Cowboys' Defense Falters Against Ravens, Rex Ryan Blames Team for Not Hiring Him

Despite bringing in Mike Zimmer as their new defensive coordinator, the Dallas Cowboys continue to struggle, allowing 44 and 28 points in their past two games. Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan believes he could have fixed the Cowboys' defense but claims the team didn't offer him enough money.

The Baltimore Ravens' relentless run game, led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, proved too much for the Dallas Cowboys, who fell 28-25 on Sunday. Through three weeks, the Cowboys rank near the bottom of the league in points allowed per game (30th) and yards allowed (28th).

Cowboys' Defense Falters Against Ravens, Rex Ryan Blames Team for Not Hiring Him

Despite bringing in Mike Zimmer as their new defensive coordinator after Dan Quinn's departure, the Cowboys' defense has failed to impress. Zimmer ranked 29th in the league defensively in his last two years with the Minnesota Vikings.

Former NFL head coach and defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who was reportedly interviewed by the Cowboys in the offseason, believes he could have turned things around in Dallas. However, Ryan claims the Cowboys were not willing to offer him a sufficient salary.

Cowboys' Defense Falters Against Ravens, Rex Ryan Blames Team for Not Hiring Him

"I would've fixed it in a New York minute. But, that being said, they couldn't pony up the money, or I would've been there," Ryan said on ESPN New York radio. "They never ponied up, and that was why I stayed here [at ESPN]."

Ryan also criticized the Cowboys' decision to hire Zimmer, suggesting that Zimmer's enthusiasm may not be enough to inspire the team.

"You brought in a guy that was 29th in the league his last two years at Minnesota, the enthusiasm he brings when he left, that's the guy that's gonna inspire you? This can go really bad for Dallas," Ryan said.

The Cowboys' defensive struggles were evident against the Saints and Ravens, who exploited their weaknesses in both the passing and running game. Running back Devin Singletary has averaged 80.0 yards rushing against the Cowboys in his last two games, highlighting their vulnerability to opposing ground attacks.

Despite their poor start, the Cowboys have a short week to prepare for a matchup against the New York Giants, who they have beaten in 13 of their last 17 meetings. However, the Giants' rushing attack, led by Singletary, could pose a significant challenge to the Cowboys' defense.

Ryan, who coached the New York Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010, has not been a defensive coordinator since 2008 with the Baltimore Ravens. Despite his confidence that he could fix the Cowboys' defense, Ryan remains an ESPN analyst.

The Cowboys' disappointing start has raised questions about their direction and the effectiveness of their defensive coaching staff. With a tough matchup against the Giants looming, the Cowboys need to find a way to shore up their defense and avoid falling further behind in the NFC East.