Under pressure

by Dave Halprin on Sep 5, 2006 11:20 AM CDT in Dallas Cowboys News

It's no big secret around the NFL, if you want to stop Drew Bledsoe the best way to do it is to pressure him, especially up the middle. The Jacksonville defense has Bledsoe on the brain.

"We know basically how Drew is," Jaguars defensive end Paul Spicer said. "When he was with Buffalo during Jack's [Del Rio] first year [2003], he came in here and picked us apart. We know he can play."

The Jaguars also are aware of Bledsoe's other side - his penchant for bad decision-making under pressure. In seven losses last season, Bledsoe threw for a little more than a touchdown (1.14) and nearly two interceptions (1.71) per game, and he was sacked more than three times (3.57) per outing.

Bledsoe also fumbled at least once in six of the seven losses and twice in three of them. Dallas' offensive line gave up 50 sacks in 2005, a 14-sack increase from the previous season.

Those stats pretty much say it all. But, there is hope from the preseason that Dallas has made some corrections to protect Bledsoe. The Jags agree.

"They've got a solid o-line, so we haven't seen anything on film that will make us think, 'Hey, this is going to be an easy day at the office,'" Jaguars defensive tackle Marcus Stroud said. "We know if we allow Drew to sit in the pocket, he's going to pick us apart."

The flip side of that coin is that the Jags aren't exactly the best at protecting their QB, Byron Leftwich, either.

The Jaguars tried to beef up their offensive line during the off-season by signing former first-round draft picks Mike Williams and Stockar McDougle. But Williams reinjured his back early in training camp and was placed on injured reserve. McDougle provided little competition and was relegated to a backup role.

Leftwich's protection may have other problems, too. Not only did five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Smith retire, leaving Leftwich with an inexperienced group of receivers, but starting fullback Greg Jones tore a knee ligament in the pre-season and is out for the year.

And Kyle Brady, once considered to be the best run-blocking tight end in the league, is nearly 35 years old and could lose playing time to George Wrighster and first-round draft pick Marcedes Lewis.

The Jags front four have been lauded many times as among the best in football, but don't forget that the Dallas defense is also pretty darn good. And our o-line did pretty well in the preseason at protecting Bledsoe, the Jags o-line didn't fare as well.

Jacksonville's line didn't fare much better this pre-season, allowing Leftwich to be sacked seven times in three games.

Todd Archer echoes the theme of protecting Bledsoe up the middle as a key to our success.

When the Cowboys signed Drew Bledsoe last year, they made a point of mentioning they had to be stout on the interior of the offensive line. Jacksonville brings Marcus Stroud and John Henderson to the table, perhaps the best defensive tackle pairing in the league. Not only are they factors in the run, but they can cause problems in the passing game. Center Andre Gurode will be tested.

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Comments

woot

I am ready for some football.

by Parl on Sep 5, 2006 11:30 AM CDT reply actions

Engel

what's up with her? Is she really as stupid as she sounds?

by Longhorn @ Blogging The Boys on Sep 5, 2006 12:13 PM CDT reply actions

The debate is still ongoing...

Is she really as stupid as she sounds, or is she playing a gimmick to stir up controversy.

Any takers on either side of the issue?

If you're reading this, you could be commenting, too. Sign up for a free account on Blogging The Boys.

by Dave Halprin on Sep 5, 2006 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Lost

Where does this question originate?

by Badknees on Sep 5, 2006 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Same question

What does Engel have to do with the topic here?

by llutherr on Sep 5, 2006 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions

one vote

for me, her defiant and vocal personal loyalties to Drew Henson puts her in the "stupid" camp, where she has company with Mosely and Fraley.

by jsdoty on Sep 5, 2006 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Worse than that

is her lack of integrity. Her ability to read minds and get quotes that were never said would be amazing in a circus. Here it is sad and unwanted.

by lee3022 on Sep 6, 2006 1:53 AM CDT up reply actions

QB Protection

They will have no running game to offset there passing attack. Leftawich will be running for his life, inspecting the turf, and gazing into the Florida skyline all evening! He will learn to hate the blue jerseys because thats all he's going to see!

by Badknees on Sep 5, 2006 12:17 PM CDT reply actions

all defense

I anticipate that the first team to score 17 points will easily win the game. Our running game will more than likely get shut down and I doubt that Bledsoe will have all day to throw.

When Jax has the ball, badknees is right, Leftwich will be running for his life and Taylor will be shut down. If they do get some protection for Leftwich, they'll probably try to pick on Glenn as I think the shortest Jax wr is 6-3.

"They're going to leave me over here by myself and thats when I'm gonna sink my fangs into them." - Terry Glenn

by Terry on Sep 5, 2006 12:29 PM CDT reply actions

It might be the first team to 10 pts

I'm seeing a 17 points combined in this one.

by APerfectStar on Sep 5, 2006 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Good observation both

There is an x factor for both teams and that is WR. Owens can make things happen and can take over a game. His motivation must be extremely high. Jones presents a combination of size and speed that seems hard to believe. Look at his long TD catches in preseason. So each QB has an undertested WR that can be difference makers. I think 0-0 or 21-20 are both possible.

by lee3022 on Sep 6, 2006 1:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Bledsoe is going to be on his butt a lot...

But we just need to give him enough time to hit a couple of big plays and we're straight...

He hit the turf a lot versus KC, SD and Carolina, but the line gave him enough time for big plays, and ample time when he needed it...

by Tuna Helper on Sep 5, 2006 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

Bucs signed Dennis Roland OT

to their practice squad per KFFL report.

by APerfectStar on Sep 5, 2006 3:14 PM CDT reply actions

OL prospects

What is Parcells opposition to keeping a OT prospect on the Practice squad? Roland snatched up by TB! Yet we still hold Kincade, Skyler Green, I'm sorry but this guy doesn't impress me in any way, shape or form! Butler everybody says he's to slow, is he suddenly going to get 4.5 speed? Hell, I wonder if Johnson will make it to the PS?

by Badknees on Sep 5, 2006 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I think Roland

is not better than someone we draft next year and is of no immediate use this year. If we have injuries we are more likely to look at FA veterans still out there. Kinkaid must have shown Coach something as he hangs around each year. If we lose a RB he likely moves onto the active list.

Remember that Tampa Bay gave money to Torin Tucker this year. Their tackle woes are much greater than ours, I think.

by lee3022 on Sep 6, 2006 2:02 AM CDT up reply actions