The Cowboys’ Defense Keeps Making Opposing QBs Look Like Stars - J.J. McCarthy Is Just the Latest
Another week, another quarterback carving up the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. This time, it was J.J. McCarthy - the second-year Vikings signal-caller - who joined the growing list of passers having their best days against what used to be one of the most feared units in the league.
McCarthy threw for 250 yards and accounted for three total touchdowns - two through the air and one on the ground - in a performance that looked more like a veteran in midseason form than a young QB still finding his footing in the NFL. His rushing score was especially telling: a play fake to the left that completely froze the Dallas front, leaving McCarthy with a clear path to the end zone. No pressure, no containment, no chance.
And unfortunately for Cowboys fans, this wasn’t an isolated incident - it’s been a season-long trend.
A Season of Letdowns on Defense
Through 15 weeks, the Cowboys have become the league’s go-to get-right game for quarterbacks. Four different QBs have posted their season-high in passing yards against Dallas:
- Russell Wilson - 450 yards
- Caleb Williams - 298 yards
- Justin Fields - 283 yards
- **J.J.
McCarthy** - 250 yards
And it doesn’t stop there. Two other quarterbacks have logged their second-best passing totals of the year against this same defense. That’s not just bad luck - that’s a pattern.
What’s especially frustrating is that many of these performances have come from quarterbacks who’ve otherwise struggled this season. McCarthy, for example, has had a rocky sophomore campaign, but he’s started to find a rhythm lately.
Even without a big game from Justin Jefferson - who was largely kept in check - McCarthy was efficient and decisive, building off the momentum he generated the week prior against Washington. His quick release and smart decision-making gave Dallas fits all night.
Fields, Williams… and a Leaky Secondary
Justin Fields is another case study in Dallas’ defensive regression. The Bears quarterback has had multiple games this year where he’s failed to even crack 100 passing yards.
But against the Cowboys? He lit them up for 283 - his best outing of the season.
That came in a game where the Bears were already rolling, and Fields simply added fuel to the fire.
Then there’s Caleb Williams. The rookie has shown flashes all year, but his game against Dallas might’ve been his sharpest yet.
Four touchdowns, no picks, and complete control of the offense. Williams and the Bears didn’t need to reinvent the wheel - they just took what Dallas gave them.
And the Cowboys gave them a lot.
Pressure Problems and Busted Coverages
So what’s going wrong? It starts up front.
The Cowboys haven’t generated nearly enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which has allowed even the most inconsistent passers to settle in and find a rhythm. And when there’s no pressure, those coverage breakdowns on the back end get magnified.
Too often, receivers are running free in the secondary. Whether it’s miscommunication, poor positioning, or simply getting beat, Dallas’ defensive backs haven’t held up their end of the bargain. And without a pass rush to help them out, it’s been open season for opposing offenses.
What’s Next?
With Marcus Mariota and Jaxson Dart still on the schedule, there’s a very real chance this trend continues. Neither quarterback is lighting up the stat sheet this season, but based on what we’ve seen, that might not matter. If you’re an average quarterback facing the Cowboys, odds are you’re about to have your best game of the year.
For a team that entered the season with playoff aspirations, the lack of defensive identity is alarming. The Cowboys have talent on that side of the ball, but the execution, pressure, and discipline just haven’t been there. And now, they’re paying the price.
If Dallas doesn’t find answers fast, they’ll keep making headlines for all the wrong reasons - not because of what they’re doing, but because of what they’re allowing.