Where are the 2024 Cowboys actually better on defense than 2023?

Are the Dallas Cowboys worse than they were in 2023? Fans have lamented the team’s lack of free agency movement, and there were a number of defections creating holes where there weren’t any before. That doesn’t necessarily mean the 2024 team will be worse across the board. After looking at each offensive position group, it’s time to turn the attention to the defense.

The defense was solid overall, but they often needed the offense to set up their success. When the Cowboys were able to get ahead, take the rushing attack out of the opposing offense’s gameplan and allow Micah Parsons and the pass rush to attack, Dallas would create havoc, get turnovers, and look like one of the top units in the league. Any time the offense faltered, and the opposition could run the ball, the defense struggled.

The special teams coverage units definitely felt the loss of specialist C.J. Goodwin, but both their rookie kicker and veteran punter made the All-Pro team. The new 2024 kickoff rules could make returner KaVontae Turpin an even bigger weapon going into his third season, but will the unit have the correct pieces to defend returners on opposing teams?

Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of whether things seem to have moved forward, backwards, or regressed.