Cowboys Switch to 3‑4 Defense for First Time Since 2012

The Cowboys will run a 3‑4 base defense this year, a shift from the 4‑3 system that has dominated the franchise for decades.

The move marks the first 3‑4 deployment since 2012 under Rob Ryan. Parker, who has worked under Vic Fangio, Vance Joseph, Mike Pettine and Mike Elko, said the front seven, featuring Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa, will be key to the new scheme.