The Dallas Cowboys had the worst pass defense—and one of the worst defenses, period—in the NFL last season. "To be dominant," he told Jon Machota of The Athletic when asked about his expectations for the defense in the 2026 season. "That's what I've thought about with every defense I've been on. Many pointed to the questionable decision to trade superstar edge-rusher Micah Parsons before the season, though the secondary was porous at best. But attempts were made to rectify the pass defense this offseason.