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Does history prove Dallas should continue to load up their offense?

Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire

Does history prove Dallas should continue to load up their offense?

Could the Dallas Cowboys win a Super Bowl with their current pieces on defense? That’s it. That’s the tweet.

If you don’t think so then you may fall into the crowd who are a exhausted at the possibility of using another premium pick on the offensive side of the ball.

Six first-round talents between the offensive line, running back and wide receivers would seem like Dallas already has an abundance of riches on that side. Not to mention just inking their quarterback to a deal that’s made him the second-highest paid player in the NFL.

We know the overused phrase that “defense wins championships,” but is that truly the case? 20 of the top 25 highest-paid players are currently on the offensive side of the ball. So when rumors circulated that former Florida Tight End Kyle Pitts has become increasingly attractive to the Cowboys is it that far fetched to want to keep adding to a side of the ball that is heavily catered to in this modern era?

In fact, look at the past five Super Bowl matches.

Offense // Defense

2020

  • Kansas City – 1st in yards…6th in scoring // 16th in yards allowed…11th in points allowed.
  • Tampa Bay – 7th in yards…3rd in scoring // 6th in yards allowed…8th in points allowed.

2019

  • Kansas City – 6th in yards…5th in scoring // 17th in yards allowed…7th in points allowed.
  • San Francisco – 4th in yards…2nd in scoring // 2nd in yards allowed..8th in points allowed

2018

  • New England – 5th in yards…4th in scoring // 21st in yards allowed…7th in points allowed
  • LA Rams – 2nd in yards…2nd in scoring // 19th in yards allowed…20th in points allowed

2017

  • Eagles – 7th in yards…3rd in scoring // 4th in yards allowed…4th in points allowed
  • Patriots – 1st in yards..2nd in scoring // 29th in yards allowed…5th in points allowed

2016

  • Patriots – 4th in yards…3rd in scoring // 8th in yards allowed…1st in points allowed
  • Falcons – 2nd in yards…1st in scoring // 25th in yards allowed…27th in points allowed

Defensive team stats varies between the teams, but the one constant has been that team’s ability to move the ball and score.

Look at the two years in which many felt Dallas had realistic Super Bowl aspirations (2014,2016).

Offense // Defense

  • 2016 – 5th in yards…5th in scoring // 14th in yards allowed…5th in points allowed
  • 2014 – 7th in yards…4th in scoring // 19th in yards allowed…15th in points allowed

When Head Coach Mike McCarthy was hired before the start of the 2020 season one of the biggest selling points was his belief in analytics and statistics.

On the surface, using another high-value pick on an offensive player appears irresponsible. Especially if you were first-hand witness to this defensive unit last year.

However, keep in mind, Mike Nolan has been replaced by Dan Quinn – who famously coached the most dominant defense of the 2010s. Look at the draft capital spent on that unit:

  • DE, Michael Bennett – 7th round
  • DT, Tony McDaniel – Undrafted
  • DT, Brandon Mebane – 3rd Round
  • DE, Cliff Avril – 3rd Round
  • LB, Bruce Irvin – 1st Round
  • LB, Bobby Wagner – 2nd Round
  • LB, KJ Wright – 4th round
  • CB, Richard Sherman – 5th round
  • CB, Brandon Browner – Undrafted
  • CB, Byron Maxwell – 6th round
  • FS, Earl Thomas – 1st Round
  • SS, Kam Chancellor – 5th Round

Two first-round picks on a defense that should have back-to-back Super Bowl titles. If Dallas elects to use their first pick on offense, they still have nine remaining picks (three inside the top 100) to address the defense.

Staff Writer covering the Dallas Cowboys | Madden Legend | SFA Alum | Fascinated by Success

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