Cowboys lose arguably their best remaining defender to suspension for four weeks

The hits keep coming for the Dallas Cowboys' defense. Starting CB Orlando Scandrick was suspended four games by the NFL for testing positive for an illegal substance. There were conflicting reports as to whether he tested positive for PEDs or recreational drugs.

Scandrick is one of the rare good players left on a decimated Dallas defense, and there's possibly even an argument to be made that he's the best of what they had left. This offseason, after years of mismanaging their salary cap, the Cowboys had to cut DeMarcus Ware, whom they could no longer afford, and they lost DT Jason Hatcher to the Redskins in free agency. Then later they lost star LB Sean Lee for the season with a torn ACL and second round pick DE Demarcus Lawrence for two to three months with a broken foot.

The Cowboys D was a dumpster fire in 2013, when they allowed 400+ yards in eight games, 500+ yards in four games, and 600+ yards in two games.

They also finished 26th or worse in the following key stats:

The Cowboys' defense might be even more dumpster fiery in 2014.

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