Can we rebuild defense before Dak is done?

[DuncanIso]

Before Dak is done?

Thats a trick question?

Likely around 2028/29.

 

[kskboys]

But by definition Dallas has HAD three top 10 defenses (at least in ppg allowed). 2021, 2022 and 2023. 7th, 5th and 5th respectively. Not much to show for it.

PPG is not accurate to assess a D. Too many factors involved, such as FP, TOP, STs, and pick 6s. To use PPG as a D evaluation tool, you'd have to extrapolate out any points given up by the O and STs and adjust for FP and O effectiveness.

And on the eyeball side, those D's were known for squashing weaker competition and giving it up against playoff type teams.

 

[DuncanIso]

It's not up to Parker, it's up to player acquisition on D.

Depends on the scheme too.

Eber called that jacked up Off Cover 3/4 almost every play.

New DC wants to run 3-4 base. So there are issues.

 

[kskboys]

They were ranked #2 and #4 in Total Defensive EPA in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Don't make me resort to DVOA as well. Either it's something these metrics aren't capturing or the Cowboys have simply NOT taken advantage of the situation...for whatever reasons on the offensive side.

So how much better can the defense be? 94th and 87th percentile defenses are supposed to get things done. I'm guessing you need THE top defense for it to really matter. The Cowboys are a ways from that.

How much better can they be? Good enough to stop teams from running profusely against you.

 

[kramskoi]

It's not up to Parker, it's up to player acquisition on D.

BS it's not up to him. Coaching and teaching will account for a lot...and that is reportedly why he was chosen. A blind man should be able to resurrect this defense to at least a respectable level. The aspiration is far higher but when you are rock-bottom the only place to go is up. IOW...if the defense is as bad as some seem to think it is then it won't matter if they keep Pickens or not...or get Crosby...or not.

 

[kskboys]

Depends on the scheme too.

Eber called that jacked up Off Cover 3/4 almost every play.

Because he was forced to do so due to lack of talent.

It does depend on the scheme, however, so we better hope that Parker can be a DC, as this is his first gig at it.

 

[kskboys]

BS it's not up to him. Coaching and teaching will account for a lot...and that is reportedly why he was chosen. A blind man should be able to resurrect this defense to at least a respectable level. The aspiration is far higher but when you are rock-bottom the only place to go is up. IOW...if the defense is as bad as some seem to think it is then it won't matter if they keep Pickens or not...or get Crosby...or not.

Not w/o new players. It's weird not understanding the effect of talent at the NFL level.

No, Crosby alone would not fix this mess.

 

[kramskoi]

How much better can they be? Good enough to stop teams from running profusely against you.

But the running narrative here has been that the defenses were not the problem...Prescott has been. At least that's my recollection.

 

[kramskoi]

Not w/o new players. It's weird not understanding the effect of talent at the NFL level.

No, Crosby alone would not fix this mess.

So throw the baby out with the bathwater? How do you know how many players are salvageable, given how Eberflus handled his job? So the Cowboys have ZERO talent on defense?

If the Cowboys need first and second rounders at every position to reach a superbowl then they are sunk before the ship leaves port. That Seattle defense has more than a few mid-rounders in it.

 

[Diehardblues]

So throw the baby out with the bathwater? How do you know how many players are salvageable, given how Eberflus handled his job? So the Cowboys have ZERO talent on defense?

If the Cowboys need first and second rounders at every position to reach a superbowl then they are sunk before the ship leaves port. That Seattle defense has more than a few mid-rounders in it.

No one has said we have Zero talent . But we haven’t had enough.

Most critics I’ve read believe need 5-7 new starters who are above average .
DE/ Edge rushers, LB’s, S’s and CB.

Basically an overhaul besides interior DL. And why it’s likely to take a couple years for rebuild we need to take to next level.

 

[Diehardblues]

But the running narrative here has been that the defenses were not the problem...Prescott has been. At least that's my recollection.

I wouldn’t pay attention to the vocal minority who blame Prescott for everything. Especially on this site.

Most of the analyst and critics believed we had enough QB and offense with a better defense last year to contend.

 

[kskboys]

But the running narrative here has been that the defenses were not the problem...Prescott has been. At least that's my recollection.

It's been both. Teams have been running on us profusely in the playoffs. Prescott has not been great.

So, instead of acquiring more WRs, build the D so he won't have to play hero ball to win. That is the answer.

 

[Diehardblues]

Because he was forced to do so due to lack of talent.

It does depend on the scheme, however, so we better hope that Parker can be a DC, as this is his first gig at it.

Right. It’s amazing how some fans already believe Parker who hasn’t been a DC has the magic wand.

And why it’s likely to take a couple years best case scenario. We just need too much insert of talent.

 

[Diehardblues]

It's been both. Teams have been running on us profusely in the playoffs. Prescott has not been great.

So, instead of acquiring more WRs, build the D so he won't have to play hero ball to win. That is the answer.

Yep

Dak and offense hasn’t been enough to carry lesser defenses. But we have seen lesser QB’s have more success with great defenses.

If we have a great defense like Houston and Dak blows it like Stroud did, then it’s time to move on.

 

[Rockport]

Cowboys are in need of basically a total rebuild on defense. We need arguably 2 starting CB, 2 Safeties, a couple LB’s and at least 1 edge rusher. Thats being optimistic.

So how many years will that take ? Even if we were to hit on both 1st round picks this year that only fills 2 spots . Maybe . Again , being very optimistic. And that’s assuming we use both picks on defense.

We currently have no second day picks so doubtful much more immediate starters in 2026 draft on defense. 2027 at best assuming we use both early picks on defense maybe 2 more Day 1 starters.

In 2 years filling 4 starting positions on defense would be optimal. Unless of course we are aggressive in FA and hit on a couple defenders. 2028 we could possibly finish out the rebuild on defense. Maybe begin to be an outlier playoff contender assuming offense is still in tact.

Where will we be on Daks contract in 2028? And where will this offense be in a couple years. I tend to think Jethro screwed himself again. He’ll waste some of Daks most seasoned and experienced years rebuilding defense.

in 2028 after potentially 4 consecutive missed playoff seasons will we be prepared to extend Dak again or begin to look for our future bringing young blood at QB to go with a rebuilt defense?

Yes. You can rebuild a defense or an offense in 1 offseason. It happens every year.

 

[kskboys]

So throw the baby out with the bathwater? How do you know how many players are salvageable, given how Eberflus handled his job? So the Cowboys have ZERO talent on defense?

If the Cowboys need first and second rounders at every position to reach a superbowl then they are sunk before the ship leaves port. That Seattle defense has more than a few mid-rounders in it.

I take it you're not into player evaluations. We have like 3 talented players on D: Q, Clowney, and EZ. Osa is a good rotational type. I can't count Overshown as he can't stay on the field. He's a top 5 player when healthy, but wasn't great last season as he was returning from injury and that takes a bit. Revel showed flashes as a rook.

The question is actually the opposite, how can you even evaluate Eber given our horrific lack of talent on D?

Players who were terrible:

Elam
Murray
Sanborn
D Wilson
Mazi
Diggs

Players who weren't good, some simply returning from injury:

Bland
Hooker
Overshown

6 terrible starters, and you're blaming it on the DC? Dude, think how weird that is.

 

[kskboys]

Yep

Dak and offense hasn’t been enough to carry lesser defenses. But we have seen lesser QB’s have more success with great defenses.

If we have a great defense like Houston and Dak blows it like Stroud did, then it’s time to move on.

Dak could win a super bowl, but only if a good running game and D are in place. We don't seem to be able to do both.

 

[kskboys]

Yes. You can rebuild a defense or an offense in 1 offseason. It happens every year.

Yes you can, but it usually takes a heady GM. Maybe Jerry will let Schotty/Parker pick the groceries this time.

 

[Diehardblues]

Yes. You can rebuild a defense or an offense in 1 offseason. It happens every year.

If we were a normally ran franchise with history as such this era I might have more confidence.

 

[Cowboys5217]

I wouldn’t pay attention to the vocal minority who blame Prescott for everything. Especially on this site.

Most of the analyst and critics believed we had enough QB and offense with a better defense last year to contend.

You can appeal to both authority and popularity all you want. The fact is that Dak has never won a divisional round playoff game despite many chances and top 10 defense with league leading rushing attacks. It wasn't enough then, and it wouldn't have been enough last year because the problem is Dak and the pressure of playoff defenses. Unless you can build a Ravens or Bears historic defense that can win the game despite poor QB play then you ain't winning a SB with Dak.