Mike Tirico says Cowboys can be ‘very good’ if defense delivers
· Yahoo Sports
Mike Tirico thinks that the Dallas Cowboys could emerge as a strong NFL team if their revamped defense delivers. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Tirico pointed to Dallas’ quiet offseason as another positive sign.
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“I got asked by a writer, ‘Who is a team under the radar?’” Tirico said. “And I said, ‘The Cowboys.’ And I’m like, yeah, right.”
Tirico acknowledged Dallas rarely qualifies as an under-the-radar team. Still, he noticed a different atmosphere around the franchise entering 2026.
“But have you heard peep one out of Dallas?” Tirico asked. “Anybody complaining about stuff? The Pickens thing could have been an issue. It’s not.”
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That stability could matter for a Cowboys team that finished 7-9-1 last season. Their offense ranked seventh in scoring, averaging 27.7 points per game.
Dak Prescott threw for 4,552 yards, while Javonte Williams rushed for 1,201 yards. George Pickens also produced 1,429 receiving yards during his first season in Dallas.
The problem came on defense, which ranked 32nd while allowing 30.1 points per game. Dallas must make a major improvement there to match its offensive potential.
Tirico sees defense as Cowboys’ deciding factor
Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) looks on at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Tirico made his assessment simple. “If their defense is good, then it’ll be great,” he said.
“If their defense is good, this team can be very good,” Tirico added. “The offense was operating at a terrific level last year.”
Dallas has invested heavily in its defensive front recently. Rashan Gary, Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark headline additions designed to improve pressure and run defense.
Rookie safety Caleb Downs also gives defensive coordinator Christian Parker another versatile piece. The Cowboys need those additions to produce now.
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Defensive improvement is Dallas’ clearest path toward contention. The offense already creates enough points, but the defense must stop turning every game into a shootout.
The Cowboys open their season against the New York Giants on Sunday night. That matchup provides an early test of whether Tirico’s optimism has substance.
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