Dallas Cowboys News & Notes: Can Cowboys Defense Build On "Decent Debut?"

Cowboys' maligned D tries to build on decent debut - The Tennessean
"Decent debut?" I was told this was going to be the worst defense in the history of the universe! Always interesting to read a take from a source outside of the hometown histrionics and headline hunters.

Rod Marinelli, Dallas Cowboys seeking turnovers - Jean-Jacques Taylor, ESPN Dallas
The Cowboys dialed up the focus on turnovers in practice this week after coming up empty against the 49ers on Sunday.

"We ended up playing solid as a defense. We didn't make enough plays," Marinelli said about the 49ers game.

"We hustled. We hit. We were fairly physical but we need the back row to get the picks and lock them down. We need the front to make the sack fumble and the linebackers to get a pick when they have it. We gotta get the playmakers to step up, and that's the challenge this week."

Henry Melton ready to start, play more snaps for Dallas Cowboys - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Henry Melton didn't start last week, and only played 26 of 58 snaps. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli believes Melton can be most effective at 38-40 snaps a game.

"A guy like him you don’t want to wear him down because of his quickness," Marinelli said. "I’m hoping around that and keep kind of having the chance to rotate all these guys last week and continue to do that."

"You can’t really max out like you want every play and still be ready to go in the fourth quarter," Melton said. "I have played with Rod for a few years. He knows when I am at my best and how many plays."

Final Thoughts For Titans - Bryan Broaddus, DallasCowboys.com
The Broad One offers six points to watch in the game, two on the defensive line, one of which is about putting pass rushers inside against the Titans:

Speaking of defensive tackles for the Cowboys, keep an eye on how they line up against left guard Andy Levitre for the Titans. Levitre really struggled against the Chiefs and dealing with the power of Allen Bailey when he lined up on his nose. This also might be a good matchup to put Jeremy Mincey or Tyrone Crawford inside and have them straight power rush him to see if they can push the pocket on Jake Locker.

Dallas Cowboys DeMarco Murray among NFL's best backs? - Tim MacMahon, ESPN Dallas
I do not understand why there's a question mark in the title.

Jerry Jones: Dallas Cowboys are focused on games, not a Dez Bryant contract extension | Jon Machota, DMN
Good things come to those who wait.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys will beat Tennessee Titans - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Archer likes the Cowboys for the win on Sunday, to the tune of 27-23.

Cowboys leave door open for CB Orlando Scandrick to play against Tennessee if suspension lifted | David Moore, DMN
The timing is very tight, but there's a chance Scandrick could come back for Sunday's game, even if he hasn't practiced with the team in two weeks.

"I think we will look at all options,’’ Garrett said. "Certainly, Orlando being a veteran player who knows our system, has played a lot of football in this league, you will try to give him as much consideration as possible."

"We’ll wait and see what happens as this day unfolds. Obviously, we have everyone else prepared and ready to play in this game. We’ll try to make our best decision.’’

In the meantime, we've learned that despite the players voting on the new drug policy, the teams were informed late last night that with no final deal in place, it’s unlikely the affected suspensions will be lifted before Sunday.

Cowboys' Orlando Scandrick lands in Woodland Hills - LA Times
Looks like Scandrick put his suspension time to good use. After selling his Hollywood Hills house last month, Scandrick moved up a couple of exits on the 101 with a $1.755-million home purchase in Woodland Hills.

Dallas Cowboys' Justin Durant ruled out of Sunday's game - ESPN Dallas
As expected, Justin Durant was ruled out of the Titans game with a groin injury. Defensive end Lavar Edwards was also ruled out, while safety C.J. Spillman is questionable.

Why does Cowboys coach Jason Garrett insist on saying all injured players are day-to-day? | David Moore, DMN
Good question. Here's why:

"Don’t really concern ourselves with what people think honestly,’’ Garrett said. "We’re going to try to evaluate the players day by day. There are rules in this league for how you want to list players based on what they do in practice over the course of the week and then at the end of the week we list what their status is for the game."

"We have some initial estimates as to how long a player might be out, but oftentimes those estimates aren’t always true. Our medical people do the best job they can in making those judgments, but different players respond differently to injuries. So we’ll evaluate them day by day.’’