SB Nation Dallas Editor's Pick

The Schematic Advantage Of Having A Ryan 2

by Chandus on Mar 30, 2011 5:56 PM CDT

From the moment in which I wrote The Schematic Advantage Of Having A Ryan I started thinking about the 2nd part, about how complicated his schemes really are and the versatility required for the players up front, as it isn't a matter of having a front-7 or 6 or so, it's a matter of the moves that both Ryans make on their units to diversify it's looks.

They may start with the 3-4 and a 2-gap scheme, then they pull a front-7 player, throw a DB in and the DLineman and LBs move around in a one-gap attacking scheme.

It's tough, not only for the players, who at times seem to be confused and looking around for someone to line them up correctly, it's also complicated for us following things at home, so I made screen captures of some of the schemes that the Ryans used in the games that charted in the 1st post of this series (after the jump! Right OCC?).

Straight 3-4:

Mostly a scheme against the run, usually on the field in early in games when teams try to establish a running game. New Orleans tips that they are going to run with a Tank (1 WR, 2 TEs and 2 Backs) package and Ryan responds accordingly as you see Ahtyba Rubin in the nose in the 0-gap (with his head right in front of the C head), Kenyon Coleman and Brian Schaefering in the 5-Tech (heads right in front of the T head), the ILBs (Eric Barton and Chris Gocong) covering the gaps between the NT and Ends, and the OLBs (David Bowens and Matt Roth) filling in the outside gaps. He also deploys 3 Safeties and 1 CB. The play develops as follows:

The read is run, Rubin makes a straight ahead bull rush, the Ends wait for the FB and when the FB moves to one side the End on that side (in this case Schaefering) takes a quick step inside and attacks the outside shoulder of the Guard (3-Tech), Coleman headbutts the RT in a bull rush leaving the RG without an asignement. The ILB behind Schaefering (Gocong) inmediately attacks the LOS as the play develops in order to fill a gap, while the other is waiting for a counter behind the other RG. Bowens takes the TE outside the RT, while Roth attacks the outside shoulder of the LT. The CB takes over the single receiver, the slot Safety takes the TE on the left side. The deep safeties stand in a cover-2 with halves of responsability, as soon as they see the FB move the S on that side makes a move towards the ball.

Nickel 2-4:

New Orleans shows pass in 1st down with a posse lineup (3 WRs, 1 TE and 1 Back), Ryan responds with a Nickel package that has Shaun Rogers with his head in front of the LG head (2/3-Tech), Schaefering stands in the right shoulder of the Center (1-Tech), Barton spies the backfield 5 yards in front of the RG, while the other LBs (Bowens, Gocong and Roth) fill the rest of the gaps. One Safety is outside the camera view providing deep help in the side of the 3 receivers. The other Safety (T.J. Ward) is moving closer to the LOS as help in slant routes.

This is one of the few instances in which Rob Ryan threw every kitchen appliance towards Brees in a 7-man blitz Schaefering is double teamed by the Center and RG. Rogers tries a bull rush against the RG. Bowens fights the LT. A big avenue opens between the RG and RT, but Roth fails to make a loop inside Gocong. Both Barton and Ward try to attack through it, but Brees makes a quick drop and throw to his first read.

Dime 1-4:

The down and distance forces the Patriots hand and Rob Ryan responds with a twist. It's a posse lineup for the Patriots and Cleveland responds with 1 DLineman, 4 LBs and 6 DBs. Schaefering has his head in the inside shoulder of the LG (2-Tech). Gocong is part of the twist, he's the standing LB 11 yards deep, he's there to provide help in slants or posts against the WRs or against the TE. Brady has no way of knowing. Bowens is right next to Schaefering's hip and in front of the LT. Roth stands in front of the RT. Barton stands on the edge of the LT. Sheldon Brown, the RCB, screams blitz. Ward is his backup 10 yards deep. The other deep Safety stands outside the camera view. The other part of the twist is that this scheme is a 4-Safety scheme, with Nick Sorensen lined up in front of the TE and Ray Ventrone in front of Wes Welker.

You can't take anything for granted. Brown doesn't blitz and Ward drops back to cover-2, both Safeties near the LOS do blitz. Roth takes the TE. Barton takes the LT, Bowens the LG, Schaefering attacks the shoulder of the C (1-gap) and the Safeties have the right side. Gocong, Joe Haden and that side deep Safety take over Welker and Tate. This defensive formation and the next were some of the formations that were called the amoeba Defense, formations with 1 or no down Lineman that, from time to time, included a standup DLineman.

Quarters 0-4:

An amoeba formation for passing downs with no DLineman on the field at all. It includes 4 OLBs (Roth, Scott Fujita, Bowens and Marcus Benard) and 7 DBs. Roth and Benard line up on the outside shoulder of the Ts. Bowens in the outside shoulder of the LG. Fujita stands a little back between the Center and RG. The DBs are formed out of 4 CBs and 3 Safeties. Ventrone stands right outside Roth and the cover-2 Safeties aim for the left side of the field.

Roth loops inside and attacks the RG, Fujita twists outside him and takes on the RT. Bowens is double teamed by the C and LG. The idea is drawing a favorable matchup, Ventrone and Benard in one-on-one matchups against the RB and LT. Ryan's best pass rusher and blitzer.

Nickel 4-2:

The 2nd most common scheme for the Jets behind the 3-4. The Patriots show a standard set with 2 WRs, 2 backs and 1 TE. The Jets respond with 4 down DLineman, 2 LBs and 5 DBs. Shaun Ellis lines up at DE in the outside shoulder of the RT. Sione Pouha has his head right in front of the C head. Mike DeVito has his head in the outside shoulder of the LG and Bryan Thomas lines up outside the TE. Bart Scott stands in front of the RG. David Harris between the C and LG. Kyle Wilson is a Nickel CB and lines up close to the LOS in case that side TE goes in a pattern. The Safeties stand in deep Cover-2.

Ellis takes a hard step forward and then moves inside the RT. Pouha and DeVito are double teames by the RG, C, LG and LT for a couple of seconds and then the RG and LT pull to block in the 2nd level. Thomas moves aroung the TE. Scott and Harris have their eyes on the pulling Lineman and the HB. The Safeties and CBs have bracket coverage (over/under) on the WRs.

Quarters 2-2:

Rex Ryan's version of the amoeba of his brother, but improved as he had better pass rushers as down lineman in Ellis and Taylor. The Patriots show another Posse set and Ryan quickly threw 7 DBs on Brady's shoulders. In this scheme you see Ellis in the right shoulder of the C (1-Tech) and Jason Taylor outside the LT. Calvin Pace stands outside the TE and David Harris waits for the development of the play 5 yards in front of the LG. The scheme includes 4 CBs and 3 Safeties in cover-3 (Brodney Pool stands outside the camera angle).

Ellis takes a quick side step and in less than a second moves 3 yards towards Brady. Pace makes contact with the TE, peels him off towards Harris and the RT waits for him. At first the LG and LT double team Taylor, but the LG makes contact and pulls towards Marquice Cole who stands there for Woodhead. The CBs cover the WRs in man coverage and the Safeties have 1/3 of the field to cover.

Versatility.

There's something in common between this guys:

Shaun Ellis
Ahtyba Rubin
Sione Pouha
Mike DeVito
Brian Schaefering
Shaun Rogers

And it's their versatility, each can play at a high level in at least 3 positions. Against the pass and against the run. Nice combinations of strength and quickness.

What does this mean for the Cowboys?

That they need help.

Look at the 3-4 formation of Cleveland, now look at the 4-2 from the Jets, both teams can change from scheme to scheme. The Cowboys also move from scheme to scheme. What's the major difference? Personel.

The Browns and Jets keep 6 guys of their front in place, while the Cowboys replace all 3 down lineman and one of the ILBs in most downs. Why? Because there's a major diference between the pass and rush D. The Cowboys have more moving parts because they can't perform more than one role at an above average level.

The Cowboys need help because most of the DLineman aren't versatile enough for the Ryan's taste. Which is why I'm so high on Cameron Jordan.

Poll

In need of help?

Yeah, in dire need, 1st Round need.

19 votes

Yeah, but not in the 1st Round (Who and how)

84 votes

No need for another DE

4 votes

107 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

if Jason Taylor can play DE for Rex in a 3-4 defense

I’m sure Ware and Spencer can too…

by LiLGiT on Mar 30, 2011 6:16 PM CDT reply actions

3-4?

He played DE in the 2-2 scheme… And in 4-man fronts.

Not in the 3-4, there he was a backup OLB.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 30, 2011 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions

the Key is versatility right?

Well you Have Ratliff that Can play either DT/DE in any scheme, Ware who plays DE/OLB… NOw what Dallas really needs is another Ratliff type player ie someone that can not only hold up as a 3-4 DE but could function as either a 4-3 DE/DT…

Which is why I have been so High on Phil Taylor….if he falls into the secong round he would be the type of player that Rex needs for this Defense…He could start as our DE(base 3-4) then could move around as the scheme dictates…

"And one should bear in mind that there is nothing more difficult to execute, nor more dubious of success, nor more dangerous to administer than to introduce a new order to things; for he who introduces it has all those who profit from the old order as his enemies; and he has only lukewarm allies in all those who might profit from the new. This lukewarmness partly stems from fear of their adversaries, who have the law on their side, and partly from the skepticism of men, who do not truly believe in new things unless they have personal experience in them."
Niccolo Machiavelli

by I am Ironman!!! on Mar 30, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions

see

thats why I like guys like Jordan Wilkerson etc, you can do so much with them

by Archie Barberio on Mar 30, 2011 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions

I also like Taylor

I’m not liking the chances of him being there for the 40th. Not a fan of pretty much anyone else in that range (Wilkerson, Ballard, etc.), talk about linear guys that don’t have much of a shot at beating Bowen, Spears or even Olshansky for a starting spot.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 30, 2011 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Well...

Wilkerson seems pretty versatile to me, big enough to 2gap but with enough burst to 1gap and cause pressure. Sure, Ballard is linear, but could still help upgrade our DLine rotation, and late round project like K. Ellis could also provide some nice versatility.

"I am a true believer. Anthony Spencer will have 7 or more sacks in 2011 and Stephen Bowen can ball!" - Kegbearer
"Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
- Tom Landry

by Kegbearer on Mar 31, 2011 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions

To me, this is Wilkerson:

NFL.com:

Dominant against the run. Very effective power bull rusher. Does not possess elite initial quickness off the ball as a pass rusher or penetrating against the run but still good in this area.

Bunting:

I saw the first game of the year he faced off against Ijalana from Villanova and I watched that, and Ijalana kicked the snot out of him. Then I’m thinking, I like Ijalana, but there are some things about him that concern me.

Is a raw talent at this stage. Showcases inconsistent pad level. Natural keeping himself clean than disengaging with his hands through contact. Isn’t a real gifted pass rusher at this stage. Has a lot of upside still to his game, but is going to need time to mature until he’s ready to play at the next level.

CBSSports:

Overwhelms college tackles with size and strength. Lacks a quick first step. Effective bull-rushing college tackles when coming from outside the tackle, but rarely pushes back interior linemen. Not sudden or flexible enough to get the corner.

SportingNews:

Does not deal well with side/angle blocks and can be sealed out of the play too easily. Does not have great explosiveness off the ball. Struggles to get to the turn point in time to beat the offensive tackle. While he goes through stretches where he plays high and without aggressiveness, the bulk of the time he plays with good technique and uses his hands to play strong.

Ourlads:

Big, raw,athletic pocket pusher was productive in the MAC.

To me, the guy may turn out to be a really good player but he may also become an Igor Olshansky. Right now isn’t a good pass rusher and the team needs one, as soon as possible.

Look at the Cowboys DLine in the early 90s, were they good because of their rotation or because they had a nice combination of players that could rush the passer and play the run? To me, a DLine has to be able to do both, the Cowboys DLine as it is, can’t do it. With a prospect like Wilkerson, it’s likely that they still won’t.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Apr 1, 2011 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Fair Enough

Though you did leave off some info that does show he has upside to his raw talent to become an effective pass rusher.
Wes Bunting:

Exhibits a good first step, is routinely one of the first linemen off the ball and can threaten gaps inside.

Drafttek actually has him as the 3rd best 3-4 DE (above the likes of Fairlley, Ballard, Heyward, Bowers)
This past season Wilkerson had 13 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks. Seems like he can certainly pressure QBs and push the pocket into the backfield.
Also, his combine results show he does have decent burst and good agility and speed for his size. Under 5sec 40 time, 7.31 3cone drill, and 26 vertical

I think he is an immediate upgrade from Olshansky, and since he is only a Junior the upside to his raw potential certainly intrigues me. I would be happy with him at #40 and consider it a good addition to our DLine rotation. Again, I personally think he is a versatile big 3-4 DE.

by Kegbearer on Apr 1, 2011 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Phil Taylor ain't gonna cut it...

He’s too big to pass rush, he would just be a run stuffer.

F**** establishing a culture, we need to establish dominance...

by Holchr31 on Mar 31, 2011 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions

No, he's quick enough

Look at Haloti Ngata, Taylor has that kind of potential, but he’s always been a troublesome kid. There’s risk with the guy, but his potential is there, would take him with a 2nd, no hesitation.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 31, 2011 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Taylor takes WAY to many plays off for my liking.

He is a lot like Shaun Rodgers imo. Can be dominant when he feels like it, but has a very inconsistent motor. I would not want to draft him before 40. Taylor is not even close to being the same type of athlete as Ngata.

Wars are won in the trenches and we need some new big uglies!

by BigDinLA on Apr 1, 2011 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Taylor is not even close to being the same type of athlete as Ngata.

Ngata – Taylor:
40 Yrd Dash: 5.13 – 5.09
20 Yrd Dash: 2.96 – 2.87
10 Yrd Dash: 1.73 – 1.77
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 37 – 31
Vertical Jump: 31 1/2 – 29 1/2
Broad Jump: 09’02" – 08’04"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.69 – 4.77
3-Cone Drill: 7.97 – 7.75

Dunno, they seem to be pretty similar to me, Ngata may be slightly more explosive (10 yard dash and vertical), but Taylor is quicker and with better body control (3-cone).

Look at Haloti Ngata, Taylor has that kind of potential

BTW, I’m not saying that he’s going to become that kind of player, potential is a funny word.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Apr 1, 2011 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions

I think the plays off issue is old

The only time people talked about Taylor taking plays off was his Junior year. He lost a year due to the transfer rules and came in 30lbs over weight (nearly 360) and poor conditioning. His senior year he was back into his playing weight and had a great year with no talk of taking plays off. I think Ngata is a once in a decade player, but Taylor does have good burst and agility for a 330lber.

by Kegbearer on Apr 1, 2011 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions

Chandu..what formation are the Jets running at the 1:36 mark?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXQweepVb0Q

by LiLGiT on Mar 30, 2011 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Not the 3-4

That’s a 3-3.

You should look at the first post of this series to see that not every scheme used is included in this post.

Now, if you want to ask me what’s the diference between playing as a down lineman in a 3-4 and 3-3, well, in one scenario you’re expecting either the run or pass, in the other you’re banking on the pass. Is Jason Taylor a better pass rusher than DeVito? That’s the reasoning.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 30, 2011 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Rex did use JT as a DE in 3-4 formations.

that was usually against 3 WR formations.

by Fan in Thick and Thin on Mar 31, 2011 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Mmmh, I find that hard to believe

Especially when you mention the 3 WR formations.

The 3-4 isn’t a Nickel formation.

My guess is that you’re also confusing the 3-3 Nickel with the 3-4.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 31, 2011 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

I’m correct and it’s not worth my time to dig up the evidence.

you want to make it worth my time and put some money it .. let me know. I could prob find the evidence in that case.

by Fan in Thick and Thin on Mar 31, 2011 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I take it back. we might be in agreement.

how are you defining 3-3 nickle?

by Fan in Thick and Thin on Mar 31, 2011 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Look at the video that LiLGiT mentioned

The DLine consists of: Jason Taylor, Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace.

And in the case of that play, it’s actually a 3-1 with David Harris as the lone ILB. When I responded to LiLGiT I confused the quarters Safety and CB with LBs…

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 31, 2011 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

it depends on if you go by alignment or by personnel.

there are instances where the Jets were in a 3-4 alignment with JT at end and a S replacing one of the LBs.

by Fan in Thick and Thin on Mar 31, 2011 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions

question

do you feel that guys like Lee Scandrick Brent Bowen will thrive under Ryan?
I do

by Archie Barberio on Mar 30, 2011 6:45 PM CDT reply actions

add

Ratliff Ware Spencer, thats alot of talent dude

by Archie Barberio on Mar 30, 2011 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Personally I don't think

that we will see that big of an improvement this year(upcoming season) for two reasons specifically…

A. this is a very complex scheme . I don’t see the Defense being completely on the same page after just a single offseason. which leads me to the next reason…

B. With the Way this CBA thing is going We won’t have enough time to even begin to implement Rob’s scheme….

by I am Ironman!!! on Mar 30, 2011 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions

im a optimist with Rob Ryan and the talent we have

I think off his enthusiasm and passion this defense will be twice as good as last year

by Archie Barberio on Mar 30, 2011 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Sure, I'll give it a try:

Perfect fits: Ware and Ratliff.

OK: Spencer, James and Butler.

Maybe: Lee (injuries), Bowen (inconsistency), Brent (too green), Brooking (relief pitcher), Hatcher (more inconsistent) and Spears (can help others make plays against the pass).

Not a fit: Olshansky (has to be pulled in passing situations).

Would bet on being better? Lee and Brent. Both showed a lot of good in their rookie years.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 30, 2011 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions

one change

I would put James in either the Maybe or Not a fit Category…..but that is just my opinion

by I am Ironman!!! on Mar 30, 2011 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't agree

Barton and Harris are long in the tooth and not great athletes, and they were great role players for the Ryans, because they knew what they were supposed to do.

I can see James doing as good of a job if he’s healthy as his head has never been in question. He called the plays in 2010? Sure, but he did the same in 2009.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 30, 2011 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

as his head has never been in question??????

Why was it James couldn’t get Dat off the field? IMHO Dat had a good head on his shoulders and James has a box of rocks up there.

by IMHO on Mar 31, 2011 6:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Bradie James has led our team in tackles the past 6 years (I believe). He is one of the most underrated players we have…with some help from his ILB partner (didn’t get much from Brooking last year) he is virtually assured (by past performance) to get us 100 tackles.

by Kegbearer on Mar 31, 2011 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions

When we lost Dat I, for one, was glad Bradie was a Cowboy. Still am.

Weltschmerzen.

by tanstaafl on Mar 31, 2011 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't sleep on Lissemore

I know we haven’t seen much yet, but he is a guy with the motor to rush the passer and strength to hold up against the run. I think he is a DE that Ryan will have fun using once he loses some of his “green” complexion. And I agree Brent will be getting better, but I also think Bowen is improving every year. He was primarily a pass rush DE, but he is becoming more consistent and well rounded.

by Kegbearer on Mar 31, 2011 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions

There’s just no way to say anything on Lissemore… Injured and limited in practice in TC… Plays in some games when he’s finally healthy and goes down injured again.

He showed some good things, but the sample is so small that it’s hard to see if he’s going to turn into something… Look at Hatcher, he also showed some good things as a rookie.

About Bowen, we have agreed to disagree, you have the idea that he can get better, I have the idea that in his 7th year he should have shown by now that he’s actually able. He hasn’t. I have a very limited amount of hope regarding him.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 31, 2011 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Bowen

Has been in the league only 5 years and yes, I forgot we have already discussed this. We disagree, and reports seem to claim Rob Ryan and PFF grading also disagree with you.

Did you know:

Getting 346 opportunities to rush the passer, the Cowboys’ #72 produced 25 total quarterback disruptions (one less than Jay Ratliff who rushed the passer 137 more times.)

Sure, Ratliff was double teamed and I am not saying Bowen is better, but with limited time playing that is pretty impressive of Bowen.

As for Lissemore, absolutely, he is an unkown commodity, but i do think he has potential to surprise us this year.

by Kegbearer on Mar 31, 2011 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Wade prolly ran like half the amount of formations lol

by Archie Barberio on Mar 30, 2011 6:47 PM CDT reply actions

Want to know something funny?

Wade ran one scheme in San Diego, the 3-4.

That’s it, he didn’t had to use exotic packages like the 4-2, 3-3, 46 and some of the other stuff that he threw to the field in Dallas.

Why? Because in an San Diego the 3-4 worked against the run and pass. Which wasn’t the case in Dallas.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 30, 2011 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions

amoeba formation for passing downs

this formation scares me if the QB audibles a run after looking at it …because there is a ol man for every defender on the line and if the RB makes it to the second level he’s gone

by 0k on Mar 30, 2011 7:22 PM CDT reply actions

You won't see the amoeba in shot yardage

In 8 to more yards Ryan is willing to bet that his defenders will swarm to the ball before the ball carrier reaches his goal.

He replaces girth for quickness.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 30, 2011 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I understand the concept but and the fact the

opponent needs 15 yards on a 3rd down. But if the safeties hold their ground that means 1 on 1 one the edges for the CB’s if the safeties go help the CB’s the middle of the field is wide open for a run which could net FG range or possibly a first down …I might like the formation if the opponent was deep in their own territory …but to me it looks like a prevent defense that has holes that can be exploited by the offense by running the ball in that scenario

by 0k on Mar 30, 2011 7:37 PM CDT reply actions

Really good stuff here Chandus

And, very exciting stuff as well, for obvious reasons. One more schematic advantage the concepts of a Ryan defense contributes to…..the Offense! If we can manage to have some sort of an offseason we’re used to, the challenges of detecting and practicing against these defensive principles on a regular basis can only benefit our O. Imagine the improvements possible by an Oline that has certainly had it’s problems with diagnosis and response, particularly with stunts and diguises. Also, you have to imagine JG would have more than a few light bulb moments when looking at these schemes constantly, which could serve him well when facing the Steelers, Packers,and Eagles of the world.

by stargazer33 on Mar 30, 2011 8:49 PM CDT reply actions

sorry I forgot to say great post

and well thought out …seems like you always do them..why cant you be on the main list to blog at BTB on the front page? good stuff…I could understand if you have limited time …but to us your insight is great..keep up the good work

by 0k on Mar 30, 2011 11:46 PM CDT reply actions

very nice post, really love your deconstructing the ryan posts

by ratware on Mar 31, 2011 12:07 AM CDT reply actions

Keep 'em coming

Like the first one, I loved this post. Great stuff Chandus

by Kegbearer on Mar 31, 2011 8:12 AM CDT reply actions

Quality Control

Yep, that’s what they call ’em. QC coaches, even Assistants.

1. Doesn’t coach a specific position, yet has multiple other responsibilities.
2. Breaks down film of upcoming opponents.
3. Scouts upcoming opponents.
4. Performs as a coach’s Assistant during practices.

Chandus, BTB’s Def Quality Control coach. Though, this talent’d be better utilized in a more dynamic manner, one more suited to the versatility of the individual. Hmmm… – not D only, not O only, hmmm…

Is there a HC Quality Control coach position? Nope. Well, here, there is.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to shadow Garrett and Ryan, glean insight.

Now, where’s that self-destruct button.

Weltschmerzen.

by tanstaafl on Mar 31, 2011 10:08 AM CDT reply actions

There’s part of me that would like to see Dallas take an OL is so we can get an apples-to-apples comparison of Wade and Ryan (i.e. what happens with the same players).

by Fan in Thick and Thin on Mar 31, 2011 11:22 AM CDT reply actions

I’m just not that worried about the defense. Ryan was brought in to improve the D with many of the players we currently have on the roster and I have confidence in him. The one thing I worry about with Ryan is how long he will remain with the Boys before leaving for a head caoching gig.

by pfloyd1 on Mar 31, 2011 12:21 PM CDT reply actions

OK, seeing the answer to the poll, I have to say something

I would be extremely happy with one of the following scenarios with a 1st Round pick:

- Pick 9: Cameron Jordan, DE (who’s surprized?)
- Pick 9: Tyron Smith, OT.
- Trade down to late teens: Gabe Carimi or Derek Sherrod, OT.

But according to the answer of the poll, I’m in the extreme minority when I’m apparently giving DE as much importance as the RT hole. So why is that? The answer is simple, I’m downgrading the need for a RT.

Why? Because OLineman rely on the people around them. Want examples of that?

- Matt Light with Daniel Connolly next to him → Matt Light with Logan Mankins next to him.

- Flozell Adams with Kyle Kosier → Flozell Adams with Cory Procter.

- Larry Allen with Flozell Adams → Larry Allen with Torrin Tucker.

- Walter Jones with Steve Hutchinson → Walter Jones with Chris Spencer, Floyd Womack or whoever else.

- Larry Allen with the pre injury Erik Williams → Larry Allen with the post injury Erik Williams

And I can continue with this all day.

To me, taking a Tackle in the 1st Round isn’t the solution to the problems in the right side. Taking a RG in the 2nd Round (Wisniewski) would bring as big of an improvement on that side.

Which brings me to my point: Taking a Tackle won’t solve all of the problems along the OLine, taking a DLineman that can play multiple roles for Ryan would be a bigger upgrade.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 31, 2011 12:33 PM CDT reply actions

Other side of the coin

To me, taking a Tackle in the 1st Round isn’t the solution to the problems in the right side. Taking a RG in the 2nd Round (Wisniewski) would bring as big of an improvement on that side.

An upgrade in RG could help Colombo on moves to the inside, but it does nothing to help him against pass rushers going around him – his biggest problem that led to 9 sacks. Also, it is debatable how much better a 3rd round rookie will be than Bigg, but certainly far less than 1st round OT and Colombo.

Finally, with Ryan immediately upgrading our defense, also consider that Dl rotation will occur yet your RT plays 100% of the time. I think Ryan can do more with what he has (mostly young talent with a couple of stars) than Garrett can with the old OLine with no proven backups.

I think RT fixes our OLine much more than one DL will fix our DLine. Also, there are other factors to believe the same DLine we had last year would play better this year (young guys getting experience, Ryan vs. Wade, motivation vs. cupcakes, Garrett accountability vs. Wade apologies) while our OLine is sure to plays worse due to their age and declining skills.

by Kegbearer on Mar 31, 2011 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions

My line of thought still applies

Tony Romo won’t be sacked 21 times in almost 10 games like Kitna.

BTW, my numbers are the following:

Leonard Davis: 5 sacks, 1 QB hit.
Marc Colombo: 7 sacks, 11 QB hits.

Colombo’s numbers are bad, but not terrible when you have a much less mobile QB for 10 games. Those aren’t Bledsoe’s kind of numbers. Davis’ numbers are horrible, 5 sacks from the RG position? Do you know what that means? A 300 pounder taking the QB down or a 230 pound LB with a full head of steam.

I’m really not sure who I want to replace more.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 31, 2011 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh, wait, my numbers are incomplete… Don’t include the season finale.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Mar 31, 2011 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Bigg vs. Colombo

Bigg showed some signs of improvement once Garrett took over. While I respect Colombo more because he is always a warrior but clearly his body is failing him and he can’t improve his play even under better coaching, Bigg can at least be average (if not motivated enough to be above average) next season. Let’s not forget he was pro bowl caliber OG. And frankly, I would like to replace Bigg and Kosier sooner than later.

by Kegbearer on Mar 31, 2011 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Chandus you also have to take into account that Spears getting hurt change the dynamic of the DL.

Spears is a lot more valuable than people give him credit for being. Yes he is primarily a 2 down DE, but I think he would be effective as a 4-3 DT next to Ratliff as well.

IMO Spencer should be in the perfect for Rob’s defense. He is good against the run and solid as a pass rusher. He has the ability to play DE in 4 man lines as well.

Wars are won in the trenches and we need some new big uglies!

by BigDinLA on Apr 1, 2011 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions

You think that Parcells and Wade haven't tried that?

Yes he is primarily a 2 down DE, but I think he would be effective as a 4-3 DT next to Ratliff as well.

Ever since 2005 the 4-man fronts in pass rush situations have been a staple of what the Cowboys D, when Parcells was in town the DTs were Ratliff and a combination of Canty, Kenyon Coleman and Hatcher. With Wade a combination of Bowen, Hatcher, Tank Johnson and Ratliff.

Spears was never part of the rotation. I guess that it’s more about how they didn’t liked what they saw from him in the position as opposed to how stupid they were for not trying Spears in the position. But that’s my opinion.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Apr 1, 2011 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Pick 9: Cameron Jordan, DE (who’s surprized?)

As surprised as at Chia’s Smith pick.

You make a good, and obvious, point about postional dependencies. Applies to any unit on a team. Your preference and evaluation says go DL just as others’ say go OL. Both vaild.

Where’s that killer, no-miss ILB/safety hybrid superstar stud el numero uno pick I want at 9?

Weltschmerzen.

by tanstaafl on Mar 31, 2011 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions

I want a DE. Badly.

As Lissyyyyy has previously said: “Sean Lissemore is a great player, but he can only man one spot.”

by One.Cool.Customer on Mar 31, 2011 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Then lets trade back into the bottom of the first and grab Wilkerson.

Wars are won in the trenches and we need some new big uglies!

by BigDinLA on Apr 1, 2011 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

3-4 DE's we can get with lower round picks

4 and Lower really. This isn’t the draft that we should be looking for a DE that high. I would rather get a line men in the first couple of rounds than a DE.

F**** establishing a culture, we need to establish dominance...

by Holchr31 on Mar 31, 2011 4:45 PM CDT reply actions

+1

I really want a good DL prospect from this draft. But with such depth at the DL position, I am one to say go against the trend, get one of the best players in another position and then you will still get a quality DL prospect because of the depth at the position. Not sure I want to wait until the 4th, but there are some interesting late round DL prospects with potential.

by Kegbearer on Apr 1, 2011 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions