Dallas Cowboys safety Xavier Woods defended the teams' defensive effort Wednesday, dismissing the notion that it is the root cause of the Cowboys' struggle thus far. Speaking with reporters, Woods said:
“Our effort's been good. I mean, on certain plays some guys, I mean, me included, there may be a lack, but overall the effort is there. I mean, you don't expect, we're in the NFL, you don't expect guys full speed for 70 plays. That's not possible. But you're going to push all you can. I mean, we know. You don't expect a backside corner to make a play on the opposite side. If he's running full speed the whole time, it's just not possible, to be honest.”
Ranking last in the NFL in points allowed and 27th in yards allowed per game, the defensive unit has come under increasing scrutiny. Thanks not only to their 1-3 record, but because of the fact that the losses have continued despite historic production from Dak Prescott and the Cowboys' offense.
Having entered the year early favorites to win what was considered to be a below average NFC East division, Dallas' issues in mitigating opponents' offenses is the result of not only schematics, but the significant loss of personnel due to injury. The significant loss of personnel has most keenly been felt by the defense.
While every team experiences injuries, the lack of an interior presence thanks to the broken collarbone of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch has been particularly difficult, as has the loss of cornerback Anthony Brown to a pair of broken ribs.
While the two are expected to return to the field in coming weeks, the Cowboys will also potentially get another boost in the form of defensive end Randy Gregory–having been suspended for the 2019 season due to violations of the league's substance abuse policy.
Though Woods may be correct in pointing out that the struggles of the Dallas are not the result of a lack of effort, what is clear is that it will take a historic effort for them to rebound.
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