FRISCO, Texas — The numbers aren’t pretty for the Dallas Cowboys, and Christian Parker isn’t pretending otherwise.
Dallas enters its matchup against the Indianapolis Colts with the NFL’s worst defense in several major categories. Opponents are averaging 385.4 yards and 30.1 points per game against the Cowboys. Both figures rank 32nd in the league.
The run defense has been particularly troublesome. Dallas is giving up 152.8 rushing yards per game, also the worst mark in the NFL. Through the air, opponents are averaging 232.6 yards per game, putting the Cowboys 22nd in passing defense.
And when it comes to getting off the field, Dallas hasn’t had much success. Opponents are converting 47.26% of their third-down attempts, another league-worst ranking.
For Parker, the frustration goes beyond the statistics. He sees a defense that has shown it can make plays but hasn’t been able to put together a complete performance.
That was evident against Arizona. After playing well for much of the game, the Cowboys watched the Cardinals put together four straight touchdown drives late in the contest.
Parker took responsibility for some of what happened, including a defensive call he felt was too aggressive for the situation.
“There were a couple of bad calls by me,” Parker said. “Mainly that swing out of the backfield that was too aggressive a call for that given situation.”
But Parker also pointed to missed opportunities and breakdowns across the defense. The explosive runs Arizona produced, including gains of 63 and 52 yards, didn’t happen because of one player.
Block destruction, missed tackles and poor angles all played a part, he said.
The Cowboys have struggled to get consistent production from their secondary as well. Injuries have forced the coaching staff to work with different combinations, creating another challenge for a defense already trying to find its footing.
Parker said the staff has to be prepared for whatever personnel is available. He also wants the defensive backs to do a better job of finishing plays and turning opportunities into takeaways.
The conversation also turned to individual performance. Parker acknowledged that one of his cornerbacks needs to produce more, pointing out that several opportunities have been close but haven’t resulted in plays.
He said he still has confidence in the player but stressed the importance of finishing.
The Cowboys will also be without young pass rusher Malachi Lawrence for a period of time. Parker said Lawrence had been making progress and that his understanding of the game had improved over the past several weeks. His absence means other players will have to take on more snaps.
That won’t make Sunday’s assignment any easier.
Indianapolis brings one of the league’s more dangerous running backs in Jonathan Taylor. Parker pointed to Taylor’s vision, tempo and ability to break tackles as reasons the Cowboys will have to be disciplined.
Quarterback Daniel Jones has options in the passing game, too, with Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Tyler Warren and Mo Alie-Cox among the players Parker identified.
Dallas and Indianapolis have a history that includes some memorable results on both sides.
The last time the Cowboys visited Indianapolis, the Colts came away with a 23-0 victory on Dec. 16, 2018. Dallas got its revenge four years later, rolling to a 54-19 win at home on Dec. 4, 2022.
The Cowboys have won four of the last five meetings in the series, but they’ll need a much-improved defensive performance to keep that trend going.
Parker said the responsibility starts with the coaching staff, particularly when it comes to making sure players understand their assignments.
But at some point, the Cowboys have to turn the preparation into production.
Right now, the league rankings tell the story. Dallas has a lot of ground to make up, and Indianapolis is next.
