Cowboys defense ranks 32nd in key metrics since Micah Parsons trade

Unit sits last in EPA per drive over a 22-game sample size.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 58m1 min read

What happened: The Dallas Cowboys' defense has statistically bottomed out since trading Micah Parsons in August of 2025. The unit ranks 32nd in success rate and explosive play rate allowed over the 22 games since his departure.

Why it matters: The prolonged struggles highlight the massive void left by the former first-round pick. Dallas also ranks 31st in rushing success rate allowed during this span, underscoring systemic issues across the entire defensive unit.

By the numbers: The Cowboys are currently 4-4 this season and recently dropped a 24-16 final to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Parsons recorded 41 tackles and 12.5 sacks in 14 games during the 2025 campaign.

What to watch: Dallas will look to patch its defensive holes as the 2026 season continues.

Sources

r/cowboys 2026-10-09T14:52:44.480669+00:00

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