Cowboys lingering problem on defense is still their pass rush

[TheMarathonContinues]

I think we do. Out of the 5 man D front, we have 4 starters ranging from solid to stellar. We only have one position to fill, and now have von Miller as a fallback plan. And it's actually unlikely that at least one of the young guys doesn't turn out. EZ was actually very good last season, just couldn't finish. Which is actually a common occurrence on a D that lacks talent, and we lacked talent in a big way last season.

Edge is a concern especially sacks and pressures. I have faith in no one to get them. Hopefully I’m wrong. Eze has to show it it’s great he played the run well
But we need more from
Him. And with Malachi I don’t know if that’s coming this year.

 

[kskboys]

Edge is a concern especially sacks and pressures. I have faith in no one to get them. Hopefully I’m wrong. Eze has to show it it’s great he played the run well
But we need more from
Him. And with Malachi I don’t know if that’s coming this year.

Gary is very good at sacks and pressure. For some reason this fanbase is grossly underrating him. It's just weird.

Von Miller.

 

[Coogiguy03]

If we get into the season to a certain point where we've played some good teams or against teams we could have beaten but lacked a pass rush, I think the talks will heat up

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Gary is very good at sacks and pressure. For some reason this fanbase is grossly underrating him. It's just weird.

Von Miller.

Gary’s production came the first half of the season. Checking out some GB media there seems to have been effort concerns. That easily could be just need a change of scenery.

But I just can’t assume someone will be good because they were last year. When I think of quality edge rushers a 37 year old Miller and Gary aren’t who come to mind I need some youth there which is why im
Hoping Eze is that guy.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

4 of the 5 sack leading teams missed the playoffs last year:

Broncos, 68 sacks, made playoffs
Falcons, 57 sacks, missed playoffs
Browns, 53 sacks, missed playoffs
Lions, 49 sacks, missed playoffs
Vikings, 49 sacks, missed playoffs

Actually, 2 of the 5 teams with the fewest sacks made the playoffs.

If you look at other defensive stats, turnovers and yards allowed were better indicators of success.

3 out of 5 teams with fewest yards allowed made the playoffs. 5 out of 5 teams with most forced turnovers made the playoffs.

 

[kskboys]

Gary’s production came the first half of the season. Checking out some GB media there seems to have been effort concerns. That easily could be just need a change of scenery.
.
But I just can’t assume someone will be good because they were last year. When I think of quality edge rushers a 37 year old Miller and Gary aren’t who come to mind I need some youth there which is why im
Hoping Eze is that guy.

Stop. Gary has consistently set the edge and garnered 7-9 sacks. He's been consistent his entire career. You keep putting him in the weakside LB slot, when he is the strongside LB. He's easily a top 10 starter on the strong side, might be top 5. You don't have to worry about his spot.

 

[kskboys]

4 of the 5 sack leading teams missed the playoffs last year:

Broncos, 68 sacks, made playoffs
Falcons, 57 sacks, missed playoffs
Browns, 53 sacks, missed playoffs
Lions, 49 sacks, missed playoffs
Vikings, 49 sacks, missed playoffs

Actually, 2 of the 5 teams with the fewest sacks made the playoffs.

If you look at other defensive stats, turnovers and yards allowed were better indicators of success.

3 out of 5 teams with fewest yards allowed made the playoffs. 5 out of 5 teams with most forced turnovers made the playoffs.

Well done.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Yes, the additions on defense has shored up the interior of DL and hopefully brought much support for run defense but without a premiere pass rusher can we put enough pressure on QB’s or will we leave our secondary vulnerable again.

Obviously we are concerned or wouldn’t have brought in Miller who is on last leg of his career.

So despite all the optimism towards a defense which has obviously been upgraded on many fronts this remains a major concern which could thwart an improved roster on defense and top 5 offense from making the playoffs.

We haven't seen Gary, EZ or Miller and only limited snaps from Lawrence. This defense is going to be ok with pass rush. A lot of guys capable of getting 5-10 sacks. There likely isn't anyone that can dominate a game and go off with 3 or 4 sacks.

 

[Coogiguy03]

I'm watching the replay of the game, and I still see ole #54 out there in the 3rd quarter. If he's playing this late in the game, he doesn't seem to be a lock on this 53 man roster. Is it time to cut ties, maybe see if we can swing a trade somehow??

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Stop. Gary has consistently set the edge and garnered 7-9 sacks. He's been consistent his entire career. You keep putting him in the weakside LB slot, when he is the strongside LB. He's easily a top 10 starter on the strong side, might be top 5. You don't have to worry about his spot.

I think you are overselling him at the end of the day he was available because it was time to move on. Top 10 or top 5 I can’t say. I didn’t even notice him last year when I saw him play. Which made since because he had no production when Micah went out.

 

[Coogiguy03]

4 of the 5 sack leading teams missed the playoffs last year:

Broncos, 68 sacks, made playoffs
Falcons, 57 sacks, missed playoffs
Browns, 53 sacks, missed playoffs
Lions, 49 sacks, missed playoffs
Vikings, 49 sacks, missed playoffs

Actually, 2 of the 5 teams with the fewest sacks made the playoffs.

If you look at other defensive stats, turnovers and yards allowed were better indicators of success.

3 out of 5 teams with fewest yards allowed made the playoffs. 5 out of 5 teams with most forced turnovers made the playoffs.

ok so let's get 9 sacks and we're in!!!!!!!

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

4 of the 5 sack leading teams missed the playoffs last year:

Broncos, 68 sacks, made playoffs
Falcons, 57 sacks, missed playoffs
Browns, 53 sacks, missed playoffs
Lions, 49 sacks, missed playoffs
Vikings, 49 sacks, missed playoffs

Actually, 2 of the 5 teams with the fewest sacks made the playoffs.

If you look at other defensive stats, turnovers and yards allowed were better indicators of success.

3 out of 5 teams with fewest yards allowed made the playoffs. 5 out of 5 teams with most forced turnovers made the playoffs.

Browns, Vikings and Falcons sucked though. Lions having a lot of sacks is shocking though.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

ok so let's get 9 sacks and we're in!!!!!!!

Yeah if anything it’s just a coincidence those teams had sacks and missed the playoffs….id much rather have sacks than not not.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Yeah if anything it’s just a coincidence those teams had sacks and missed the playoffs….id much rather have sacks than not not.

imagine how many they would have had/not had IN the playoffs lol

Don't let stephen see this post

 

[JoeyBoy718]

Browns, Vikings and Falcons sucked though. Lions having a lot of sacks is shocking though.

I just mean there’s more than just sacks. The best defense last season was the Texans, who lead the league in yards allowed, were second in turnovers, and 7th in sacks (21 sacks behind Denver).

But even Denver was more than just one star edge rusher. Bonnito (14 sacks) was the only guy with more than 8 sacks. But they had 8 players with more than 4 sacks. Their pass rush was spread around.

We have a few guys who can give us more than 4 sacks:

Williams
Clark
Gary
Miller
EZE
Houston

Maybe Malachi the rookie

And maybe a LB like Overshown

And maybe even a DB like Downs

 

[kskboys]

I think you are overselling him at the end of the day he was available because it was time to move on. Top 10 or top 5 I can’t say. I didn’t even notice him last year when I saw him play. Which made since because he had no production when Micah went out.

He was a salary dump because they had to pay Micah and others. Gary was overpaid for what he is, does not mean he isn't good.

From the scouts: "Gary had a complete season and proved a quality 3 down end."

Rating for Gary for all DE's: 17th in the NFL. He's not trash, and it's amusing how so many are treating him as such. You will be pleasantly surprised at his play. Unless you're just a sack counter, I guess!!!

 

[Whyjerry]

Lol. Add Q, Clark and Miller to the mix. There's your pass rush.

 

[slick325]

4 of the 5 sack leading teams missed the playoffs last year:

Broncos, 68 sacks, made playoffs
Falcons, 57 sacks, missed playoffs
Browns, 53 sacks, missed playoffs
Lions, 49 sacks, missed playoffs
Vikings, 49 sacks, missed playoffs

Actually, 2 of the 5 teams with the fewest sacks made the playoffs.

If you look at other defensive stats, turnovers and yards allowed were better indicators of success.

3 out of 5 teams with fewest yards allowed made the playoffs. 5 out of 5 teams with most forced turnovers made the playoffs.

Good breakdown and research,.JB718.

Looking at that list three missed the playoffs due to QB play (Falcons, Browns, and Vikings). One missed it due to injuries while playing in what turned out to be the best division in football or the 2nd best depending on how one ranks the AFC West versus the NFC North.

The Cowboys of last year were hindered by the League's worst defense despite having a playoff caliber offense. The Browns, Falcons (who ended the season on a heater), and Vikings playoff caliber defenses were hindered by bad offenses. The Lions were an aberration due to injuries and still ended up going 9-8 barely missing the playoffs.

Give the Cowboys offense one of the 5 defenses listed and they are a legitimate SB contender. Not just in the NFC but in the entire League.

Give me a defense who can get sacks and turnovers with this offense and I will feel great about 2026.

 

[ratkinson]

I’m more concerned if they weren’t making plays. But being they are backups I think it’s a good thing. These guys use to get significant snaps for us now they are 2nd and 3rd string.

But they're not making many plays.That's why they're still on the field late in preseason games.

I could be wrong, but the only way I see either making the final cut is because of their value on special teams.

We'll find out soon enough.

 

[ScotsCowboy]

Ship a Day 2 for Josh Sweat…