{"time":1793374044297,"blocks":[{"id":"e740c9b0-abf9-4b65-afa6-349ad1c748f7","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/f41bb0aa-ddf9-4f51-9883-d68e8e3df0b5/mp4","caption":"","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/f41bb0aa-ddf9-4f51-9883-d68e8e3df0b5/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"f41bb0aa-ddf9-4f51-9883-d68e8e3df0b5","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/f41bb0aa-ddf9-4f51-9883-d68e8e3df0b5/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/f41bb0aa-ddf9-4f51-9883-d68e8e3df0b5/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/f41bb0aa-ddf9-4f51-9883-d68e8e3df0b5/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"D3CehPPX4G","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys might finally be discovering something they desperately needed through the first month of the 2026 NFL season: a defense capable of helping them win football games."}},{"id":"WDWGTRKY5c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Following Monday night's impressive 38-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas enters Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals with a 3-4 record and renewed confidence in defensive coordinator Christian Parker's unit."}},{"id":"-N7l5L4UaA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"MORE: Arizona At Cowboys: Can Dallas Break The 'Curious Cardinals Curse'?"}},{"id":"QBsSqrSvem","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"But as Timm \"IndyCarTim\" Hamm explained on the latest edition of Cowboys Daily Blitz at FanStreamSports.com, there's a substantial difference between a defense showing improvement and one that has actually turned the corner."}},{"id":"s_fbs_7JrU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The numbers tell both sides of that story."}},{"id":"XmLTQw9Tzp","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://youtube.com/live/rxMwHImFthc?feature=share","meta":{"title":"Cowboys vs Cardinals Preview: Is Dallas’ Defense FINALLY Fixed? | Cowboys Daily Blitz","site_name":"YouTube","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxMwHImFthc","description":"🔥 Is the Dallas Cowboys defense FINALLY improving? After a 38-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals in ...","image":{"url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rxMwHImFthc/hqdefault.jpg","type":"jpg","width":"480","height":"360"},"twitterUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxMwHImFthc","twitterPlayer":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/rxMwHImFthc","videoWidth":"1280","videoHeight":"720"}}},{"id":"W72jW-H-54","type":"header","data":{"text":"Cowboys Defensive Numbers Show Dramatic Improvement","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"tPVvmwwgsR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Through the first five games, Dallas allowed 27.2 points and 395.4 total yards per contest."}},{"id":"fOuL5ioxRg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Over the last two games against Green Bay and Philadelphia, those averages have dropped to 22 points and 319.5 yards."}},{"id":"VH1Tw7D6uV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"That's a 19 percent reduction in scoring and total yardage allowed."}},{"id":"EeN_iULEKQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The most significant improvement has come against the run."}},{"id":"FtDaqs2lTt","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dallas surrendered an alarming 168.4 rushing yards per game during its first five outings, including an embarrassing 241-yard performance against Tampa Bay."}},{"id":"ocvyDiwMDp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Over the last two games, however, opponents have averaged just 89 rushing yards."}},{"id":"uz-MBCUBGQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"That's a remarkable 47 percent reduction."}},{"id":"R8iygNDR0c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Cowboys limited Green Bay to 57 rushing yards before allowing Philadelphia 121."}},{"id":"FGZ4y93ABU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Even the advanced metrics suggest progress. Dallas allowed an estimated plus-0.184 expected points added per play over its first five games, compared to plus-0.040 over its last two."}},{"id":"thR-0fEGmA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Still, the season-long numbers remain troubling."}},{"id":"mFPcq6lnwU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dallas ranks near the bottom of the NFL in defensive efficiency, including 30th in EPA (Expected Points Added) allowed per play and 29th in total yards surrendered."}},{"id":"KA_GRcPV3V","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Opponents have also converted approximately 54 percent of their third-down opportunities."}},{"id":"3Qtf8beJwx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The improvement is real, but the sample size remains small."}},{"id":"RLJJUoJqTv","type":"header","data":{"text":"Cardinals Present Dangerous Offensive Matchups","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"o9I8g0ziAT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Arizona enters Sunday's contest at 2-5, but the Cardinals have enough offensive talent to challenge a Dallas defense still searching for consistency."}},{"id":"ur4OGvd9aS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has thrown for approximately 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. His experience and willingness to attack underneath coverage could create problems for a Cowboys secondary that has struggled to prevent sustained drives."}},{"id":"pvnlThS9-t","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tight end Trey McBride represents perhaps Arizona's most dangerous offensive weapon."}},{"id":"PNpiK5643a","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"McBride has recorded 59 receptions for 472 yards and four touchdowns through seven games."}},{"id":"N7t8sC3ekI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"His ability to work the middle of the field makes him particularly dangerous against a Dallas defense that has struggled to get opponents off the field on third down."}},{"id":"KBOKxyw9QC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is another player to watch, although an ankle injury has complicated his availability."}},{"id":"kQ7JPpfGXq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Wide receiver Michael Wilson, who has produced 375 receiving yards, is also dealing with a rib injury."}},{"id":"fdmyWsTJfg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For Parker, the challenge will be limiting explosive plays without allowing Brissett to methodically move the football downfield."}},{"id":"NsHgbaugco","type":"header","data":{"text":"Injury Concerns Could Shape Sunday's Game","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"NjguFKlXyf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Both teams are managing significant injuries entering Week 8."}},{"id":"OXsNidWvGR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dallas wide receiver George Pickens has been limited by shoulder and hamstring problems, while defensive tackle Quinnen Williams continues to deal with a hamstring injury."}},{"id":"Jr2iBuD3e4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Rookie safety Caleb Downs has been limited with an ankle injury."}},{"id":"l12iLttkiu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"KaVontae Turpin and linebacker Dee Winters missed practice Thursday, while tight end Luke Schoonmaker also sat out with a groin issue."}},{"id":"RIy5nI1Xyq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There has been more encouraging news regarding linebacker Marist Liufau and safety P.J. Locke, who have returned to practice while working toward potential activation from injured reserve."}},{"id":"iksLhcCRYs","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Arizona has its own problems, particularly along the offensive line."}},{"id":"-ABFi_ZSZp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Offensive linemen Jon Gaines II, Elijah Wilkinson and Hjalte Froholdt have appeared on the injury report, potentially creating opportunities for Dallas to pressure Brissett."}},{"id":"4wZloHULf5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Running backs Love and Tyler Allgeier, defensive lineman Walter Nolen and receiver Wilson have also been dealing with injuries."}},{"id":"MYmOquTp_d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The final availability of those players could significantly influence Sunday's matchups."}},{"id":"xOSZDMetFf","type":"header","data":{"text":"Three Keys to a Cowboys Victory","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"90umKs_0M1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"On Cowboys Daily Blitz, Hamm identified three areas that could determine whether Dallas earns its second consecutive victory."}},{"id":"6xXgpQbL33","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"First, the Cowboys must improve on third down."}},{"id":"MhfMQPBfpC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Allowing opponents to convert more than half their opportunities creates extended drives, additional defensive snaps and scoring chances."}},{"id":"DkRK0ecWH7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"McBride's ability to find openings in coverage makes that particularly concerning against Arizona."}},{"id":"mlmGyBZ5Up","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Second, Dallas needs to establish its running game."}},{"id":"FRZgaClWT3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Javonte Williams has rushed for 472 yards and eight touchdowns this season, providing an important complement to quarterback Dak Prescott."}},{"id":"Akyn24k6Jf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A productive running game would help Dallas control possession while limiting opportunities for Arizona's pass rush, led by Josh Sweat and veteran safety Budda Baker."}},{"id":"KeAvPwZcZS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Finally, the Cowboys must generate turnovers."}},{"id":"i5hldAUmPb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dallas has intercepted only two passes through seven games, an insufficient total for a defense that has struggled to consistently force punts."}},{"id":"0K4MTY9D9A","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Brissett has thrown six interceptions, creating an opportunity for Parker's defense to produce the kind of game-changing plays that have largely been missing."}},{"id":"jHRaLzi96o","type":"header","data":{"text":"Cowboys Have Opportunity to Reach .500","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"wGS9rSzWWw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dallas enters Sunday's game with considerable offensive advantages and momentum from its victory over Philadelphia."}},{"id":"IAF_CLS0WL","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Pickens and Williams give the Cowboys enough firepower to challenge Arizona's defense."}},{"id":"FuhDt0Yi-F","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"However, the Cardinals have won four consecutive meetings against Dallas, making this a matchup the Cowboys cannot afford to overlook."}},{"id":"af0OMIK3TL","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hamm predicted a 30-20 Dallas victory on Cowboys Daily Blitz, expecting the Cowboys offense to control the game while the defense continues its recent improvement."}},{"id":"mTdf3s7Y_9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"But the bigger question extends beyond Sunday's final score."}},{"id":"FDGKTX5O7z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Have the Cowboys finally developed a defense capable of complementing one of the NFL's more talented offenses?"}},{"id":"uKnzbVJ4E4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Two encouraging performances suggest progress. A third consecutive solid outing would strengthen the argument that Parker's adjustments are beginning to work."}},{"id":"9ogAlMji7X","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For Dallas, beating Arizona would accomplish two important things: bring the Cowboys back to .500 and provide additional evidence that their defensive turnaround might be sustainable."}},{"id":"iTDAuwr3qi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"MORE: Cowboys Trade Call On Steelers' Patrick Queen vs. Maxx Crosby? Inside Scoop On 'Totally Fake' Report"}},{"id":"E-OP_MkXje","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Cowboys and Cardinals kick off Sunday at noon CT at AT&T Stadium om Arlington on FOX."}},{"id":"nEjgGVvww0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For more Dallas Cowboys news, analysis and game previews, watch Cowboys Daily Blitz with Timm \"IndyCarTim\" Hamm on FanStreamSports.com."}}],"version":"2.31.6"}

One Cowboys Rookie Could Rewrite 66 Years of Michigan Draft History