Big D Just Got a Whole Lot Bigger

For a long time, the strong point of the Dallas Cowboys has been its defense. 

Unfortunately, Dallas has been just slightly better than average in this area over the last few years. 

In the last eight seasons, the Cowboys have finished in the top ten in fewest points allowed just once. 

This offseason, however, they have the chance to become one of the most feared defenses in the entire NFL.

The biggest addition to the team will be the signing of former Miami Dolphin Zach Thomas.  Thomas has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times in his career and has more tackles than any linebacker currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Thomas will undoubtedly be playing alongside Bradie James in the 3-4 defense that Dallas employs, and together those two will create one of the biggest run stopping forces in the NFC, as they are both excellent tacklers. 

Thomas is also going to provide a lot of experience to younger Cowboys like Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett, whose contributions last season were minimal.

Dallas can’t neglect the secondary, though. 

Despite being only 27, Roy Williams has been slowing down lately, and doesn’t possess the same power in his hits that he used to have. 

Dallas should be looking to the draft to find a new safety.  Kenny Phillips, out of Miami, is the best option, but Dallas may be required to trade up in order to get him. 

Speed is important for the Cowboys so DaJuan Morgan is another possibility, as he has fairly quick feet as well.  Morgan is also going to be much easier to get as he could be taken as late as the third or fourth round.

If they make some additions on defense, Dallas will be the clear favorite in the NFC, but being smart in the draft is the most important factor. 

Dallas has an opportunity to stack their defense and give some credibility to the NFC (let’s be honest, the Giants weren’t the best team going into the playoffs even though they won the Super Bowl). 

When it comes down to it, the Cowboys are in position to make a real run at the Super Bowl.

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