“Dallas Cowboys Enter Playoffs with Optimism: Analytics Breakdown Reveals Strengths and Emerging Defensive Stars”

“Dallas Cowboys Enter Playoffs with Optimism: Analytics Breakdown Reveals Strengths and Emerging Defensive Stars”

The Dallas Cowboys, having clinched their second NFC East title i

n three years and securing the second seed in the conference, enter the NFL

playoffs with high confidence and a strong record at AT&T Stadium.

As they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers, let’s delve into their season’s

strengths and weaknesses through analytics.

Cowboys Efficiency Overview:

• Offense: DVOA 8.8%, 9th rank; Weighted DVOA 11.6%, 8th rank
• Defense: DVOA -8.7%, 5th rank; Weighted DVOA -7.4%, 6th rank
• Special Teams: DVOA 1.6%, 10th rank; Weighted DVOA 2.0%, 10th rank
• Overall: 19.1%, 4th rank; Weighted DVOA 21.0%, 4th rank

The Cowboys finished the season as the fourth-best team in total team DVOA.

Notably, they are one of three teams (with the Ravens and Chiefs) ranking in

the top 10 in offense, defense, and special teams.

Offense Highlights:

• The Cowboys’ offense, under Mike McCarthy’s play-calling, improved significantly, ranking 9th in offensive DVOA and 2nd in EPA/play.
• Quarterback Dak Prescott demonstrated exceptional efficiency, leading in completion rate and passing touchdowns.
• The offensive line saw improvement in pass protection, ranking 6th in pressure rate.
• The run blocking performance has gradually improved, instilling confidence in the unit.

Defense Highlights:

• Despite statistical dips, the Cowboys’ defense remains one of the best in the league.
• Defensive DVOA -8.7%, 5th rank; EPA/Play -0.085, 4th rank.
• The pass rush, led by Micah Parsons, boasts a win rate of 59%, ranking 1st.
• Cornerback DaRon Bland had a breakout season with nine interceptions and a record for most pick-sixes in a single season.

Pass Coverage:

• DaRon Bland’s emergence compensated for Trevon Diggs’ season-ending injury, securing the league lead in interceptions.
• Jourdan Lewis rebounded after recovering from injury, providing a formidable secondary.
• The pass coverage statistics reflect the team’s depth and resilience in the face of injuries.

Despite statistical variations, the Cowboys present a well-rounded team

poised for a deep playoff run, aiming to reach their first conference championship game this century.

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