DMN: Moore: Why Cowboys' D is on pace to allow most points in team history

[BrAinPaiNt]

David Moore

IRVING – With 17 days left in the calendar year, it's time to look at some of the cold, hard truths that have unfolded in the worlds of entertainment and sports.

Q: Who has hurt their reputation most these past 12 months?

A. Singer Kanye West.

B. Actor Mel Gibson.

C. Former husband and chopper enthusiast Jesse James.

D. The Cowboys defense.

E. All of the above.

The correct answer is E. Our winners will receive an autographed photo of Taylor Swift and a blindfold to wear when the Cowboys defense takes the field over these final three games.

The defense is on pace to give up the most points in franchise history. The Cowboys have already allowed 116 more points than they did all of last season, when a strong finish persuaded some to draw comparisons to Doomsday of a bygone era.

The names and jersey numbers remain largely the same, but the result is vastly different. This group has lost its defensive identity. It doesn't shut down the run, gets minimal pressure on the quarterback and gives up way too many big plays through the air.

A defense that allowed 30 or more points twice last season has done so six times in 2010. The Cowboys have given up 30 or more points in three consecutive games.

Read More http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/121410dnspocowinsider.352ea50.html

[Chuck 54]

We need help at almost every position on defense.

However, I don't see us looking for CB with our first pick...that would be a lot of money to tie up, assuming you're moving Jenkins or Newman to backup duty...I don't see it happening in the big picture. I think we'll look CB in round 2 or 3.

Safety seems the most natural position to draft...I could see us taking the kid out of Clemson...he can play SS or FS. Currently, we have a lot of safeties on the team, and we kept some young guys who are more SS types. I like what we've gotten from Sensabaugh, but I could see us letting him walk. Ball would compete with the 2nd year players, including AOA, and any possible draft selection...we may see him improving our depth back at CB. A #4 CB with FS experience is a valuable spot on the roster.

So at least 1 draft spot will go to CB and possibly one to safety.

I think we'll definitely add another ILB, a big run stuffer, blitzer, whom we don't mind taking out in some passing situations...rounds 2-4 or FA.

With where we are drafting, I definitely lean most heavily towards a DL in round 1...either a NT, allowing Ratliff to move out to end, or a DE with athletic ability, like Frailey from Auburn.

My best guess if we don't pick up additional picks:
1. DL
2. OG
3. CB
4. ILB

[jman]

David Moore

IRVING – With 17 days left in the calendar year, it's time to look at some of the cold, hard truths that have unfolded in the worlds of entertainment and sports.

Q: Who has hurt their reputation most these past 12 months?

A. Singer Kanye West.

B. Actor Mel Gibson.

C. Former husband and chopper enthusiast Jesse James.

D. The Cowboys defense.

E. All of the above.

The correct answer is E. Our winners will receive an autographed photo of Taylor Swift and a blindfold to wear when the Cowboys defense takes the field over these final three games.

The defense is on pace to give up the most points in franchise history. The Cowboys have already allowed 116 more points than they did all of last season, when a strong finish persuaded some to draw comparisons to Doomsday of a bygone era.

The names and jersey numbers remain largely the same, but the result is vastly different. This group has lost its defensive identity. It doesn't shut down the run, gets minimal pressure on the quarterback and gives up way too many big plays through the air.

A defense that allowed 30 or more points twice last season has done so six times in 2010. The Cowboys have given up 30 or more points in three consecutive games.

Read More http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/121410dnspocowinsider.352ea50.html

David Moore, please extend a thank you for this column idea to Bob Sturm. I swear, the crew at the DMN are a bunch of no talent hacks with no original idea's of their own.