How the Dallas Cowboys Can Correct Defensive Shortcomings

November 12, 2013   ·   Jonathan Bales   ·   Jump to comments

The Dallas Cowboys rank last in the NFL in passing yards allowed. With 3,130 yards allowed this year, the Cowboys are one of only two teams to have allowed more than 2,600 yards through the air. The 'Boys also rank second-to-last in rushing yards allowed and are in the bottom five in both passing and rushing touchdowns.
The excessive yardage, they say, is a byproduct of defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's scheme; the Cowboys are "trading in" yards for takeaways. 
So what has the defense been able to do by emphasizing takeaways? Well, it ranks fifth in the NFL in interceptions (12), second in fumble recoveries (10) and second in total takeaways (22). Not bad.
But is it worth it? 
 
The Math on the Cowboys' Takeaways
To calculate the value of the Cowboys' takeaways, we need to know how many yards each type of takeaway is "worth." The value of an interception or fumble obviously depends on field position and other game situations, bu...

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