run and losing Diggs and Vander Esch, then Stephon Gilmore trying to play in the playoff game with a shoulder in need of immediate surgery, the Cowboys did finish No. 5 in total defense. Just need to improve from No. 16 against the run.
