Fansided

Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 23: Dallas Cowboys Linebackers Leighton Vander Esch (55) and Jaylon Smith (54) talk during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 23, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 23: Dallas Cowboys Linebackers Leighton Vander Esch (55) and Jaylon Smith (54) talk during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 23, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Dallas Cowboys

2018 Review: Far from perfect, this defense continued its recent resurgence. Rod Marinelli’s unit ranked in the NFL’s Top 10 in total yards (7th) and rushing yards (5th) allowed. It makes the team’s playoff loss to the Rams even more perplexing as Los Angeles ran for a whopping 273 yards. Led by Demarcus Lawrence (10.5), Dallas managed 39 sacks while allowing only 22 TD passes and just 34 offensive visits to the end zone. Linebackers Leighton Vander Esch (138) and Jaylon Smith (121) racked up the stops and cornerback Byron Jones knocked down 14 passes.

2019 Key Additions: This defense has its share of emerging talent. But the team still went out and got more help for the pass rush in end Robert Quinn. But the two-time Pro Bowler with 69 career sacks will be suspended for the first two games of the season. The club also added defensive linemen Christian Covington (Texans) and Kerry Hyder (Lions), was well as safety George Iloka, and used three draft choice in April on help up front.

Analysis: It wasn’t long ago that the team’s talent-laden offensive line and ground attack did its best to protect the other side of ball by keeping the Dallas’ suspect defense off the field. Now the Cowboys have their share of play-makers here, especially at the linebacker position. There remains a few question marks at the safety spots. But it’s a young unit that could really hit its peak this upcoming season, especially if the pass rush kicks it up a notch.

Next: No. 2

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