(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)
What do you believe is the biggest lesson Dallas should learn after watching the Seahawks and Patriots in the Super Bowl? – Morice Wellington III*/Virginia Beach, VA*
Patrik: The biggest lesson is that defense can win championships, period. And I say "can" because most leave that word out of the adage, but it applies in Dallas, because the Cowboys' offense could likely win a championship if only its defense was also as good — or even anywhere near it. That's the point of doing away with Matt Eberflus after only one season and bringing in a fresh, young fast-riser in Christian Parker, and from the Eagles, no less, to try and finally get the Cowboys' defense to contender status.
Both the Patriots and Seahawks had defenses that led them to the Promised Land and, for about three and one-third quarters, New England's kept the trophy within reach; but Seattle's never relented and that's the other lesson here: football is decided in four quarters, not three, two or one … and the Cowboys need to remember that as well, given their inconsistencies in 2025.
Tommy: Defense wins championships. It's how both teams got there. Sure, their offenses have spectacular players and I'm not trying to takeaway from that whatsoever. When I think of what wins in the playoffs though, it's what helped New England shut down Denver on the road: their defense. It's what helped the Seahawks cruise against the 49ers in the divisional round: their defense. You can tell me all you want about injuries and so on and so forth, which was a part of the equation, but both of the teams that played Sunday had defenses that fly around the field and are sound at all three levels. The biggest lesson the Cowboys, and the rest of the NFL can learn, is that even in a league where it seems like points are most valuable, being able to limit your opponent's points is a difficult strategy to top.
Mailbag
Here's your chance to ask a question for the staff writers. Submit your entry now!
