Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have faced their own postseason struggles, while Brian Schottenheimer, despite his extensive experience as an offensive coordinator, has yet to lead a team in a playoff game as the person in charge.

Questions remain about the Dallas Cowboys’ ability to respond against high-level opponents in pressure-packed situations. However, before the offense or coaching staff are tested in a win-or-go-home matchup, the defense will have to prove it can help the team get there.

Cowboys believe their defense will take a leap in 2026

Dallas’ defense is coming off a difficult season. The Cowboys allowed 30.1 points per game, the worst mark in the NFL, while also giving up 251.5 passing yards per contest, the highest figure in the league. They finished 30th in total yards allowed, surrendering 377.0 yards per game.

A slight improvement could have changed the team’s outcome, but the goal for 2026 is much more ambitious: move past being one of the league’s worst defensive units and become a group capable of making a significant impact.

After adding key pieces and hiring new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Dallas believes it can build a revamped defense. Several NFL analysts share that optimism.

“Last year, defensively, they just didn’t have the horses. This year, they do,”Daniel Jeremiah of ESPN and NFL Network told The Pat McAfee Show on Monday. “{Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown} had put on some weight when I was {at training camp}. He looked great. {LB} Jaishawn Barham looked awesome… They are so much better, and then Christian Parker is outstanding as a defensive mind.

“I went and saw this with my own eyes, we’re not trying to pump anything up here. This is legit a good defense to go along with what could be the best offense in football.”

Dallas began rebuilding its run defense last season with the arrival of three-time Pro Bowl selection Kenny Clark as part of the blockbuster trade involving Micah Parsons, and later strengthened the defensive line by adding former All-Pro Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.

The Cowboys also added talent through the Draft with Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham, players who can contribute in multiple areas of the game. In addition, they reinforced a secondary that had shown vulnerabilities with the free-agent signings of Cobie Durant and Jalen Thompson.

Another priority was improving the pass rush, an area that struggled significantly following Parsons’ departure.

The performance of Rashan Gary, rookie Malachi Lawrence, and future Hall of Famer Von Miller could determine this defense’s ceiling, especially if they are able to complement each other and create consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

A creative defensive coordinator can maximize his players’ strengths and hide some weaknesses, and Dallas hopes Parker can be exactly that type of leader.

In his first season as defensive coordinator, Parker was part of the success of the Philadelphia Eagles, who won the Super Bowl, while leading a talented defensive backs group that included Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. He also had the opportunity to learn under renowned defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, quickly raising his profile around the NFL.

If Parker lives up to the expectations Dallas has for him, the team’s defensive identity could change completely.

But in Dallas, there is little room for promises. Cowboys fans do not want explanations or hypothetical scenarios: they want results.

Daniel Jeremiah and other analysts believe this defense has the talent needed to deliver. Now it will have to prove it once the season begins.