The Cowboys Defense is Giving Top-10 Vibes

The Dallas Cowboys defense has gone from one of the worst in the NFL to one of the best in a matter of two games.

I, for one, had a notion the defensive reinforcements would help the defense, but the extent of the help has created a defensive resurgence.

Injuries and, to put it bluntly, a lack of talent, have plagued this defense all season, but the bye week changed everything.

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys went out into the NFL landscape and pulled off two trades that have changed the trajectory of the season. Along with the trades, players coming back from injury added an extra jolt.

The Defensive Shift: From the Bottom to the Top-10

As we all know, at the start of the season, the Cowboys’ defense was hard to watch for fans. The offense looked like a juggernaut, but the defense kept the team out of games.

The numbers don’t lie. From week 1 to week 9, the defense was 31st in points allowed and total yards per game. It didn’t get any better after those stats.

• Rush YPG allowed – 143.0 (29th)
• Takeaways a game – 0.8 (T-23rd)
• Sacks per game – 2.2 (T-17th)

Then week 10 happened, and this bye week could not have come at a better time. The Dallas Cowboys added to their defense with trades and players returning from injuries.

These changes didn’t just change the defense, the defense made a 180-degree turnaround. Week 11 against the Raiders and week 12 against the Eagles, the defense turned up.

• Points per game – 18.5 (11th)
• Total YPG – 287.5 (7th)
• Rush YPG – 45.0 (2nd)
• Takeaways a game – 1.5 (T-8th)
• Sacks per game – 2.5 (T-7th)

On Nov. 4, the #Cowboys traded for DT Quinnen Williams and LB Logan Wilson. After the bye, LB DeMarvion Overshown, CB Shavon Revel Jr., S Malik Hooker and S Donovan Wilson all returned following injuries.

The improvement in the defense has been noticeable. From @NFLPlus: pic.twitter.com/uC3IFaajn0

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 25, 2025

Let’s take a look at the players who helped turn the defense around.

Quinnen Williams: The Superstar the Defense Needed

The key to the defensive transformation starts in the middle with Quinnen Williams.

We have all seen the change over the last two games. Williams is commanding double teams, creating a pass rush from the middle, and freeing up linebackers to do their jobs.

Quinnen Williams among DI since joining the Cowboys:

⭐ 90.8 PFF grade (1st)
⭐ 15 pressures (1st)
⭐ 27.1% pass rush win rate (1st)

Use code BLACKFRIDAY to get 40% off any PFF+ sub

🔗 https://t.co/tQJq2ORAOt pic.twitter.com/mhztZWHw0S

— PFF (@PFF) November 24, 2025

Before he became a Cowboy, this defense allowed opposing offense to run the ball at will. We have witnessed over the last two weeks, more of...