The rules of today’s NFL tend to favor the offense because high-scoring games attract more viewers.
That’s why defensive backs cannot be overly aggressive in covering wide receivers.
Otherwise, the officials may slap them with a defensive pass interference penalty.
Despite that possibility, some defensive units are built to dominate the opposition.
In recent history, it’s difficult to forget the imposing display of the 2000 Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks’ Legion of Boom era.
This year, two teams are hoping to maintain their status as elite defenses.
That defense tho 🔥@49ers x @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/ULDR7njfMl
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 4, 2022
FOX Sports NFL shared that the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys are the only two teams that haven’t given up 20 points in a game as of Week 4 of the 2022 NFL season.
Both teams are coming off victories, with the 49ers defeating the Los Angeles Rams during their Monday Night Football showdown.
San Francisco allowed Los Angeles to score just nine points off three field goals.
In contrast, the Niners had an interception return for a touchdown, courtesy of safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Kyle Shanahan’s crew started the season by giving up 19 points in their loss to the Chicago Bears.
They followed that up with seven points from the Seattle Seahawks and 11 in their loss to the Denver Broncos.
Cowboys Defense Lighting It Up
Meanwhile, the Cowboys defeated the division rival Washington Commanders in Week 4, giving them three straight victories.
Like the 49ers, the highest total surrendered by Dallas is 19 during their season-opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A week later, they limited the Cincinnati Bengals to 17 points.
The Cowboys also limited the New York Giants to 16 points.
Dan Quinn’s unit also has the second-most sacks through four weeks with 15, one behind the Philadelphia Eagles.
The efforts of both the Cowboys and the 49ers make them two of the top defensive teams in the league.
San Francisco leads the league in points allowed at 11.5 per game, while Dallas is third at 15.5 points surrendered.
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