Getting into the playoffs will be up to the defense

by torchindefenses on Dec 12, 2009 12:48 PM CST

While the offense has been anemic at times this year, the defense is the unit that will either make or break the next 4 games. The offense always seems to stay in the game but it's the defensive let downs that have been getting the losses. As the cliche goes, defense win championships. I'm not sure what adjustments Wade will bring this week, against Philip Rivers which is ranked with a passer rating of 3rd in the NFL. Dallas has the 20th pass defense in the league which means that Dallas' defensive line needs to get to Rivers, and often.

As far as the offensive side of the ball, I think Garrett needs to get back to the running game. He gives into the shotgun when only 7 points behind. I don't understand this philosophy. This team gets into trouble when they pass too much. They stack up on penalties, ending up with 3rd and long and stall drives. This also gets Dallas' defense worn out because they are on the field a lot quicker. Garrett tends to take what the defense gives and tries to exploit it, but I think he goes overboard. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

I had to write this post because I want to see what other fans are thinking about these points. This defense has shown potential. In the Atlanta, Philly and Washington games, the defense showed up big time. The Giants (twice), Denver and Green Bay games were all games where the defense had let big plays get the best of them and couldn't stop the offense when needed. No coincidence that these are Dallas' 4 losses of the season. It comes down to excecution and it only takes a play or two sometimes (a lot of times) to determine the outcome of a game. This team will dominate a game and end up losing it on a play or two. Makes me nauseous. If Dallas' defense can play at a high level every game and every play they may make the playoffs. It can happen, I'm hoping they can do it but I'm holding my breath.

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The defense needs to be rolling on on cylinders when the offense is as well

It’s always one or the other that’s rolling. Has to stop.

2009 Dallas Cowboys: 10-6
2009 New York Jets: not 11-5 :(
2009-2010 Dallas Mavericks: 57-25

by Grady90 on Dec 12, 2009 1:13 PM CST reply actions

*on all

2009 Dallas Cowboys: 10-6
2009 New York Jets: not 11-5 :(
2009-2010 Dallas Mavericks: 57-25

by Grady90 on Dec 12, 2009 1:13 PM CST up reply actions

Totally agree

If your offense can keep the defense off the field it would help to create more turnovers and would in effect put more points on the board.
Isn’t defense supposed to be our strong suit with Phillips as coach? From the way everyone pumps up his defensive prowess that they would rarely (if ever) make any mistakes on D.
Great post….

by UTexan on Dec 12, 2009 3:22 PM CST reply actions

Thanks Utexan,

I think Wade is a very good defensive coordinator. He knows his personal and puts good schemes together. I also think that there are some young players trying to find their mojo, Scandrick being one of them. There are some holes in the secondary still, a team is only as good as it’s weakest link.

by torchindefenses on Dec 12, 2009 4:37 PM CST up reply actions

yep, it's all on the defense

Our offense can put up points on the next two defenses, it’s our defense that will need to step up if we’re going to win and deep into the playoffs.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Dec 12, 2009 6:32 PM CST reply actions

I think we forget sometimes that the other guys get paid, too.

Regardless how good your defense is, you have to assume that the other guys will be able to sustain at least one drive or make at least one play during the course of game. They’re pros, too, and were some of the best players at their positions in college; just like our guys were.

Take away that ridiculous screen pass to Jacobs and Eli was 10 of 24 for 165 yards, 1TD and 1INT. Those are very pedestrian numbers. Sensabaugh was being held the entire way down the sideline; shoulder pads just don’t randomly pop out of jerseys for no reason. If I’m not mistaken; the defense did pretty well on 3rd down and handled the run pretty well too. Again, the other guys are going to sustain at least one drive and make at least one play; especially a team with the pedigree of the NY Giants.

Our defense basically gave up 10 points to Green Bay (remember that 7 of their points came when the took over at the 3 yard line thanks to an admitted blown call by the officials). When you only give up 17 pts, your defense is playing pretty damn good.

Our defense has been playing pretty much lights out since the first giants game and there’s no reason to think that they won’t continue to play at that high level.

by mrbelk on Dec 12, 2009 8:55 PM CST reply actions

Okay...

Dallas’ defense is 14th overall
Dallas’ offense is 3rd overall

There you go…

by torchindefenses on Dec 12, 2009 9:14 PM CST up reply actions

What I am stating is that it will be up to the defense

The defense has some holes and inconsistency, more so than the offense. Everyone is accountable but the defense is what will get us in. Or not.

by torchindefenses on Dec 12, 2009 9:21 PM CST up reply actions

Great Point

But with our offense being statistically 3rd shouldnt we be able to put those points on the board when it matters?

by UTexan on Dec 12, 2009 9:27 PM CST up reply actions

"The other guys get paid too"

bull$*!!! If the Dallas D has that mentallity, they’ll never win a damn thing. I agree with torches post 100000%. Since the middle of 06, the offense has been very good. It just seems when its time to make a big stop in a big game, the D lets us down. I hope its different this year

by fretman on Dec 12, 2009 11:12 PM CST up reply actions