Simplify the D

by monkeymcgee on Dec 19, 2005 8:28 AM CST

I was watching a bit of that Bears game last night and something stood out in an interview they ran with Urlacher. He talked about how they only run a few kinds of blitzes, but they are a good defense because everyone knows their assignments well and knows what to do. Watching them, that seemed to be true. Even when they gave up a few yards, there were about 5 guys there to make the tackle. Contrast with the massacre yesterday and some of the bad defensive performances this year.

It seems like we could use some of that simplification philosophy. The Cowboys have the talent on D to play a lot better than they do--not Bears good, but better than we've seen. When big plays or long drives happen against them, it seems that half the guys don't seem to know where they should be (ahem, Roy) or who they are covering. The blitzes almost never seem to work.

Maybe it's time to simplify and emulate what is by far the most impressive D I've seen since the Ravens a few years ago.

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defense

The problem with simplifing the defense is that we run a 3-4 now and by its nature is a much more complicated defense. If you can recall, when the Ravens switched to the 3-4 last year they had problems and most teams do when making that switch. The 4-3 by its nauture is more simple. Actaully the I was quite surprised the Cowboys played it so well early in the year especially with so many rookies contributing. I think the defense right now is kind of worn out from having to carry the offense all year and the rookies are hitting the rookie wall. Earlier in the year they were aggresive now they look lazy shedding blocks. They're also getting absolutely no pressure on the opposing qb. They just have to play harder with more focus which they obviously haven't been doing lately.

by Terry on Dec 19, 2005 9:43 AM CST reply actions

Urlacher was impressive

He played a heck of a game against Vick.

We need better linebackers, Ware has not learned how to play the run yet, he better by next year. I'm not buying Scott Shanle, and the jury is out on Fujita. In a 3-4 defense, you have to have better production out of your LB's than we are getting.

by Dave Halprin on Dec 19, 2005 6:34 PM CST reply actions

linebackers

I do agree we need to upgrade our linebacking corp. Hopefully Ware and Burnett get better but I agree Shanle is average. I also think Fujita is a backup as well. We need a tough run stopping inside backer along Bradie and a playmaker opposite Ware.

by Terry on Dec 19, 2005 8:40 PM CST up reply actions