News: Archer: Dallas Cowboys' defensive makeover will bring needed competition

WoodysGirl

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Dallas Cowboys' defensive makeover will bring needed competition

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When the Cowboys' defense allows 473 points, the most in team history, and 2,541 rushing yards, the second most allowed in team history, you can't simply run it back.

"The thing about us is not only did we create competition, we created it at every level, pretty much every position," Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. "it's exactly what we're looking for. We needed it."

Of the 13 defensive players who either started or played in more than 40% of the defensive snaps in the Cowboys' 2020 season finale against the New York Giants, six are gone. Sean Lee and Tyrone Crawford retired. Aldon Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Chidobe Awuzie signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Xavier Woods signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Eli Ankou remains unsigned.

The Cowboys have brought in free agents, including defensive ends Carlos Watkins and Brent Urban and safeties Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee and Jayron Kearse. The draft brought in LB Micah Parsons (first round), CB Kelvin Joseph (second), DT Osa Odighizuwa (third), DE Chauncey Golston (third), CB Nahshon Wright (third), LB Jabril Cox (fourth) and CB Israel Mukuamu (seventh).

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jazzcat22

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And good timing with a new DC, going back to a more conventional defense from what was thrown out there last year.
There is and will be a good turnover for the better. It will take a while for them to gel, as many 1st year players, and rookies will be out there.
 

gimmesix

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Although they have created competition at every level, the question is the level of the competition. I'm glad we're making changes, but we don't need to forget that we tried to make changes last year (McCoy, Poe, Dix, Canady. Worley) and it blew up in our faces. We used the same cheap FA method we have been using, so it's hard to say the results will be any different. I'm hopeful, though, especially with the additions of the early-round defensive draft picks.

I just think this is the time of year when the coaches/front office blows a lot of sunshine to try to sell us on a dumpster diving being fine dining.
 

CouchCoach

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And good timing with a new DC, going back to a more conventional defense from what was thrown out there last year.
There is and will be a good turnover for the better. It will take a while for them to gel, as many 1st year players, and rookies will be out there.
Yes it will but with how Quinn has been talking about his approach to this defense, a lot of players are going to get shots to show what they can do.

I like the fact it really isn't a 4/3 or 3/4 but an alignment to set the tone and respond to the offense. I am planning on seeing fewer 3rd n shorts from this defense this season. Giving up 5-7 on 1st down runs will put any defense in a hole.
 

CouchCoach

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Although they have created competition at every level, the question is the level of the competition. I'm glad we're making changes, but we don't need to forget that we tried to make changes last year (McCoy, Poe, Dix, Canady. Worley) and it blew up in our faces. We used the same cheap FA method we have been using, so it's hard to say the results will be any different. I'm hopeful, though, especially with the additions of the early-round defensive draft picks.

I just think this is the time of year when the coaches/front office blows a lot of sunshine to try to sell us on a dumpster diving being fine dining.
Can't sell without buyers.

Unless change means progress, it's just change for change sake. I am leaning toward it being better because of the changes but the proof of that is yet to come.
 

75boyz

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Yep,
I believe Quinn influenced McCarthy on this. I seem to remember a couple of specific instances last year where the veteran was given favoritism at a position and it proved costly.
I believe Quinn picked this up from Carroll and even had a competition day of the practice week where spots were earned not given while coaching in Seattle.

Furthermore,
Carroll so believed in you practice how you play and earn your snaps in that way that he saw Wilson was a far superior QB to Flynn, in whom he had signed as a free agent with guaranteed money, but he and the FO bit the bullett on that short contract mistake and the rest is history.

What did Romo say?
A meritocracy.

I guess we'll see. I have my doubts even with McCheese's version of player over scheme at this point so we will see if contract money, draft position or being a vet out trumps practice performance at a lot of positions.

We'll see.

My opinion.
 
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ChuckA1

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So, the article is about competition and Stephen has to say he thinks the 2020 players are better than their record? He constantly steps on the darn message!
 

ESisback

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Yes it will but with how Quinn has been talking about his approach to this defense, a lot of players are going to get shots to show what they can do.

I like the fact it really isn't a 4/3 or 3/4 but an alignment to set the tone and respond to the offense. I am planning on seeing fewer 3rd n shorts from this defense this season. Giving up 5-7 on 1st down runs will put any defense in a hole.

We gave up a lot of “3rd and 11’s” and game changing plays. Cut back on those first!

Bob Wiley....baby steps...baby steps...
 

ultron

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Dan Quinn has already done more for this defense than Mike Nolan would’ve done in 10 years
 

CCBoy

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If the Cowboys make it to the playoffs this season, it will again be a real playoff.

Defensive looks, techniques, and aggressive elements should be in picture a lot.

I've thrown out usual stereotypes from my book of looks. The defensive coordinator looks to be full of real analysis and working to solutions. This should be evident in line play with the current defensive linemen. Team building seems to be a real and developing process with the current group. Team takes time to build, but at least players wanted for scheme reasons, size, strength, speed...are on hand.
 
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