The Dallas Cowboys are currently on a five-game winning streak, and while they have scored at least 33 points in each game of this streak, their defense has also been a big reason for their excellent play of late.
They have held four of their last five opponents to 17 or fewer points, and they rank fourth in points allowed and third in total yards given up.
Their biggest star on defense is pass rusher Micah Parsons, and he’s considered the favorite to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
Per Jon Machota, he credited teammate Stephon Gilmore for helping him make some life hacks when it comes to his diet.
Micah Parsons on learning from Stephon Gilmore about preparation, routine and diet: “He’s nuts. I don’t know if I’m ready for his type of commitment, but I think from the changes I’ve made, it has been better. There was a time during training camp, and there’s not a lot of food… pic.twitter.com/QadW2JlxTh
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 14, 2023
Gilmore, one of the better cornerbacks in the league over the past decade or so, came to Dallas during the offseason in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, and he has also helped the Cowboys lock opponents down all year.
Through 13 games, Parsons has put up 12.5 sacks, 27 quarterback hits, and 14 tackles for loss, and he’s on pace for new career highs in all three categories.
The Cowboys have other studs on defense, including Trevon Diggs, who has been out since September with a torn ACL.
He has been replaced in the starting lineup by DaRon Bland, who may be on his way to a Pro Bowl nod with 14 passes defended, a league-high eight interceptions, and an NFL-record five pick-sixes.
Dallas, who is 10-3 and in first place in the NFC East, has big games coming up against the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Detroit Lions coming up in the next three weeks.
NEXT:
CeeDee Lamb Makes Bold Claim About Cowboys’ Passing Game