A Lot of Ifs Riding on Edge

[Pass2Run]

Just my title alone would make some readers want to nose dive off the proverbial cliff.

But please.

Don't jump.

We've got problems at edge again.

But don't worry. The proverbial Chicken Littles should step away from the ledge. We've got everything under control.

Or do we?

In the right scheme, if the right players stay healthy, with the right players taking the right leaps, we could be surprisingly good in '26.

That's a lot of ifs.

Rudyard Kipling would be proud.

On the other hand, if things don't go well, we could be surprisingly bad.

Gary is consistently average, but he's new to this scheme. He's solid, but hasn't been special.

A lot hinges on the development of Ezeiruaku, who was good versus the run but didn't make it home as much as we'd like. He did generate a lot of pressures for a rookie, which indicates he may take a decent jump in year two if he can stay healthy.

Fingers crossed.

Lawrence could be better than we imagined. Or he could struggle like most rookies do. We shall see.

Knock on wood.

Houston is what he is, undersized, but otherwise high motor who sometimes gets beaten because of his size. He's decent at rushing the passer but has been historically streaky.

We can hope

Sam Williams, meh.

Wish us luck.

At least we have a better coach.

You never know. The ball could bounce our way.

Or maybe it's a fumble.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Agreed. I love the EZ/Lawrence upside, but that’s a lot to expect out of a raw rookie and 2nd year player to carry the load.

This looks to be a very average group and is one hamstring pull away from not being very good at all.

 

[John813]

It's kind of funny in that when the team actually gets serious about the Interior DL, we go to rooks and unknowns to provide pressure on the edge.
I get some fell out of favor with Parsons for various reasons, but what I would of given up to seen at least one year of a Q-Will and Parsons duo.

Obviously Q Williams provides a legit threat from inside, but the edges have to be better than last year to provide more pass rush.
I'm sort of leaning on the upside of EZE/Law 2.0 but have to wonder if they are ready this year to be that starting level talent or if they need more time.

 

[DallasEast]

Much attention will be given to observing how well Donovan Ezeiruaku performs this season after his hip surgery. Hopefully, he will be fully recovered and able to maximize the flexibility and strength of his movements. That would be a definite plus for the defense and himself entering his sophomore year.

 

[fivetwos]

It's kind of funny in that when the team actually gets serious about the Interior DL, we go to rooks and unknowns to provide pressure on the edge.
I get some fell out of favor with Parsons for various reasons, but what I would of given up to seen at least one year of a Q-Will and Parsons duo.

Obviously Q Williams provides a legit threat from inside, but the edges have to be better than last year to provide more pass rush.
I'm sort of leaning on the upside of EZE/Law 2.0 but have to wonder if they are ready this year to be that starting level talent or if they need more time.

Personally I’m completely fine with the plan.

I’m not sure why this position is such a concern. Yes they lack significant experience, but it’s a younger man’s game. They are also subject to rotation every series, and depth is important. Can’t have six proven vets (remember the cap is real lol).

The question marks carry a first and second round pedigree, there’s Sam who has experience and everything to prove, Houston is experienced and plays with a chip on his shoulder.

Maybe they add a vet for depth, but if that unit is going anywhere, it’ll be about the emergence of the younger guys.

It’s not going to hurt their progress to finally have some talent at DT.

Plus don’t forget our annual July mantra….”this year just feels different.”

 

[fivetwos]

Much attention will be given to observing how well Donovan Ezeiruaku performs this season after his hip surgery. Hopefully, he will be fully recovered and able to maximize the flexibility and strength of his movements. That would be a definite plus for the defense and himself entering his sophomore year.

I’d put EZ just behind Guyton as far as players the team really needs to emerge.

If anyone wants to be nervous, consider the QBs blind side.

The Dallas DL will get sufficient pressure one way or another, and I expect them to play well as a unit. At this point I’m way more concerned about how they think the offense is so great that no upgrades were necessary.

 

[big dog cowboy]

The question is, will the Cowboys stand pat or make a move (or two) trying to upgrade the DE spot. Von Miller perhaps or Clowney? Camp starts two weeks from today.

 

[Stash]

I’m honestly not overly concerned about the edge players. I think fans are expecting things that the staff isn’t.

I think fans expect big numbers and the staff is looking for consistency.

Contain will be the point of emphasis, not sacks. They’ll be looking to give opposing offenses into obvious 3rd down passing situations where they will have their advantage and opportunities.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I think fans expect big numbers and the staff is looking for consistency.

Contain will be the point of emphasis, not sacks. They’ll be looking to give opposing offenses into obvious 3rd down passing situations where they will have their advantage and opportunities.

Agree.....

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Yeah, I'm fine with it. They made the decision that Micah wasn't the guy to give all the money to, so they spread it around more, including Big Q inside. Pretty hard to pay an incredible 3T and edge at the same time. I'm good with Q and some young guys on the outside.

Can't wait for camp to see how Lawrence comes along. I know some will expect him to be great from Day One of training camp, and that's not realistic. But the upside is there. I think next year is the year the defense could actually be pretty decent anyway.

 

[John813]

Personally I’m completely fine with the plan.

I’m not sure why this position is such a concern. Yes they lack significant experience, but it’s a younger man’s game. They are also subject to rotation every series, and depth is important. Can’t have six proven vets (remember the cap is real lol).

The question marks carry a first and second round pedigree, there’s Sam who has experience and everything to prove, Houston is experienced and plays with a chip on his shoulder.

Maybe they add a vet for depth, but if that unit is going anywhere, it’ll be about the emergence of the younger guys.

It’s not going to hurt their progress to finally have some talent at DT.

Plus don’t forget our annual July mantra….”this year just feels different.”

Most part I am too. They went out and drafted edges at premier picks.
Just that we are still in the find out stage about EZE and Law.
Gary will be a solid 3 down guy, but to me just not that guy that will ever make the QB do a double check to see where he's lined up.
Houston is solid 3rd down depth. Sam is someone who can at least provide breathers for others.

Guess for me it's a mix of remembering the years after Ware, and how long it took for D-Law to finally become that double digit sack edge.
We don't necessarily need a 20 sack guy, just guys as a collective that can rack up numbers.

To me, it feels like 2014 where the offense is clicking, we got talent at WR, RB, etc but there's a potential time clock on the current personnel before the Front office may not want to keep everyone at market prices while factoring in other deals. We know Stephen isn't that all in cap guru. He sees one contract and nearly faints. lol
Just would stink if edge never comes around/Almost Anthony's sink another promising offensive performance.

 

[fivetwos]

Most part I am too. They went out and drafted edges at premier picks.
Just that we are still in the find out stage about EZE and Law.
Gary will be a solid 3 down guy, but to me just not that guy that will ever make the QB do a double check to see where he's lined up.
Houston is solid 3rd down depth. Sam is someone who can at least provide breathers for others.

Guess for me it's a mix of remembering the years after Ware, and how long it took for D-Law to finally become that double digit sack edge.
We don't necessarily need a 20 sack guy, just guys as a collective that can rack up numbers.

To me, it feels like 2014 where the offense is clicking, we got talent at WR, RB, etc but there's a potential time clock on the current personnel before the Front office may not want to keep everyone at market prices while factoring in other deals. We know Stephen isn't that all in cap guru. He sees one contract and nearly faints. lol
Just would stink if edge never comes around/Almost Anthony's sink another promising offensive performance.

Jeez I didn’t even mention Gary. I literally forgot we had him and he is a major part of things. Yesterday I was discussing signing Miller/Clowney forgetting that we had him. I think my brain is starting to fizzle a bit. Happens.

Yep, I just don’t see the problem at all at the position. They recovered nicely from trading the best rusher in the league. This DL overall is the best one since dudes named Ratliff, Canty and Ware were on it.

 

[shabazz]

Has anybody stopped to consider that Christian Parkers defense all but eliminates the need for dominant edges?

Multiple alignments, two high shells and simulated pressure is the key to this.

 

[MarcusRock]

Agreed. I love the EZ/Lawrence upside, but that’s a lot to expect out of a raw rookie and 2nd year player to carry the load.

This looks to be a very average group and is one hamstring pull away from not being very good at all.

One of the areas of concern on the team for me too.

 

[kskboys]

Jeez I didn’t even mention Gary. I literally forgot we had him and he is a major part of things. Yesterday I was discussing signing Miller/Clowney forgetting that we had him. I think my brain is starting to fizzle a bit. Happens.

Yep, I just don’t see the problem at all at the position. They recovered nicely from trading the best rusher in the league. This DL overall is the best one since dudes named Ratliff, Canty and Ware were on it.

Still shocking to me that people are almost discounting Gary. He's a stud.

Might even see some alignments w/ Gary and Overton. Overton is an absolute beast vs the run, agile and strong.

 

[shabazz]

Still shocking to me that people are almost discounting Gary. He's a stud.

Might even see some alignments w/ Gary and Overton. Overton is an absolute beast vs the run, agile and strong.

We've always spoken about situations where good players can become great players with a new change of scenery, scheme and coaching. ...perhaps this is one of them with Gary U.S. Bonds.

 

[kskboys]

We've always spoken about situations where good players can become great players with a new change of scenery, scheme and coaching. ...perhaps this is one of them with Gary U.S. Bonds.

Gotta look at the type of player Gary is. He's "the other guy", the strongside OLB who stops the run/sets the edge. Pretty much closes down that side of the field. Think Tony Tolbert. We don't need him to be great, just solid. Which he always has been.

 

[fivetwos]

Still shocking to me that people are almost discounting Gary. He's a stud.

Might even see some alignments w/ Gary and Overton. Overton is an absolute beast vs the run, agile and strong.

I know., right? I totally forgot. Haven’t laid eyes on him yet in the uni, plus the brain ain’t what it once was lol. Probably part of why on my end.

All I know is that if I was building a group of pass rushers, what would be ideal? Well let’s start with not a pile of garbage at DT. Check.

I’d want my younger guys to be of higher draft status, and I’d want a vet presence as well. Why not get greedy and also have a talented rusher that’s dumb as rocks but can get home and has every reason to have the season of his life? Check, check and check. It’s a solid room with the potential to be great.

I try not to use the word “process” around here due to the obvious, but you don’t go from two losing seasons in a row to having zero question marks until you can play some games and prove it.

Maybe it all won’t work, but I think we have the right formula on the defensive line finally. Haven’t felt that way in quite some time.

 

[Point-of-the-Star]

Has anybody stopped to consider that Christian Parkers defense all but eliminates the need for dominant edges?

Multiple alignments, two high shells and simulated pressure is the key to this.

Most of us are stuck in 2010 or earlier. I'm coming around to the fact that defense is played different in 2026. Just go to the Quinnen Williams thread posted by @big dog cowboy and he (QW) outlines the teams in the League that play the new or upgraded style of defense.

This is why it is a GOOD thing we have new and young coaches that see the value of a little innovation not some old codger that is still coaching what he taught in 1996. Also the same old codger that was on Jerrah's rolodex in 1996. Hell, these young coaches weren't even born then and aren't/weren't on Jerrah's radar in 2026. This is Shotty and Parker's way. I am excited, cautiously, that we're finally doing something different instead of the status quo we've done the last 30 years.

Last time Jerrah stepped out of the box was hiring Parcells. That went pretty good (even though I don't and didn't like Parcells' coaching style particularly).

As far as edge goes, I'm with Parker ... just hold the position and anchor before you try to get fancy and play out of the scheme trying to get a sack! That's why Osa Odighizuwa ain't here ... he's a jump around guy not an anchor guy.

The League evolves. Go COWBOYS !

 

[Point-of-the-Star]

Still shocking to me that people are almost discounting Gary. He's a stud.

Might even see some alignments w/ Gary and Overton. Overton is an absolute beast vs the run, agile and strong.

Looking past the fluff and chowing on some meat right thar KSK !!!! Good post !