After a historically terrible season, giving up an awful 473 points (29.56 ppg) and 57 touchdowns, the most in the Cowboys' 61-year history both Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan and Defensive Line Coach Jim Tomsula were fired. Talent on the defensive side of the ball is certainly an issue but Nolan's 3-4 base did not fit the personnel he had available. His defenses were undisciplined and it showed, especially on the ground where the Cowboys gave up over 158 rushing yards per game. The defense also gave up way too many big plays in the passing game as well, emphasizing the lack of discipline. And while the defense made strides over the final quarter of the season it was against teams like Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Philidelphia.
Tomsula's departure was a little more surprising since the defensive line was by far the most productive unit on the defense. However, the lack of production outside of Dallas' top ends was concerning. Both Everson Griffen and Dontari Poe failed to develop into significant contributors and both were gone by the end of October. Additionally, Bradley Anae, the Cowboys 5th round pick who was projected to be a key reserve, only played 6 defensive snaps all year. This suggests either Tomsula did not trust Anae or simply failed to develop the promising Utah product into an early NFL contributor.
It is for the best that both Nolan and Tomsula depart Dallas this offseason as the Cowboys' defense is likely going to undergo a serious remodel after a disastrous 2020. Personnel and scheme need a major shakeup and it would make sense for the Cowboys to either hire a coordinator that is willing to run with a 4-3 base to fit the existing personnel or to rebuild the entire defense from inside out.
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