The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, are entering the 2025 season with high expectations but also facing significant challenges. According to analysis from Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Cowboys’ biggest weakness isn’t their offense or star players like quarterback Dak Prescott or wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, but rather their run defense—a shocking issue for fans who have long viewed the team’s defense as a strength.
Run Defense: The Cowboys’ Achilles’ Heel
The 2024 season exposed serious struggles for the Cowboys in stopping opponents’ rushing attacks. Per PFF, Dallas’ run defense ranked among the worst in the NFL, a concerning reality as the team prepares to face formidable opponents like the Philadelphia Eagles or Kansas City Chiefs in the upcoming season. Images of players like Mazi Smith being overpowered by opposing offensive linemen, such as Laken Tomlinson of the New York Jets, have become emblematic of this inefficiency.
The defensive line, particularly at the interior, has emerged as a major concern. While the Cowboys added young talent like Jay Toia in the 2025 NFL Draft, the rookie still needs time to prove himself in the professional arena. Meanwhile, players like Mazi Smith have yet to live up to expectations, leaving the Cowboys’ run defense vulnerable to exploitation by teams with strong rushing attacks, such as the Eagles or Washington Commanders.
Why Is This Surprising?
What makes this weakness so shocking is that the Cowboys have long been known for their robust defense, particularly their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks (pass rush). PFF rated Dallas’ pass rush as their greatest strength, ranking fourth in the NFL last season, even with star Micah Parsons missing four games due to injury. The stark contrast between their elite pass rush and abysmal run defense is hard to reconcile for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Moreover, the Cowboys endured a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 7-10 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. A string of injuries, notably to Dak Prescott, exposed vulnerabilities in the roster. The failure to significantly bolster the run defense during the offseason and draft has left fans anxious about the team’s competitiveness in a tough NFC East.
Cowboys’ Efforts to Address the Issue
Under the leadership of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys made proactive moves in the offseason. They brought in players like wide receiver George Pickens to bolster the offense and veterans like Solomon Thomas and Dante Fowler Jr. to reinforce the defense. However, these additions primarily focused on pass rush and offense, leaving the run defense largely unaddressed.
Rookie Jay Toia, a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has shown promise during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) by getting reps with the first team. However, relying on a young player like Toia to fill such a significant gap is a gamble. Additionally, the return of Sam Williams from injury could provide a boost to the defense, though he is primarily known for his pass-rushing ability rather than run defense.
Challenges Ahead
The 2025 season will be no walk in the park for the Cowboys. They face a daunting schedule, including matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles—the 2025 Super Bowl champions—the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving, and the Detroit Lions, a team that has given Dallas trouble in the past. Without improvements to their run defense, the Cowboys risk being exploited by opponents, especially in critical games.
Furthermore, the pressure is mounting on Dak Prescott, who is returning from injury and carrying a record-breaking $240 million, four-year contract. While the offense is expected to shine with the combination of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the defense’s shortcomings could undermine Prescott’s efforts if the team fails to stop opposing offenses.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys’ weakness in run defense is a surprising revelation, especially given their top-tier pass rush. With Brian Schottenheimer at the helm and changes to the roster, the Cowboys still have time to address this issue before the season kicks off on September 4, 2025. However, without timely adjustments, this weakness could become a major obstacle in their quest to reclaim their former glory. Cowboys fans are undoubtedly hoping the team can quickly find a solution to this challenging problem!