What does this defense need to be elite?

[Hawkeye0202]

this can’t be said often enough

defenses that can stop the run and pressure the passer with front 4 are tough to beat

True but they are rare, especially playing together for an entire season........thinking the 49ers 2 years and WFT last year.

 

[visionary]

True but they are rare, especially playing together for an entire season........thinking the 49ers 2 years and WFT last year.

we can have that if we get a dominant DT

 

[cmoney23]

It used to seem like we were just one or two players from having an elite offense. Now, I feel like we can say that about our defense. It's already looking very good, but what do we need to take it over the top?

Here's my opinion:

1) Left cornerback. Anthony Brown has played about as well as he can, but if we can find a high-caliber starting corner to pair with Diggs, it'll be tough for QBs to figure who to attack. The good news is that we might already have that player in Joseph.

2) Interior defensive lineman on the same level as Lawrence and Gregory. I think we've got some decent young tackles in Gallimore and Odighizuwa, but we don't have that disruptor that teams have to scheme against. Maybe the young guys can develop into that kind of player, but it's not a given.

3) Ball-hawking free safety. While we could have the first two positions mentioned already on this team, our options are more limited at FS. Mukuamu is really our only hope there, and it's a big ask for him to become that player. I'm not down on Kazee and Hooker and would like to have at least one return, but any upgrade we'll probably have to come through the draft.

4) Second linebacker to pair with Parsons. LVE hasn't turned into what we hoped when we drafted him. He's most likely gone next year. Maybe Jabril Cox can replace him, but he seems more like a replacement for Neal based on his skill set. If we had a run-destroying linebacker who could cover to line up with Parsons, we'd be very solid in the middle.

Because we have Joseph, I think our focus defensively next year needs to be on those other three positions. What we have this year is more than many of us expected, and maybe with a few more additions, we can get back to Doomsday.

Our defense is elite...

The defense wasn't meant to be a run-stuffing, don't score defense. Those don't work in today's NFL.

It was built to be exactly what they are. A TO machine.
Today's NFL is all about possessions. Unless you get a defense so dominant that they force 3 and outs time and time again, you need to take the ball away to give your team more possessions. This D does that and is elite. They need to keep drafting and cultivating depth and keep with this defense's identity. Play fast, take the ball away.

 

[CowboyRoy]

It used to seem like we were just one or two players from having an elite offense. Now, I feel like we can say that about our defense. It's already looking very good, but what do we need to take it over the top?

Here's my opinion:

1) Left cornerback. Anthony Brown has played about as well as he can, but if we can find a high-caliber starting corner to pair with Diggs, it'll be tough for QBs to figure who to attack. The good news is that we might already have that player in Joseph.

2) Interior defensive lineman on the same level as Lawrence and Gregory. I think we've got some decent young tackles in Gallimore and Odighizuwa, but we don't have that disruptor that teams have to scheme against. Maybe the young guys can develop into that kind of player, but it's not a given.

3) Ball-hawking free safety. While we could have the first two positions mentioned already on this team, our options are more limited at FS. Mukuamu is really our only hope there, and it's a big ask for him to become that player. I'm not down on Kazee and Hooker and would like to have at least one return, but any upgrade we'll probably have to come through the draft.

4) Second linebacker to pair with Parsons. LVE hasn't turned into what we hoped when we drafted him. He's most likely gone next year. Maybe Jabril Cox can replace him, but he seems more like a replacement for Neal based on his skill set. If we had a run-destroying linebacker who could cover to line up with Parsons, we'd be very solid in the middle.

Because we have Joseph, I think our focus defensively next year needs to be on those other three positions. What we have this year is more than many of us expected, and maybe with a few more additions, we can get back to Doomsday.

It already is elite.

 

[Bullflop]

If Joseph develops at light speed, and can elevate this already impressive secondary, and we roll into the post season with the ability to play matchup starters that can be deployed when needed vs the Cooper Cupps, Devonte Adams, Mike Evans of the NFC,, then I believe we are already looking at an "elite" defense, at least the best we are going to see for a very long time.
Going to be extremely difficult to keep this together, so Im just enjoying this very special group we have right now this season...
Lets go win this 6th ring now, and worry about next season next season.

I've been encouraged, of late, with the progress displayed by Kelvin Joseph, even though he's been absent, action-wise, for a while now. If he turns out to be what he seems to be lately, we'll have quite an impressive secondary addition to bolster our defensive mix. You're probably right about it being a long time before we're able to match what we have going on our defense right now. To be totally honest, it's extremely difficult, at least, for our FO to sustain such a talented conglomeration of players that we have in house at this time.

We do appear to be in the best position in several long decades to challenge for postseason glory. Here's hoping this organization manages to make the best of it. I'm, actually, quite exuberantly excited for the promising chances to win generously this year. I'm saying this, all the while, trying to avoid getting totally carried away. Any mention of the words Super Bowl seems overly presumptuous at this somewhat early juncture.
Nevertheless, here it is -- I've gone and said it.

 

[Walker]

Sign Gregory, hooker, and maybe one other for the D.

Draft: DT (can never go wrong with depth here), OL (LG/Center), TE since we may lose schultz, and replace LVE.

 

[glimmerman]

Ya know I am not going to complain to much. These DTs are getting it done and we have enough to keep a fresh rotation with out a huge drop off. Considering what we have had in the past..

 

[gimmesix]

Our defense is elite...

The defense wasn't meant to be a run-stuffing, don't score defense. Those don't work in today's NFL.

It was built to be exactly what they are. A TO machine.
Today's NFL is all about possessions. Unless you get a defense so dominant that they force 3 and outs time and time again, you need to take the ball away to give your team more possessions. This D does that and is elite. They need to keep drafting and cultivating depth and keep with this defense's identity. Play fast, take the ball away.

It appears several of you believe that. I think we're still a few players away and don't think we've had a signature defensive victory to show we're elite unless we want to count beating the weak offenses of the Saints, Giants and Commanders. Holding the Vikings to 16 and Chiefs to 19 might be our best defensive efforts, but that same defense also gave up 30 to the Broncos and 36 to the Raiders. I think the points we surrendered in those two games would be fewer now, though. The Arizona game might go a long way toward showing whether the ones of you who think we're elite are correct, but the Cards have scored 12 and 16 in their last two games, so their offense hasn't exactly been high-powered of late.

 

[Cowpolk]

All players back and healthy would be a nice start

 

[CowboyFrog]

It appears several of you believe that. I think we're still a few players away and don't think we've had a signature defensive victory to show we're elite unless we want to count beating the weak offenses of the Saints, Giants and Football Team. Holding the Vikings to 16 and Chiefs to 19 might be our best defensive efforts, but that same defense also gave up 30 to the Broncos and 36 to the Raiders. I think the points we surrendered in those two games would be fewer now, though. The Arizona game might go a long way toward showing whether the ones of you who think we're elite are correct, but the Cards have scored 12 and 16 in their last two games, so their offense hasn't exactly been high-powered of late.

Depends on your definition of elite....how many stud players do you feel like the Cowboys defense has compared to a defense you consider elite right now?

 

[ghst187]

Step 1: Keep Jayron Kearse and Randy Gregory

this for sure. Not only do we have playmakers but we have depth…esp along the DL. That’s hard to get. I’d like to keep that. First addition if I can find one is a good FS then another LB, although I think Jabril Is that guy next year. We will still need more LBers.

 

[gimmesix]

Depends on your definition of elite....how many stud players do you feel like the Cowboys defense has compared to a defense you consider elite right now?

I'd say we have five (Lawrence, Gregory, Parsons, Diggs and Kearse). That's plenty of studs. We just need some very good players to fill in around them, although having a stud DT in the middle to make all those rushers even more effective would be good.

Not sure I consider any defense elite this year. Elite is the 2000 Baltimore defense, the 1985 Bears, the 2015 Broncos, the 2002 Bucs, the 2013 Seahawks. My point is that I think we're only a few players away from being mentioned in the same breath as those. I'm not saying we have to have a defense like those to win since we've got a pretty good offense.

 

[CowboyFrog]

I'd say we have five (Lawrence, Gregory, Parsons, Diggs and Kearse). That's plenty of studs. We just need some very good players to fill in around them, although having a stud DT in the middle to make all those rushers even more effective would be good.

Not sure I consider any defense elite this year. Elite is the 2000 Baltimore defense, the 1985 Bears, the 2015 Broncos, the 2002 Bucs, the 2013 Seahawks. My point is that I think we're only a few players away from being mentioned in the same breath as those. I'm not saying we have to have a defense like those to win since we've got a pretty good offense.

Not trying to be smartarse for real but kick out the 85 bears and 02 bucs...How far are we really from being the 2013 Seahawks with a damn good offense? With all the players back healthy, we are pretty close. Kinda go down the list and match them up...you might suprise yourself to be honest.

 

[gimmesix]

Not trying to be smartarse for real but kick out the 85 bears and 02 bucs...How far are we really from being the 2013 Seahawks with a damn good offense? With all the players back healthy, we are pretty close. Kinda go down the list and match them up...you might suprise yourself to be honest.

They were better at FS (Earl Thomas vs. Kazee), OLB (Bobby Wagner vs. LVE) and second CB (Byron Maxwell vs. Brown). Clinton McDonald had 5.5 sacks on the defensive interior, so I'm not sure we've got a match for that although McDonald certainly isn't an elite player. Bennett (8.5 sacks) and Avril (8) led the way for the pass rushers, and I think we might be a little better than that with Lawrence, Gregory and Parsons, but it's close. Chancellor was at least slightly better than Kearse has been.

Most of those are the positions I've mentioned where I think we can improve and reach elite status.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Teams were single blocking our NT to success until Gallimore came back. He has been making them pay.

Our FS lacking the range to get underneath deep throws and allowing big plays has been our biggest issue. Similarly better range and physicality than what we get from LVE would help to a lesser extent.

I think a Justin Simmons helps us more than a Vita Vea. Kazee is our weakest link.

 

[Typhus]

Someone elite to replace LVE

LVE is starting to make plays again,, he is buying into not having to be in the hero roll.
I eagerly await LVE making a wolf call during the post season.
I want to hear the howl,, if we hear that ever again,, this defense is playing lights out and nobody wants to face it.
LVE making plays means every player on this defense is playing as a cohesive unit,, that is a good thing to have.

 

[buybuydandavis]

It used to seem like we were just one or two players from having an elite offense. Now, I feel like we can say that about our defense. It's already looking very good, but what do we need to take it over the top?

Here's my opinion:

1) Left cornerback. Anthony Brown has played about as well as he can, but if we can find a high-caliber starting corner to pair with Diggs, it'll be tough for QBs to figure who to attack. The good news is that we might already have that player in Joseph.

2) Interior defensive lineman on the same level as Lawrence and Gregory. I think we've got some decent young tackles in Gallimore and Odighizuwa, but we don't have that disruptor that teams have to scheme against. Maybe the young guys can develop into that kind of player, but it's not a given.

3) Ball-hawking free safety. While we could have the first two positions mentioned already on this team, our options are more limited at FS. Mukuamu is really our only hope there, and it's a big ask for him to become that player. I'm not down on Kazee and Hooker and would like to have at least one return, but any upgrade we'll probably have to come through the draft.

4) Second linebacker to pair with Parsons. LVE hasn't turned into what we hoped when we drafted him. He's most likely gone next year. Maybe Jabril Cox can replace him, but he seems more like a replacement for Neal based on his skill set. If we had a run-destroying linebacker who could cover to line up with Parsons, we'd be very solid in the middle.

Because we have Joseph, I think our focus defensively next year needs to be on those other three positions. What we have this year is more than many of us expected, and maybe with a few more additions, we can get back to Doomsday.

Lots of guys gone next year. All the safeties but Wilson, who will be in his contract year. Gregory and Armstrong. Parsons probably takes over lots of Gregory's pure pass rush snaps.

Joseph should be penciled in as the eventual starter at LCB.

It's safety and DT as needs. Again. Forever.

 

[gimmesix]

Lots of guys gone next year. All the safeties but Wilson, who will be in his contract year. Gregory and Armstrong. Parsons probably takes over lots of Gregory's pure pass rush snaps.

Joseph should be penciled in as the eventual starter at LCB.

It's safety and DT as needs. Again. Forever.

Here I thought Wilson was a FA next year. Looked it up just now. Nice to see that I was wrong. Hope it doesn't affect them bringing back Kearse, though. I think either Kazee or Hooker will return for cheap as well (think Kearse will be more expensive than them).

Think we let Neal go with an eye toward Cox, or Kearse if necessary, taking that spot. If Jabril proves to be a three-down LB, he can take LVE's starting spot as well. Could see Watkins return for cheap in a rotational role.

Corner depth is set for next year (Diggs, Joseph, Brown, Lewis, Wright). DE depth also is probably set (Lawrence, Gregory, Basham, Golston ... would have liked to have held on to Kamara). We'll likely add a tackle, especially if both Urban and Watkins leave. We'll add at least one to two linebackers if LVE and Neal leave. It's possible we'll need two safeties, although I think we'll sign Kearse, so we'll have him Wilson and Mukuamu. Really need an FS starter since everyone we have coming back other than Mukuamu is a SS type. Got a few guys on the practice squad who could claim a spot, like Tyler Coyle.

I will be extremely surprised if Gregory is not re-signed.

 

[5Stars]

It used to seem like we were just one or two players from having an elite offense. Now, I feel like we can say that about our defense. It's already looking very good, but what do we need to take it over the top?

Here's my opinion:

1) Left cornerback. Anthony Brown has played about as well as he can, but if we can find a high-caliber starting corner to pair with Diggs, it'll be tough for QBs to figure who to attack. The good news is that we might already have that player in Joseph.

2) Interior defensive lineman on the same level as Lawrence and Gregory. I think we've got some decent young tackles in Gallimore and Odighizuwa, but we don't have that disruptor that teams have to scheme against. Maybe the young guys can develop into that kind of player, but it's not a given.

3) Ball-hawking free safety. While we could have the first two positions mentioned already on this team, our options are more limited at FS. Mukuamu is really our only hope there, and it's a big ask for him to become that player. I'm not down on Kazee and Hooker and would like to have at least one return, but any upgrade we'll probably have to come through the draft.

4) Second linebacker to pair with Parsons. LVE hasn't turned into what we hoped when we drafted him. He's most likely gone next year. Maybe Jabril Cox can replace him, but he seems more like a replacement for Neal based on his skill set. If we had a run-destroying linebacker who could cover to line up with Parsons, we'd be very solid in the middle.

Because we have Joseph, I think our focus defensively next year needs to be on those other three positions. What we have this year is more than many of us expected, and maybe with a few more additions, we can get back to Doomsday.

Nothing...it already is, looking for the next victims...trying to take my football away....? Watch out...

 

[dcstar]

'85 Bears are the gold standard. Ask yourself...how do the 2021 Dallas Cowboys stack up by position?

Go Cowboys!