The Dallas Cowboys have been winning games on the back of their defense. Led by Micah Parsons, the defense has been on a tear this season. Whether it is pressuring the quarterback or creating turnovers, this defense has done it all. A Next-Gen stat shows just how dominant they have been.
Team defense leaders in "Havoc Rate" which takes tackles for a loss or no gain + forced fumbles + INT + pass deflections + pressures divided by total plays
Browns 62.2%
Cowboys 61.8%
Bills 58.6%
Lions 57.5%
Eagles 57.5%
Jets 56.3%
49ers 55.3%
Ravens 54.9%
Chiefs 54%
Seahawks 53%— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) November 2, 2023
Next-Gen Stat Shows Dominance Of Dallas Cowboys Defense
“Havoc rate” is exactly what it sounds like. How often is a defense creating havoc for the other team? This stat takes tackles for a loss or no gain, forced fumbles, interceptions, passes deflected, and pressures and divides them by total plays. The Cowboys are at a 61.8% havoc rate. This means that one of those things is happening in over 60% of plays. They are second in the league slightly behind the Cleveland Browns (62.2%). It is crazy how active this defense is and it has led to some huge game-swinging plays.
Can They Create Havoc Against The Eagles?
The Eagles present a different challenge. Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown have been on a historic tear. If you try and take away Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert are waiting to burn a defense. There is one way the Cowboys could create some havoc. The offensive line, usually a strength for this team, has not looked great the past three weeks. They have been giving up pressure which plays right into the Cowboys’ hand. If they can pressure Hurts and force him to be uncomfortable, they might be able to get a couple of turnovers which would help drastically.
The Dallas Cowboys need this game more than the Eagles. They need to prove that they can win when it counts the most if they are going to be treated as serious Super Bowl contenders.
