Defensive performance against rookie QBs

[perrykemp]

Generally I am happy with the defense, however, there are a couple of things that trouble me when I have my daydreams about plausible scenarios where the Cowboys get to the Superbowl (I know... crazy):

• They haven't done well against rookie QBs. I was shocked at Weeden's performance today
• The lack of pass rush. The lack of defensive pressure is one of the most troubling indcators of a team that isn't SB worthy.
• Lack of interceptions. I guess I was hoping for more than 7 they are on track for this season.

I guess in summary, while I am happy the Cowboy's defense is in the tops of the league yardage wise, the fact that they can't generate a decent pass rush -- especially against rookie QBs AND the fact that they can't be counted on to generate many turnovers are the most troubling signs that the team isn't quite ready to lead the team on any sort of playoff run quite yet -- especially considering the inconsistency of the offense.

I am pinning my hopes on defensive improvement at this point on the fact I think Mo is maturing and will start generating more turnovers at we enter the final stretch.

[sonnyboy]

Originally Posted by perrykemp

Generally I am happy with the defense, however, there are a couple of things that trouble me when I have my daydreams about plausible scenarios where the Cowboys get to the Superbowl (I know... crazy):

• They haven't done well against rookie QBs. I was shocked at Weeden's performance today
• The lack of pass rush. The lack of defensive pressure is one of the most troubling indcators of a team that isn't SB worthy.
• Lack of interceptions. I guess I was hoping for more than 7 they are on track for this season.

I guess in summary, while I am happy the Cowboy's defense is in the tops of the league yardage wise, the fact that they can't generate a decent pass rush -- especially against rookie QBs AND the fact that they can't be counted on to generate many turnovers are the most troubling signs that the team isn't quite ready to lead the team on any sort of playoff run quite yet -- especially considering the inconsistency of the offense.

[View Full Quote]I am pinning my hopes on defensive improvement at this point on the fact I think Mo is maturing and will start generating more turnovers at we enter the final stretch.

QBs don't pass block. Where do you rank the Browns OL? Have we faced a btter one this season? I say no and thankfully won't see another one this good the rest of the way.

[perrykemp]

Originally Posted by sonnyboy

QBs don't pass block. Where do you rank the Browns OL? Have we faced a btter one this season? I say no and thankfully won't see another one this good the rest of the way.

I get it -- Cleveland has a good OL. Unfortunately the Seahawks didn't have a good OL and the Cowboys only managed two sacks against Wilson.

I guess I am just frustrated that all these rookies QB are averaging a 100+ QB rating against the defense -- it's a bad bad sign.

[Dave_in-NC]

Rushing three isn't going to stop any QB. Then them completing pases while loaded in the defensive back field is salt in the wound.

[Zordon]

they need to get more athletic up front. they have too many fat slow footed players up front. notice we don't bat any balls down upfront too.

[perrykemp]

Originally Posted by Zordon

they need to get more athletic up front. they have too many fat slow footed players up front. notice we don't bat any balls down upfront too.

Great point.

I'd suspect that JJ Watt has more batted balls than the entire Cowboys DL.

[AdamJT13]

Originally Posted by perrykemp

I get it -- Cleveland has a good OL. Unfortunately the Seahawks didn't have a good OL and the Cowboys only managed two sacks against Wilson.

The Seahawks have allowed only 19 sacks this season, and the Browns have allowed only 16. That's an average of 1.9 and 1.6 per game. We got two against each even though both of them fewer passes than normal.

With that said, I thought it was stupid to drop eight into zones early in the game against a rookie quarterback. All that did was let him get comfortable. I'd rather try to get heavy pressure early and make him uncomfortable.

[Dave_in-NC]

[quote=AdamJT13;4847995]The Seahawks have allowed only 19 sacks this season, and the Browns have allowed only 16. That's an average of 1.9 and 1.6 per game. We got two against each even though both of them fewer passes than normal.

With that said, I thought it was stupid to drop eight into zones early in the game against a rookie quarterback. All that did was let him get comfortable. I'd rather try to get heavy pressure early and make him uncomfortable.[/QUOTE]

That's two of us. Why not go after these kids? Not like they are setting the NFL on fire. We do that aginst RG3 he's going to set a rushing record.

[AdamJT13]

Originally Posted by Dave_in-NC

That's two of us. Why not go after these kids? Not like they are setting the NFL on fire. We do that aginst RG3 he's going to set a rushing record.

If you're worried about scrambling, zone is actually better because everyone is facing the QB. If you're playing man-to-man and your players turn and follow the receiver, the QB can take off, which is why you'd want to have a spy.

[BAT]

Thread needs to be stickied. OL is not the only thing that will keep Cowboys out of playoffs.

[IrishAnto]

Originally Posted by perrykemp

Generally I am happy with the defense, however, there are a couple of things that trouble me when I have my daydreams about plausible scenarios where the Cowboys get to the Superbowl (I know... crazy):

• They haven't done well against rookie QBs. I was shocked at Weeden's performance today
• The lack of pass rush. The lack of defensive pressure is one of the most troubling indcators of a team that isn't SB worthy.
• Lack of interceptions. I guess I was hoping for more than 7 they are on track for this season.

I guess in summary, while I am happy the Cowboy's defense is in the tops of the league yardage wise, the fact that they can't generate a decent pass rush -- especially against rookie QBs AND the fact that they can't be counted on to generate many turnovers are the most troubling signs that the team isn't quite ready to lead the team on any sort of playoff run quite yet -- especially considering the inconsistency of the offense.

[View Full Quote]I am pinning my hopes on defensive improvement at this point on the fact I think Mo is maturing and will start generating more turnovers at we enter the final stretch.

I can’t see how anyone can be happy with a defnese that’s as bad as we are at generating turnovers especially when the Cowboys spend so much of their top draft picks and free agents on that side of the ball.

At the rate we’re going there is no way we’ll make the playoffs never mind win a Super Bowl.

“Yards allowed” is not nearly as meaningful as Turnovers generated.