The Dallas Cowboys are firing from all cylinders with a 5-1 record coming into their bye week for the 2021 NFL season.
They could remain undefeated if they found three more points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is leading the NFL’s top offense in terms of total yards (460.8) and points (34.2) per game.
Breaking those numbers further, the Cowboys are fifth in passing yards (296.5) and second in rushing yards (164.3) per contest.
Stars are aligning for the @dallascowboys ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/Oldoa346AL
— Inside the NFL (@insidetheNFL) October 24, 2021
However, their high-powered offense masked the shortcomings of their defense through six games.
It’s impressive that they have the sixth-best run defense, allowing 86.2 yards every match.
But they’re 28th in pass defense, surrendering 295 yards each game, despite having interceptions leader Trevon Diggs.
While there’s no doubt that they are serious contenders, the weak spot in their team might cause their downfall.
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs said his CB role model is Deion Sanders. Yes, Primetime pic.twitter.com/whQcANjmN8
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) October 20, 2021
Therefore, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones must upgrade the roster before the November 2 trade deadline.
He can acquire three players to boost their chances of returning to the Super Bowl after 25 years.
3. Joe Haden – Cornerback, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Dallas pass defense could be worst without Diggs.
His interceptions hold opposing quarterbacks to a 28.4 passer rating when they throw at him.
However, fellow cornerbacks Anthony Brown, Maurice Canady, and Jourdan Lewis are not playing at the same level as Diggs.
They’re a big part in allowing wide receivers D.J Moore, Kadarius Toney, and Keenan Allen to have 100-yard games against the Cowboys.
Therefore, they need help in the secondary, and Haden could be that guy they seek.
The Steelers will find reason in letting go of a veteran cornerback like Haden because of his high count against the cap.
Letting him go will allow Pittsburgh to sign other priority free agents.
Meanwhile, Dallas gets a three-time Pro Bowler who can still play at a high level.
His presence will help the Cowboys address their glaring weakness.
2. Marcus Maye – Safety, New York Jets
The Cowboys are constantly adding players like Jaylon Kearse, Damontae Kazee, and Malik Hooker in this position.
However, there’s nothing wrong with bringing in another player in Maye who has been one of the few bright spots for the Jets.
Maye hasn’t allowed a touchdown in three games played and reduces an opposing quarterback’s passer rating to 83.3 when targeted.
Dallas must navigate their cap to acquire him, though, because he is due $6 million if he gets traded near the deadline.
Likewise, he might miss some games because of the DUI charge he is facing.
But when he takes the field, Maye can cover much ground.
1. Michael Brockers – Defensive Tackle, Detroit Lions
The Cowboys rank 25th in total sacks with 11.
DeMarcus Lawrence’s absence negatively affects their pass rush, and they need another person who can help put pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Brockers came with Jared Goff in the Rams-Lions trade for Matthew Stafford.
Last season, he had 51 tackles, five sacks, and five tackles for losses.
Instead of the Lions wasting his talent, the Cowboys can negotiate a trade for him to make their defensive line scarier.
Quarterbacks will have nightmares playing against a Lawrence-Brockers tandem once the former gets healthy.
NEXT: Is Mike McCarthy Holding The Cowboys Back?
I’m not sure why Dallas Cowboys do not get good veteran free agents and/or trade for good veterans to really make a push to the playoffs and in the playoffs. They are not going to beat the better NFC Teams and their QB’s with the defense that they currently have. the pass defense is especially terrible. They need a great safety, another starting CB opposite DIggs, one or two great DB to help with pass rush and stopping the run ASAP. I don’t understand why year after year they can’t seem to pull it all together and have a lot of cap room as well to get it done!