Defense Flirting With Pitiful Pre-Season History

Some of us cringe at the thought of where the Cowboys’ defense is headed this season.

And there’s been nothing in the preseason to deter those fears.

As Dallas prepares to play the Miami Dolphins Saturday night in its annual “dress rehearsal” game, it’s in position to set a franchise record for futility. As in, only two other times in the franchise’s 55-year history have the Cowboys allowed more points through two pre-season games.

Granted two scores – a fumble return off a Tony Romo botched handoff and a 108-yard kickoff return – weren’t levied against the defense, but nonetheless the 64 combined points surrendered to the Chargers and Ravens are historically horrible. Only in 1962 and 1996 have the Cowboys allowed more points through two exhibitions, both times 66.

The impact? Probably minimal correlation.

The ’62 team was a fledgling expansion group just learning how to walk in the NFL. Tom Landry’s bunch gave up a franchise-worst 161 pre-season points en route to going 0-5, leading to a 5-8-1 regular season.

In ’96 it was Barry Switzer’s group that allowed 136 pre-season points in five games before going 10-6 and making the playoffs.

A lack of playmakers combined with decimating injuries and painful suspensions, the Cowboys’ defense isn’t going to be good during the regular season. It’s already on pace to take a shameful spot in the preseason.

Year      Points

’62        31-35 = 66

’96        34-32 = 66

’14        27-37 = 64
 

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.

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