Rob Ryan, the first-year defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, believes his unit deserves the benefit of the doubt given its overall level of production this season. The team struggled in last weekend's loss to Arizona, especially in the second half. "Guys, honestly now, I mean, they had a couple of drives there, but with 10 points in a half, that's not anything to jump off a building for," Ryan said. "I mean, although people around here are. But don't worry, they won't be this week or any other week." The Cardinals scored on back-to-back drives to start the second half, then clinched a victory on a screen pass that went for a 52-yard touchdown by LaRod Stephens-Howling. Despite the slip-ups, the defense has been solid. The Cowboys rank 10th in total defense. They've allowed an opponent to top 20 points just once in the past five weeks. "We're ready to go. We're excited about this challenge," Ryan said. "If you want numbers out there, hell, we're in the top 10 in scoring defense, run defense, takeaways and sacks. That's usually pretty good."