2014 Defense vs 2015 Defense

[xwalker]

I expect to see see a LB, WR, DB and DT in next years draft. Maybe a QB and RB.

It's hard to know. What we think are strengths or weaknesses in July are often not the actual strengths and weaknesses during the season.

You could make a case for draft most positions:
CB - Carr likely gone and probably a big need for a #3 unless White both steps up and they re-sign him.
Safety - If Jones stays at CB, which seems highly likely, then they don't have any depth at Safety, unless it's White.
LB - McClain is likely gone and we'll see how Lee holds up. Brinkley/Rivers are stopgaps. Even if Wilson is good, they need depth.
DT3tech - Crawford should be good again. They have some options that could step up in 2015 (Whaley, Coleman, Russell, Gardner, T. McClain) but nothing definite.
DT1tech - Hopefully Bishop is the real deal and T. McClain stays healthy. Otherwise, could be a need.
DE - If Hardy is too expensive and Mincey is too old, they'll need more depth even if Gregory and Lawrence are great.

QB - Unless Vaughan really steps up, 2016 seems like the year they might consider a 1st round QB.
RB - Can always use depth even if 1 or 2 players really step up in 2015. Might need a starter is everybody struggles in 2015.
WR - They need a reasonable answer if something happens to Dez. Also, if he stays on the Franchise Tag, drafting one early might be a good idea.
TE - When will Witten play less than 100% of the snaps in most games? Hopefully Escobar gets to show his talent this year.
OL - Never stop adding talent here, but hopefully not a need. Does anybody challenge Doug Free in 2015? Who is the backup Center is Bernadeau leaves in FA?

 

[Garrettop]

I expect McClain gone from the LB core. I had hopes that with a solid environment he might turn it around, but that doesn't appear to be the case at this point. Even if we get a whole year out of Lee, he's going to be too close to 30 in 2016. So that leaves us with only Hitchens on the LB squad as someone with an upward trajectory. Even if the new FA signings are solid, they are what they are at this point most likely. Gotta churn this squad.

Carr will have to take a pay cut or be gone, I expect the latter. Mo may or may not be done (prob is). Scandrick is getting older and White is a JAG, so we need a pick at this position.

WR could be a position of need depending on what happens with Dez. If a long term deal is struck in the next 3 hours then probably not.

None of the other positions seem as problematic as CB (or the whole DB group) and LB looking forward, and of course QB. RBs are a dime a dozen, our OL is young as is our starting DL. I am really interested to see if Dallas finally drafts an heir apparent, or if Vaughan gets a chance to do something. It would be *very* nice if Vaughan panned out. He has the physical tools and would save the team potentially multiple picks trying to find a new franchise signal caller.

 

[CCBoy]

It's hard to know. What we think are strengths or weaknesses in July are often not the actual strengths and weaknesses during the season.

You could make a case for draft most positions:
CB - Carr likely gone and probably a big need for a #3 unless White both steps up and they re-sign him.
Safety - If Jones stays at CB, which seems highly likely, then they don't have any depth at Safety, unless it's White.
LB - McClain is likely gone and we'll see how Lee holds up. Brinkley/Rivers are stopgaps. Even if Wilson is good, they need depth.
DT3tech - Crawford should be good again. They have some options that could step up in 2015 (Whaley, Coleman, Russell, Gardner, T. McClain) but nothing definite.
DT1tech - Hopefully Bishop is the real deal and T. McClain stays healthy. Otherwise, could be a need.
DE - If Hardy is too expensive and Mincey is too old, they'll need more depth even if Gregory and Lawrence are great.

QB - Unless Vaughan really steps up, 2016 seems like the year they might consider a 1st round QB.
RB - Can always use depth even if 1 or 2 players really step up in 2015. Might need a starter is everybody struggles in 2015.
WR - They need a reasonable answer if something happens to Dez. Also, if he stays on the Franchise Tag, drafting one early might be a good idea.
TE - When will Witten play less than 100% of the snaps in most games? Hopefully Escobar gets to show his talent this year.
OL - Never stop adding talent here, but hopefully not a need. Does anybody challenge Doug Free in 2015? Who is the backup Center is Bernadeau leaves in FA?

Hardy depends on just how much he shows up for Dallas this season. He is still young and could well project farther.

 

[cowboys1981]

Hardy and Gregory were nice additions. Gardner and Whaley have me interested and I'm excited to see Lawrence with a full offseason under his belt. On top of that I can't wait to see how Jones' rookie season will unfold.

 

[JoeKing]

Without the season even starting, it's obvious this year's D will be tons better than what we had last year's 12-4 season. Whether that translates to greater results remains to be seen. It's not all on the D. The Boys should be very good this year and go deep into the playoffs... but who knows? That's why they play the game.

 

[CowboysLegend365]

First, I think Jones can be the centerfielder this franchise has been looking for. Hoping he excels and shows that in training camp. Don't mind him playing corner but I think he's a better safety than White. Maybe I'm wrong.

A lot of this depends on the progress of Patmon. He showed some great things last preseason and when he got his shot in games. If he can come on and fight with Mo for CB3 I'd be happy.

1T needs to be addressed whether it be FA/Draft next offseason. I understand Marinelli has his guy in Hayden but I think a young, aggressive, hungry guy there is needed. Not so sold on McClain/Whaley/Bishop ect. as some on here are.

RoMc is more than likely gone. Hope Lee stays healthy and Hitchens gets better. Expecting Wilson to come in and be a little less than Hitch last yr. Draft a starter next year.

 

[CCBoy]

First, I think Jones can be the centerfielder this franchise has been looking for. Hoping he excels and shows that in training camp. Don't mind him playing corner but I think he's a better safety than White. Maybe I'm wrong.

A lot of this depends on the progress of Patmon. He showed some great things last preseason and when he got his shot in games. If he can come on and fight with Mo for CB3 I'd be happy.

1T needs to be addressed whether it be FA/Draft next offseason. I understand Marinelli has his guy in Hayden but I think a young, aggressive, hungry guy there is needed. Not so sold on McClain/Whaley/Bishop ect. as some on here are.

RoMc is more than likely gone. Hope Lee stays healthy and Hitchens gets better. Expecting Wilson to come in and be a little less than Hitch last yr. Draft a starter next year.

You show a lot of interest as a fan...

myself, I'm not quite as fast to give up on a player who should perform in an important role this season. I'll let that one play out more. (Rolando McClain)

 

[gmoney112]

If we stay healthy this defense is going to be night and day from last year.

I think for a most part people are really underestimating what Hardy is going to bring to the table. With development of Crawford (remember, he was coming back last year from an achilles tear, and playing in a new position), and Lawrence (he's looking pretty stout this year), and the addition of Gregory, I wouldn't be surprised if we ended up with 40+ sacks.

If Sean Lee is healthy, that's huge. I've said it before, he changes games. We were 2nd in the league in turnovers forced last year, he'll not only keep us up there but the guy is just a monster in pass defense. I don't know if I've seen a LB with more INT's/game.

Byron has some things to prove, obviously, but I think he'll be a significant upgrade over Moore in nickel, which we run the majority of the time. Wilcox was also much better last season, he's still developing and an improved pass rush will help his game as well.

Barring injury, our pass defense is going to be vastly improved. The pass rush alone will be fierce, a roaming game changing LB with a knack for INT's, and an upgrade at the third CB slot in our nickel package.

Some things to ponder:

We were #2 last year in TO's forced with a minimal pass rush, #6 or #7 in 2013 with that dumpster fire of a defense. Marinelli gets turnovers.

We were #28 in the league in sacks with 28. If our improved pass rush/defense is good for 1 additional sack a game over last season, that'd have put us solidly in the top 10 and probably top 5. With the complete lack of pass rush last season we all evidenced last season, I believe this is reasonable.

We averaged 4.2 yards per attempt on the ground, which was right in the middle of the pack. If we improved 0.2 yards per carry over last season, we'd be top 10. Detroit #1, Seattle #2 with 3.4 y/c, and NE was tied for #8 with 4.0 yards per carry.

QB's had an average passer rating of 88.5 against us (#15). QB's averaged 7.5 yards/attempt (tied for #20th with 6.9 y/a being top 10). For reference, Seattle had the #2 defense in yards/attempt, the Patriots were #15 with a 7.2 average.

Points Allowed is obviously the objective (as well as turnovers to give your team more opportunities for Points Scored) and both teams in the Super Bowl were top 10 in points allowed. (Seattle #1 with 15.9, New England #8 with 19.6). We gave up 22 points a game (#15), if we give up 1 point less per game an overage, we'd have a top 10 unit in Points Allowed.

If our can turnovers remain consistent, the additional pressure of the DL and overall improvement of the defense can result in 1 additional sack per game over last year, and the improved pass defense (from the numerous factors discussed in the beginning of my post) can result in a 0.5 yard/attempt improvement over last season it's reasonable to assume that our Points Allowed will be improved by 1 point a game. Additionally, an improvement of 0.2 yards in yards/carry with the previous improvement of 0.5 yards/attempt in the passing game, would improve our yards allowed by 30 points, making us just about top 5.

Make of that what you will. I just wanted to put the information out there for those that are interested. In my opinion, given the personnel additions this offseason as well as improvement in our own investments, these figures are not insurmountable. I'd actually reason that most are actually very realistic. We are not that far off, and some minor improvements over last season will take this defense from "average/poor" to "good/very good". With our offense, we don't need to be Seattle. A top 10 defense in most statistical categories as well as a continued Marinelli trait for turnovers and it looks like this could be the year for the next Lombardi.

 

[CowboysLegend365]

You show a lot of interest as a fan...

myself, I'm not quite as fast to give up on a player who should perform in an important role this season. I'll let that one play out more. (Rolando McClain)

Thanks. And don't get me wrong, I love Rolando, he was a man child at Bama and lit a fire under us last season. But I don't know if he's dependable. Between failing drug tests and not wanting to practice. As much as I want him to be our MLB for next 5-8 years he's not shown full football commitment.

 

[burmafrd]

Ro is one of those few players that really have no need for practicing a lot. And he knows it and tries to get out of it as much as possible. But you see him in the game and its a whole different story. Even when he was all gimped up at the end of the year the fire was still there. I am hoping Red Ball takes a page out of Jimmy's playbook and understands that sometimes you have to give special treatment to special players.

 

[CCBoy]

Ro is one of those few players that really have no need for practicing a lot. And he knows it and tries to get out of it as much as possible. But you see him in the game and its a whole different story. Even when he was all gimped up at the end of the year the fire was still there. I am hoping Red Ball takes a page out of Jimmy's playbook and understands that sometimes you have to give special treatment to special players.

Good view, Burma...

 

[CCBoy]

(Hardy) “What I’m proud of it is that we have seen that he’s a serious influence to the tempo, to the passion, to the competitiveness of practicing that probably will carry over to games,” Jones said, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “That’s a great deal. I’m just glad to have him out there. I’m glad to have him on the field. So from that standpoint, I’m pleased that we’re going to having his contribution this year.”

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/DAL/dallas-cowboys

 

[Garrettop]

There are no players that "don't need to practice".

 

[Crown Royal]

I feel like the defense is progressing in the same way the offense had between 2012 - 2014.

In 2012, the offensive line was PUTRID. In 2013 it had quietly improved, although not yet to World Beater status. In 2014 it was one of the top 3 lines in the league. Each year roster adds from both FA and the draft we inserted.

In 2013, the defensive line was PUTRID with an injured Ware, no Spencer, injured ratliff. Scrubs everywhere. 2013 quietly improved with Mincey, Crawford, Melton and a late add in Lawrence. This year we have added even more pieces. I don't know if it will be top 3, but it is hard not to get excited about Hardy, Lawrence, Mincey, Crawford, Gregory.

 

[xwalker]

There are no players that "don't need to practice".

I would be fine with give Hardy "Romo Wednesdays" off from practice if that made him happy. Just let the coaches say his knee is not 100%.

I would only have Lee practice about 1 day per week other than walk-thru type practices. I would prefer Lee with little or even no practice, but playing in the games to not having him at all.

Garrett won't do either of these things, but back in the day Emmitt really didn't practice very much. I attended training camp prior to all 3 of the nineties Super Bowls and Emmitt had a very light work load in practice.

 

[xwalker]

First, I think Jones can be the centerfielder this franchise has been looking for. Hoping he excels and shows that in training camp. Don't mind him playing corner but I think he's a better safety than White. Maybe I'm wrong.

A lot of this depends on the progress of Patmon. He showed some great things last preseason and when he got his shot in games. If he can come on and fight with Mo for CB3 I'd be happy.

1T needs to be addressed whether it be FA/Draft next offseason. I understand Marinelli has his guy in Hayden but I think a young, aggressive, hungry guy there is needed. Not so sold on McClain/Whaley/Bishop ect. as some on here are.

RoMc is more than likely gone. Hope Lee stays healthy and Hitchens gets better. Expecting Wilson to come in and be a little less than Hitch last yr. Draft a starter next year.

The 3rd CB played 66% of the snaps on defense last season. Sterling Moore was the 2nd biggest reason that the Cowboys lost the GB game (Lack of Pass Rush was #1).

It is highly likely that Jones can have the biggest impact playing CB.

 

[CowboysLegend365]

Sterling Moore was the 2nd biggest reason that the Cowboys lost the GB game (Lack of Pass Rush was #1).

It is highly likely that Jones can have the biggest impact playing CB.

Moore wasn't nearly as bad all season as he was in that game..my lord Adams smoked him lol.

But we'll see. If Jones can adjust to NFL speed and play ok I wouldn't mind seeing him and Carr outside with OScan back inside.

Man I'm ready for some football.

 

[BotchedLobotomy]

It is hard to make an exact defensive roster from last season because of injuries and suspensions. I tried to just use the players that were on the roster the most.

The left side is last season and the right side is the projected replacement this season.
Bold - Rookies or Redshirt players.
Underline - 2nd year with Cowboys
Red - 2nd year starting at this position.
Blue - Veteran that did not play last season.

Defensive Linemen
Jeremy Mincey //// Greg Hardy
Tyrone Crawford //// Tyrone Crawford
Nick Hayden //// Nick Hayden
George Selvie //// Lawrence
Terrell McClain //// Terrell McClain
Anthony Spencer //// Randy Gregory
Jack Crawford //// Jermey Mincey
Josh Brent //// Ken Bishop
Henry Melton //// Chris Whaley
Boatright //// Russell
Lavar Edwards //// Gardner

Linebackers
Rolando McClain //// Rolando McClain
Bruce Carter //// Anthony Hitchens
Justin Durant //// Sean Lee
Anthony Hitchens //// Brinkley
Kyle Wilber //// Gachkar
Cameron Lawrence //// Wilson
Keith Smith //// Rivers

Defensive Backs
Scandrick //// Scandrick
Brandon Carr //// Brandon Carr
Sterling Moore //// Jones
Barry Church //// Barry Church
JJ Wilcox //// JJ Wilcox
Tyler Patmon //// Patmon/White
CJ Spillman //// White
Jeff Heath //// Jeff Heath

Only 4 projected starters are will be in their 3rd year or more at their position and 3 could get pushed down the roster due to competition.
Scandrick
Carr - Could be challenged for #2 CB spot by Jones
Church - Could be challenged by White/Jones at FS pushing Wilcox to SS
Hayden - Could be challenged by McClain/Bishop

I'm hoping with this unit being a step faster and more athletic than last year's that alot of those "almost a sack" turn into real sacks. They had a ton of "almost sacks" last year.

 

[xwalker]

Moore wasn't nearly as bad all season as he was in that game..my lord Adams smoked him lol.

But we'll see. If Jones can adjust to NFL speed and play ok I wouldn't mind seeing him and Carr outside with OScan back inside.

Man I'm ready for some football.

Scandrick was inside often, but they seemed to go by matchups in regards to whether it was Scandrick or Moore inside last year. I think they tried to keep Moore on the #3 WR regardless of where that player lined up. If the #3 WR was inside, then Moore would play the slot.

Scandrick will likely always play the slot WR this season, with Jones on the outside. The biggest question, IMO, will be if Jones or Carr is the #2 CB in non-Nickel situations. I expect Carr to start the season as #2 but I think Jones will surpass Carr sometime during the season.

 

[Vinnie2u]

There are no players that "don't need to practice".

Except Allen Iverson... Just ask him.,