Cowboys Linebackers Lead Defense in Interceptions
Dallas has three interceptions this season, all by linebackers, while its cornerbacks and safeties have none.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
The Dallas Cowboys defense has recorded three interceptions in the 2026 season, all by linebackers Shemar James, DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters. Cornerbacks and safeties have not recorded an interception this season.
Why it matters
The lack of interceptions from the secondary highlights a coverage pattern in which defensive backs play man-to-man while linebackers work in zone. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker said the alignment is dictated by coverage and allows linebackers to find the ball.
Cornerback DaRon Bland leads the Cowboys with six pass breakups but has allowed an NFL-high 438 yards and three touchdowns, with quarterbacks posting a 117.4 rating against him. The extraction does not say how these figures compare with other Cowboys cornerbacks.
The players
Christian Parker
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator who explained that the team's man-to-man coverage by defensive backs allows linebackers to find the ball.
DaRon Bland
Dallas Cowboys cornerback who leads the team with six pass breakups this season.
The details
The Cowboys play match-zone coverage, backing up in zone and then moving to man-to-man after a set yardage. Linebackers play more in zone, which gives them better vision of the football, while defensive backs handle man coverage.
Timeline
Oct. 26, 2025: Cornerback Trikweze Bridges recorded the last cornerback interception.
Nov. 17, 2025: Safety Markquese Bell recorded the last safety interception.
Season Trajectory
Under Parker's match-zone scheme, the Cowboys' takeaways have come from linebackers rather than the secondary, shaping how the defense is performing this season. The pattern reflects a specific coverage design rather than individual player decline.
Fantasy managers who roster Cowboys linebackers may see more takeaway opportunities than those relying on Cowboys cornerbacks, given where this season's interceptions have come from. Bland's 438 yards allowed is the highest in the NFL, which may affect how his matchups are evaluated.
The takeaway
Interception production this season has come entirely from the Cowboys' linebackers, a result of a coverage scheme that assigns them zone responsibilities where they can see the ball. Readers tracking the team should watch whether that split persists.
Further reading
For more on the team's schemes and results, see Dallas Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
