One of the biggest shockers last season for the Dallas Cowboys was the remarkable improvement from their defense. After surrendering a franchise record 473 points in 2020, the defense actually finished in the top seven in points allowed last year. The switch in defensive coordinators from Mike Nolan to Dan Quinn was monumental as the Cowboys' defense went from looking absolutely dreadful to quite impressive at times.
One of the most glorious aspects of the defense last year was just how often they took the ball away. The Cowboys led the league with 34 takeaways. What is amazing about that feat is that this has been an area where this team has struggled in seasons past.