[doomsday_II]

Originally Posted by TruBlueCowboy

I'm reading more and more about the Ravens who are going 4-3 now but are also going to go back to their defensive coordinator's (he is Buddy Ryan's kid) 4-6 roots. The more I read about it, the more it makes sense for their roster, and I think it would have made sense on the Cowboys too. I can't help but fear Dallas is going 3-4 just because it's the old defense that won Parcells his Super Bowls, not because it's practical for the team right now. I write this even with the draft picks the Cowboys scored.

[View Full Quote]Ray Lewis commented recently to the media that he was ecstatic to be running the 4-3 now because he was sick of going up against offensive linemen and wanted to go after the running back more often. Well, Lewis has never been the biggest linebacker, and I remember size questions when he came out fo college, so I imagine Dat Nguyen (and possibly other undersized misplaced guys like Singleton) is probably dreading this new defense too. I see a disaster in the making, especially because the Cowboys aren't going after bigger vets such as Peter Boulware.

Wouldn't the Cowboys work out well with some 4-6 looks with Roy Williams playing the classic "46" linebacker/safety role? Dallas has two hybrid linebackers/defensive end pass rushers in Ware and Thornton who I'm sure would do great in a 4-6. And most importantly, they now have the corners to play it. I think Glenn is very underrated, I wouldn't be surprised if he could actually win a starting spot. We find out now that Newman's diminished play last year was because of an injury, and Henry is the best the Cowboys have had since Kevin Smith to compliment their best corner. The 4-6 forces turnovers and wouldn't be a permanent fixture, just something to apply the heat when needed. Makes more sense to stay 4-3, give some 4-6 or occasional 3-4 for the heat they want, instead of going all the way with this new 3-4.

As others have mentioned, why play fellas like Shanle when you can put Glover on the field? It just makes sense to keep the 4-3. Glover will be a new man with someone like Ferguson taking double-teams. Dat Nguyen seems like the type of guy you always want going sideline-to-sideline whether it be the 4-3 or 4-6.

Anyone else starting to feel some panic about this new 3-4? The Cowboys sure are depending on a lot of inexperienced young guys and players probably not fit for the 3-4. It would make more sense to be a 4-3 and give some 4-6/3-4 looks. I wonder if it's a desperate attempt by Parcells to try and go out in a blaze of glory. It doesn't seem like the same methodical approach he has had to everything else. I wonder if he was too conservative last year and too rash this year?

Buddy Ryans Bears and philly defenses were the two most feared defenses in past memory. Four dominating defensive linemen and two rush backers are the prerequisite. If our rookies come through it would be doable.