This is Not a Game-Changing Defense
by DavidH22 on Dec 13, 2009 9:40 PM CST
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30 sacks, 9 interceptions, 11 fumbles recovered and one defensive TD through 13 games. Clutch 3rd down conversions seemingly given up every single game (3rd and 14, anyone?). Easy touchdown drives given up immediately after the offense scores. Big gains given up with increasing regularity. Even last year with 59 sacks, they still only snagged 8 interceptions.
Wade's defense might end up with decent end-of-the-year rankings, but this is not a defense that is a difference-maker. This is not a defense that opposing teams seem to fear. And this is certainly not a defense that makes me, as a fan, comfortable at all.
Who on this defense is untouchable? Not to speak ill of the injured, but even Ware has been down this season, and it's my sense that he is not so much feared as just...respected. He's a nice guy! So many first rounders on that side of the ball, so many mediocrities and disappointments. I think the only untouchable player is Jenkins. But hopefully a new coach, or a new defensive coordinator, will help make these players more effective and the defense more cataclysmic. Because I am tired of bed-but-don't break defenses. Especially when they tend to break down in December.
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they are a bend and then break defense
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Dec 13, 2009 9:49 PM CST up reply actions
Cowboys D
Held the Chargers to 20pts, their lowest total of the year. I think you would have taken that in a second yesterday if I told you it included an int.
Point total was fine, yes...
but just one turnover, no sacks (generally no pressure on Rivers), insane 3rd and long conversions and two touchdown drives immediately after the Cowboys first two scoring drives. The defense was cored upon when it mattered most.
Today’s game wasn’t the straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of this issue. It’s been building all year and for the last few years.
Bowen had one sack, or Bowen and Rat split one
But I thought we’d see some more pressure on Rivers. You can’t let a QB of his caliber get comfortable back there like he seemed to be today. He either had enough time, or he’d step up past the pass rush for a clear view of the field. Everyone wants to blame the DB’s, but I put more blame on the lack of QB pressure.
T-New’s INT was the result of pressure on Rivers. We needed more of that kind of play.
You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.
by APerfectStar on Dec 13, 2009 11:49 PM CST up reply actions
Oops...yes, one sack
But as you say, not nearly enough pressure. Same with the Giants game too…
Seriously?
They have been the biggest reason for our last 2 losses. Romo and the offense have been clicking pretty well lately, but the defense hasn’t held jack. Yeah, the points allowed might not be too bad when you look at the stat sheet, but use your eyes. This defense cannot come up with key stops. Ask yourself this question: at the end of the game with the defense on the field, do you ever expect them to come up with a stop to win the game? On the flip side, with our offense on the field at the end of the game, do you expect them to come up with the game winning score?
I know what my answers are and I think this defense is overpaid and severely underperforming.
"So you can’t stiff arm at all? What about the throat?"- Marion "Barbarian" Barber
That is ridiculous...
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Dec 14, 2009 3:53 PM CST up reply actions
With Garrett's crap offense
I have to give the D credit for playing w/ a hand tied behind their back.
Would I like more turnovers and a Big Hitter in the secondary (read: Safety). Sure!
We do need that ‘fear’ factor that the young RW brought. We’ve improved safety to where it’s not horrible, but some “Wood” is needed!
But they’re not the cause of the problems.
The defense has been ok
But you are correct. The defense does not get turnovers and it gives up costly plays at the most inopportune times. I the sole reason for having Phillips as the coach is having a ferocious D. We just haven’t had that. Its been good mostly and has suffered from problems caused by Garrett and his merry band of underachievers. But at the end of the day, I also don’t think they have lived up to potential.
Having said all that, lay off Ware. Our biggest weakness on D, as I see it, is at ILB. I like Brady, and of course Brooking, but they are not dominating types.
"Right after the game, say as little as possible."
- Tom Landry
The word we are all talking about but not saying is...
CONSISTENCY. This team is simply not consistent enough to enjoy playing in December, much less going to and winning playoff games. Until we begin to show consistency on both sides of the ball, we will have to sit back and be frustrated.
In terms of personnel
I wonder if, depending on the coach, if Dallas makes an attempt to change to the 4-3 defense again. Igor and Ratliff in the middle at DT’s, Spencer/Ware at DE, James and Brooking at OLB, and maybe see what we have in Jason Williams here. This could potentially work in Bobbys favor, as I think he could really be an effective OLB in the 4-3 scheme. If the linebacker play is a problem, we could always just go back to the 3-4 with the same personnel basically, or even drop Ware off of the DE and back to linebacker, as I think he is talented enough to play both positions.
At the bare minimum, and we stay in the 3-4, I see the only locks on this defense being Ratliff, Ware, James, and Jenkins. Obviously more will stay, but those 4 are the most consistent players at the moment. As for weak spots, it has always been my argument that if you want to have an effective 3-4 defense, you need to have a play making safety. The Steelers have Troy, the Ravens have Reed, the Patriots for a LONG time had Harrison. Dallas lacks a true big player at that position, and if they could get someone, they would have a big playmaker on every level of the defense, with Rat and Ware being the other two. Safety play has been an issue in Dallas since roughly 2006, and I am sick of the problem being ignored. Sensa is a good pick up and he is an effective role player, but the man is not a starter in this league. Hamlin suckered Jerry into a huge contract after his first year here and he is only as effective as the defense is playing around him. Point being, we need that dominate, young, defensive safety who can come in and take over a game. Period.
i've thought about that too
but i just can’t see it. Ware is your prototypical 3-4 DE, spencer looks good too. With those peices in place i just can’t imagine getting away from the 3-4.
Frankly, few defenses except the giants in 07 have been elite without a great safety. Hes the qb of the secondary and his effect on the game is the only one comparable to a qb. The Eagles had Dawkins.
Yes
The problem with attempting to get a big, playmaking safety, is that those players are very hard to come by. It looks like Eric Berry is one of those guys, but barring some freak accident, there is no way Dallas gets a chance to get him. I understand that Taylor Mays has all the potential to make an impact, but people question his coverage ability, and personally, I don’t want another Roy Williams situation. Nate Allen from USF is alright, but I don’t know if he is worthy of the position we will be in. Sadly, due to the money thrown around to Hamlin and others in the secondary, I feel we go one of offensive linemen or MAYBE Terrence Cody…maybe.
I think ultimately we have to pick the best player available
from the positions of: OL, DL (depending on what happens with Spears), WR, or DB.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Dec 14, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions
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