News: Mailbox: Defense’s Potential? New LB’s Impact?

[CCBoy]

Defense’s Potential? New LB’s Impact?
https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag-defense-s-potential-new-lb-s-impact




...Rob: Fast, aggressive might be the two best adjectives for this defense in camp so far – particularly the linebackers and secondary. Jaylon Smith looks like he’s taken another step physically. The young secondary has promise. And given the absence of Maliek Collins and David Irving so far in practice – Collins is working his way back now – I’m pleasantly surprised at how well the tackles have played against this offensive line.

Bryan: Certain spots do look good. I have concerns at defensive tackle and safety still with depth. Pass rush has a chance to be really good if they can find the right rotation with these ends. Linebackers might be the best group on the defense...

...Rob: Thomas might be a little more stout frame-wise than Hitchens, who’s now with the Chiefs. It’s interesting you bring this up. I thought Hitchens was among the best players in Cowboys camp last year, and this year Thomas is in the top 10. He can play all three linebacker spots, including the WILL behind Sean Lee, though Leighton Vander Esch has been getting a little work there as camp has gone on...

 

[big dog cowboy]

That defense...

 

[ShiningStar]

lets see how it shapes up. I have high hopes for Richard to succeed, but that safety spot will be tested. It might be the bar for the defense.

 

[davidariust24]

lets see how it shapes up. I have high hopes for Richard to succeed, but that safety spot will be tested. It might be the bar for the defense.

I love our defenses potential. I'm just a little nervous about our safeties. Heath makes plays but he doesn't make me say I better not throw his way because he will thump my receiver or intercept my pass. Woods has potential but he's a second year guy. I need to see some growth from him. Corners like jones and Awuzie have gotten waay better. I hope brown and Lewis will be ready to fight this year as well. The defense will be waay better especially when/if Irving comes back and in shape

 

[ShiningStar]

I love our defenses potential. I'm just a little nervous about our safeties. Heath makes plays but he doesn't make me say I better not throw his way because he will thump my receiver or intercept my pass. Woods has potential but he's a second year guy. I need to see some growth from him. Corners like jones and Awuzie have gotten waay better. I hope brown and Lewis will be ready to fight this year as well. The defense will be waay better especially when/if Irving comes back and in shape

i cant argue this. I think the defense is faster, they are getting to the ball quicker and as a whole, they are playing better. Sadly, thats not the crux of the problem over the last 20 plus years. Safety play can still sink us. I have high hopes for Richard. I dont expect miracles this year, but im not going to negatively attack everything. The facts will emerge. Can he do it or put a band aid over it, possibly, but we ll see. Dallas has to help him out too and they have to get a safety, I hope Woods is that guy, but i wont sit here and declare it either.

Safety play has been killing Dallas for years, lets hope Richard accepts it and does the best he can. I think many DCs we had just wanted to gloss over the fact, but truth be told i dont know what happened in reality.