Rarely blitzing defenses

[gimmesix]

I guess I was expecting to see something different from Parker, but it appears to me that his defense is just another version of the schemes that we've seen over the years, including from the previous two DCs (Zimmer and Eberflus) that don't like to blitz and force the action by the other team.

I loved what Tampa Bay did the other night. They didn't always blitz, but they forced the offense to have to expect it and to sort out where the pressure was coming from. We have one of the top offenses in the league (even though we didn't look like it) and the Bucs gave us fits because we weren't ready or couldn't handle their defensive scheme.

At least Zimmer saw that what he wanted to do here wasn't working (primarily because he lost both Lawrence and Parsons) and adjusted to using more of his Double A gap blitz scheme. That was what his success as a coordinator had been built around. I wish we would prioritize bringing in someone who actually does know how to scheme pressure without a Micah Parsons instead of those who think they can do it by most sending four rushers straight up the field.

There's a reason that Quinn was the last DC who had any success here, and that's because he was going to blitz, stunt, whatever to create pressure even if it was to the detriment of the run defense. Yeah, our personnel shortcomings eventually showed up under him as well, but he did a lot more with what he was given than we're getting out of these "Bend but don't break" coaches, especially since their defenses are breaking anyway.

 

[xwalker]

I guess I was expecting to see something different from Parker, but it appears to me that his defense is just another version of the schemes that we've seen over the years, including from the previous two DCs (Zimmer and Eberflus) that don't like to blitz and force the action by the other team.

I loved what Tampa Bay did the other night. They didn't always blitz, but they forced the offense to have to expect it and to sort out where the pressure was coming from. We have one of the top offenses in the league (even though we didn't look like it) and the Bucs gave us fits because we weren't ready or couldn't handle their defensive scheme.

At least Zimmer saw that what he wanted to do here wasn't working (primarily because he lost both Lawrence and Parsons) and adjusted to using more of his Double A gap blitz scheme. That was what his success as a coordinator had been built around. I wish we would prioritize bringing in someone who actually does know how to scheme pressure without a Micah Parsons instead of those who think they can do it by most sending four rushers straight up the field.

There's a reason that Quinn was the last DC who had any success here, and that's because he was going to blitz, stunt, whatever to create pressure even if it was to the detriment of the run defense. Yeah, our personnel shortcomings eventually showed up under him as well, but he did a lot more with what he was given than we're getting out of these "Bend but don't break" coaches, especially since their defenses are breaking anyway.

A lot of the pressure that Dak faced vs Houston and Tampa Bay was from having to hold the ball too long.

Opponent QBs have not had that problem and if they did, then they just ran the ball themselves.

 

[Gambit]

I liked the hire at the time, and he may end up being a good DC.

I know there are some missing pieces on Defense but the lack of blitzing on say 3rd and 21 for me is baffling.

Maybe when Porter is on field he'll want to blitz more.

 

[Gambit]

A lot of the pressure that Dak faced vs Houston and Tampa Bay was from having to hold the ball too long.

Opponent QBs have not had that problem and if they did, then they just ran the ball themselves.

Because they run same routes. Very little creativity on offense. Disappointed with play calling for sure.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Because they run same routes. Very little creativity on offense. Disappointed with play calling for sure.

It’s hard for me to fathom how they get away with completing so many slants.

 

[buddahjoe445]

there is no excuse CP didn't blitz an undrafted rookie QB. none. CP knows his DLINE cannot generate pressure so why let a rookie QB just sit there and have all day to throw. the CP experiment clearly is a fail.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I liked the hire at the time, and he may end up being a good DC.

I know there are some missing pieces on Defense but the lack of blitzing on say 3rd and 21 for me is baffling.

Maybe when Porter is on field he'll want to blitz more.

It’s kind of crazy you even have to blitz on 3rd and 21 to begin with. Some QBs would kill that.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

there is no excuse CP didn't blitz an undrafted rookie QB. none. CP knows his DLINE cannot generate pressure so why let a rookie QB just sit there and have all day to throw. the CP experiment clearly is a fail.

They can’t get pressure and they can’t stop anyone. There’s nothing you can do. If you blitz you get beat.

 

[khiladi]

I guess I was expecting to see something different from Parker, but it appears to me that his defense is just another version of the schemes that we've seen over the years, including from the previous two DCs (Zimmer and Eberflus) that don't like to blitz and force the action by the other team.

I loved what Tampa Bay did the other night. They didn't always blitz, but they forced the offense to have to expect it and to sort out where the pressure was coming from. We have one of the top offenses in the league (even though we didn't look like it) and the Bucs gave us fits because we weren't ready or couldn't handle their defensive scheme.

At least Zimmer saw that what he wanted to do here wasn't working (primarily because he lost both Lawrence and Parsons) and adjusted to using more of his Double A gap blitz scheme. That was what his success as a coordinator had been built around. I wish we would prioritize bringing in someone who actually does know how to scheme pressure without a Micah Parsons instead of those who think they can do it by most sending four rushers straight up the field.

There's a reason that Quinn was the last DC who had any success here, and that's because he was going to blitz, stunt, whatever to create pressure even if it was to the detriment of the run defense. Yeah, our personnel shortcomings eventually showed up under him as well, but he did a lot more with what he was given than we're getting out of these "Bend but don't break" coaches, especially since their defenses are breaking anyway.

When the Eagles won the SB with Fangio, they were the lowest ranked team in blitz percentage at 19%. Fangio did not blitz a SINGLE TIME when they beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. The Eagles generated pressure primarily running 4 off of stunts and a lot of zone 2 cover concepts.

If a team can stay on long enough, the defense eventually gets worn out. The Eagles couldn’t stop the Rams at the end because of the amount of snaps. And Jalen Carter isn’t getting wearing a cast for his left wrist right now.

Parker is a Fangio disciple. Dallas on the other hand isn’t getting to the QB at all.

 

[exciter]

Eh,
It's basically Fangio's scheme which is designed to get pressure with the front 4 while confusing QBs with disguised coverages prior to the snap.
After the first 3 games Parker had blitzed at a rate of 33-35% mostly out of necessity and much more than design. After the last 2 it's around 27%.

For perspective Fangio blitzed
2025 27% 14th highest
2024 19% 5th lowest
2023 21%
Can't remember exactly but I think it said his Bronco defense were 22-24%
Bears 18%

 

[Flamma]

This top offense put up the least amount of points against Tampa.

 

[HungryLion]

It’s hard for me to fathom how they get away with completing so many slants.

Some of the opposing defenses are so afraid of lamb and Pickens beating them deep. They are literally just giving them the slants.

Certainly isn’t anything creative from Schottenheimer.

 

[gimmesix]

When the Eagles won the SB with Fangio, they were the lowest ranked team in blitz percentage at 19%. Fangio did not blitz a SINGLE TIME when they beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. The Eagles generated pressure primarily running 4 off of stunts and a lot of zone 2 cover concepts.

If a team can stay on long enough, the defense eventually gets worn out. The Eagles couldn’t stop the Rams at the end because of the amount of snaps. And Jalen Carter isn’t getting wearing a cast for his left wrist right now.

Parker is a Fangio disciple. Dallas on the other hand isn’t getting to the QB at all.

If you are good at team-building/roster-building, you can do that. This front office is not good at roster-building on defense. Too many deficient areas. You can make up for that some with scheme, but you can't force a scheme like Fangio's if you don't have the players for it. We have some of the players for it, but not enough ... and we'll never have enough with these men in charge.

 

[gimmesix]

A lot of the pressure that Dak faced vs Houston and Tampa Bay was from having to hold the ball too long.

Opponent QBs have not had that problem and if they did, then they just ran the ball themselves.

I don't agree with this. Tampa was getting pressure quickly. They were making us guess where it was coming from on snap after snap after snap. When they didn't, Dak and the offense would beat them.

 

[JayFord]

He studied under Fangio who is known for shell coverages and getting pressure from the front 4

The lb’s have to be no nonsense tackling machines and everything the offense gets is 5 yards or less

Bend but dont break…you’ll make a mistake or get frustrated and throw it into the shell and get it picked off

Problem is….none of that works here and im concerned he doesnt actually know how to call a high shell defense

 

[gimmesix]

Eh,
It's basically Fangio's scheme which is designed to get pressure with the front 4 while confusing QBs with disguised coverages prior to the snap.
After the first 3 games Parker had blitzed at a rate of 33-35% mostly out of necessity and much more than design. After the last 2 it's around 27%.

For perspective Fangio blitzed
2025 27% 14th highest
2024 19% 5th lowest
2023 21%
Can't remember exactly but I think it said his Bronco defense were 22-24%
Bears 18%

I understand where he comes from, I just thought he'd be smart enough to adjust to the personnel. And as I said, I'd rather have a much more aggressive and confusing scheme. Maybe it wouldn't be better, but it would be more fun to watch.

 

[gimmesix]

They can’t get pressure and they can’t stop anyone. There’s nothing you can do. If you blitz you get beat.

I'd rather get beat blitzing.

 

[Cowboysheelsreds053]

Sending Secondary or as they called back in the day “delayed blitz” has hated the boys since the Michael Downs, Dexter Clintscales and Thurmond days.

 

[exciter]

Again he's blitzing much more than what I think he originally thought or planned to. What I found strange and I think someone else brought up is the lack of stunts that were prevalent in Fangio's defense. Especially in the SB year. They don't do anything to try and get Williams out of double teams in 4 man rush. And don't really do much to disguise which edge is rushing in their 5 man front base. I was expecting a lot more aggressive rush strategy. What I've seen is more like Garrett's beat your man but do it with you arm tied behind your back!

 

[Bigrandrn]

there is no excuse CP didn't blitz an undrafted rookie QB. none. CP knows his DLINE cannot generate pressure so why let a rookie QB just sit there and have all day to throw. the CP experiment clearly is a fail.

Yeah, doesn’t look like he knows what he’s doing.