2023 Dallas Cowboys Defense - Another Doomsday?

[Cowboysheelsreds058]

Will see how the middle of the D looks before crowning them.

 

[xwalker]

(Erm... I reserve the right to change my opinion if #11 gets hurt or anything unforeseen happens! )

I've seen enough! This Defense is going to be great! Parcells and his 3-4 Crew were the only Defense we had since the1992-1995 Dynasty to bring out some of that old tough Doomsday. Every year, the talk is about the offense. I get it, they sell more tickets. But this is the year of the Defense. Tell the offense not to cough it up, and let this D rule the roost.

Exhibit A. Proven track record. Two years in a row leading the NFL in forced turnovers which is a Cowboys first. We saw them fix their biggest opportunity - stopping the rush - by end of year. This team's pass rush is lethal and we saw it many times on the TV. We saw them play clutch last year against San Francisco in the Playoffs. If all we ask of Dak is not throw an interception, and our kicker to make his XP, that's a 13-13 game! Message last year: You have to be a Defense that can win a season. Don't wait on the Offense or Special Teams.

Exhibit B. Depth. Stephon Gilmore told LeSean McCoy in a candid moment that this defense is STACKED. The same man who played with those New England Patriots Super Bowl teams was blown away at how much talent was on this defense. Was watching V-Loch's latest YouTube video that was about the defense. He makes a good point. In the first half, even with ugly plays like Turpin's fumble, this Defense with all 2nd stringers was still hanging in the game with the Jaguars and their alleged top 10 QB, and up and coming young roster. Osa was in for a few plays, Clark, who is considered a starter right now, played... and that's it. Our backups looked like they could hang with starters!

Exhibit C. Holes fixed. Last year holes - stop the run and CB depth after injuries. Hankins reports to be in great shape. Mazi doesn't show any signs of being a bust. Clarke has a year of experience and looks good, Overshown is one of our best rookies this year so the off-ball LBs are ready now. And the CB unit added Gilmore, Bland is the real deal, and we STILL have Lewis on the roster, and A.Brown un-signed as insurance if anything goes wrong.

Exhibit D. Swag. D-Ware told the media this defense is going to be unstoppable this year - run or pass. D-Ware talks a lot of smack, but yesterday in the Big Mac PC, Coach told the media that Tank is having the best TC since McCarthy has coached the team. Direct quote from many players on that 90's Dynasty - "They played intense on gameday because they practiced intense." The other day, Parsons and Company were trying to bully the offTye ense. Diggs is not afraid to get in the QB's grill. I hope this is not waste of time nonsense, and instead the D bringing the intensity up.

Kicker?

Many improvements in just 1 off-season.
- Cooks replaces Noah Brown.
- Gilmore replaces the CB by committee.
- Mazi over Watkins/Gallimore.
- Hankins full off-season with team.
- Steele is back.
- Addition by subtraction with Zeke.

Experience McCarthy vs Moore.
McCarthy
1st NFL job: 1993
1st OC job: 2000
Moore
1st NFL job: 2018
1st OC job: 2019

 

[GMO415]

It's still TC hype. Let's see them on 09/10.

 

[john van brocklin]

(Erm... I reserve the right to change my opinion if #11 gets hurt or anything unforeseen happens! )

I've seen enough! This Defense is going to be great! Parcells and his 3-4 Crew were the only Defense we had since the1992-1995 Dynasty to bring out some of that old tough Doomsday. Every year, the talk is about the offense. I get it, they sell more tickets. But this is the year of the Defense. Tell the offense not to cough it up, and let this D rule the roost.

Exhibit A. Proven track record. Two years in a row leading the NFL in forced turnovers which is a Cowboys first. We saw them fix their biggest opportunity - stopping the rush - by end of year. This team's pass rush is lethal and we saw it many times on the TV. We saw them play clutch last year against San Francisco in the Playoffs. If all we ask of Dak is not throw an interception, and our kicker to make his XP, that's a 13-13 game! Message last year: You have to be a Defense that can win a season. Don't wait on the Offense or Special Teams.

Exhibit B. Depth. Stephon Gilmore told LeSean McCoy in a candid moment that this defense is STACKED. The same man who played with those New England Patriots Super Bowl teams was blown away at how much talent was on this defense. Was watching V-Loch's latest YouTube video that was about the defense. He makes a good point. In the first half, even with ugly plays like Turpin's fumble, this Defense with all 2nd stringers was still hanging in the game with the Jaguars and their alleged top 10 QB, and up and coming young roster. Osa was in for a few plays, Clark, who is considered a starter right now, played... and that's it. Our backups looked like they could hang with starters!

Exhibit C. Holes fixed. Last year holes - stop the run and CB depth after injuries. Hankins reports to be in great shape. Mazi doesn't show any signs of being a bust. Clarke has a year of experience and looks good, Overshown is one of our best rookies this year so the off-ball LBs are ready now. And the CB unit added Gilmore, Bland is the real deal, and we STILL have Lewis on the roster, and A.Brown un-signed as insurance if anything goes wrong.

Exhibit D. Swag. D-Ware told the media this defense is going to be unstoppable this year - run or pass. D-Ware talks a lot of smack, but yesterday in the Big Mac PC, Coach told the media that Tank is having the best TC since McCarthy has coached the team. Direct quote from many players on that 90's Dynasty - "They played intense on gameday because they practiced intense." The other day, Parsons and Company were trying to bully the offense. Diggs is not afraid to get in the QB's grill. I hope this is not waste of time nonsense, and instead the D bringing the intensity up.

That's a lofty comparison !
Would love to see them earn it!

 

[john van brocklin]

Kicker?

Many improvements in just 1 off-season.
- Cooks replaces Noah Brown.
- Gilmore replaces the CB by committee.
- Mazi over Watkins/Gallimore.
- Hankins full off-season with team.
- Steele is back.
- Addition by subtraction with Zeke.

Experience McCarthy vs Moore.
McCarthy
1st NFL job: 1993
1st OC job: 2000
Moore
1st NFL job: 2018
1st OC job: 2019

Some nice upgrades!

 

[quickccc]

(Erm... I reserve the right to change my opinion if #11 gets hurt or anything unforeseen happens! )

I've seen enough! This Defense is going to be great! Parcells and his 3-4 Crew were the only Defense we had since the1992-1995 Dynasty to bring out some of that old tough Doomsday. Every year, the talk is about the offense. I get it, they sell more tickets. But this is the year of the Defense. Tell the offense not to cough it up, and let this D rule the roost.

Exhibit A. Proven track record. Two years in a row leading the NFL in forced turnovers which is a Cowboys first. We saw them fix their biggest opportunity - stopping the rush - by end of year. This team's pass rush is lethal and we saw it many times on the TV. We saw them play clutch last year against San Francisco in the Playoffs. If all we ask of Dak is not throw an interception, and our kicker to make his XP, that's a 13-13 game! Message last year: You have to be a Defense that can win a season. Don't wait on the Offense or Special Teams.

Exhibit B. Depth. Stephon Gilmore told LeSean McCoy in a candid moment that this defense is STACKED. The same man who played with those New England Patriots Super Bowl teams was blown away at how much talent was on this defense. Was watching V-Loch's latest YouTube video that was about the defense. He makes a good point. In the first half, even with ugly plays like Turpin's fumble, this Defense with all 2nd stringers was still hanging in the game with the Jaguars and their alleged top 10 QB, and up and coming young roster. Osa was in for a few plays, Clark, who is considered a starter right now, played... and that's it. Our backups looked like they could hang with starters!

Exhibit C. Holes fixed. Last year holes - stop the run and CB depth after injuries. Hankins reports to be in great shape. Mazi doesn't show any signs of being a bust. Clarke has a year of experience and looks good, Overshown is one of our best rookies this year so the off-ball LBs are ready now. And the CB unit added Gilmore, Bland is the real deal, and we STILL have Lewis on the roster, and A.Brown un-signed as insurance if anything goes wrong.

Exhibit D. Swag. D-Ware told the media this defense is going to be unstoppable this year - run or pass. D-Ware talks a lot of smack, but yesterday in the Big Mac PC, Coach told the media that Tank is having the best TC since McCarthy has coached the team. Direct quote from many players on that 90's Dynasty - "They played intense on gameday because they practiced intense." The other day, Parsons and Company were trying to bully the offense. Diggs is not afraid to get in the QB's grill. I hope this is not waste of time nonsense, and instead the D bringing the intensity up.

Thanks for Sharing ...

How was Parcells 3-4 ( I believe it was four 4-3 under DC Zimmerman before eventually became 3-4) any different than Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense ?

I believe we led the NFL in sacks with Wade's 2007 version that included same star players that Parcells had,..ala Ware (who Parcells wanted Spears and Merriman over)...., Ratliff, Newman, and Roy Williams. Darren Woodson was on the way out in his last year that Parcells arrived.

Yeh we got exposed vs Eli Manning, ...but so were Belichek and McCarthy ..

 

[Playmaker3128]

Head to head results in the trenches against the Niners and Eagles will answer that question

Tons of talent at at the LB, Edge, and secondary , but just as in the last 3 years, they will go as their interior defensive line goes

It's the side to sign that really has killed us. Maybe not last year in the 49ers playoff game (where our d played pretty well). But the rams playoff loss, the 49ers playoff loss two years back, a couple times against Jalen hurts. We got hit a lot with side to side stuff because of lack of beef in the middle. Teams could run right at us, then when we over compensated to stop that, they ran outside. The they ran outside and we tried to play that, they just ran right at us. It's why we couldn't stop the read option.

If guys like Mazi and Hanks are occupying two blockers this is a lot tougher to do. Then everyone else just has to stay home and do their jobs.

 

[gimmesix]

Exhibit C. Holes fixed. Last year holes - stop the run and CB depth after injuries. Hankins reports to be in great shape. Mazi doesn't show any signs of being a bust. Clarke has a year of experience and looks good, Overshown is one of our best rookies this year so the off-ball LBs are ready now. And the CB unit added Gilmore, Bland is the real deal, and we STILL have Lewis on the roster, and A.Brown un-signed as insurance if anything goes wrong.

Losing Lewis hurt us last year. Here's what DC.com had about him today:

It's been a long wait for defensive back Jourdan Lewis in his return from a Lisfranc foot injury that he suffered last season, but defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is growing in excitement as Lewis' day to return to the field gets closer.

"We're so excited, because for those of you that don't know Jourdan, he is an absolute warrior," Quinn said. "He's one of our very best competitors for those of you that have been around him and watched him play. It's no surprise that a person like that attacked his rehab portion like he did, because this is a really serious injury that Jourdan had."

"I'm not surprised going through the offseason, early in the mornings seeing him in the weight rooms and doing his stuff. It'll be a really cool moment when he's able to get back on the field with these guys. Every single person in that locker room knows he is a true warrior and he's a true part of that in a big way."

 

[gimmesix]

Thanks for Sharing ...

How was Parcells 3-4 ( I believe it was four 4-3 under DC Zimmerman before eventually became 3-4) any different than Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense ?

I believe we led the NFL in sacks with Wade's 2007 version that included same star players that Parcells had,..ala Ware (who Parcells wanted Spears and Merriman over)...., Ratliff, Newman, and Roy Williams. Darren Woodson was on the way out in his last year that Parcells arrived.

Yeh we got exposed vs Eli Manning, ...but so were Belichek and McCarthy ..

I think Phillips is actually a better defensive mind than Parcells, while Parcells is actually better at gathering the parts. I mean, look at the Denver defense that Ware was on; it's the reason the Broncos won the Super Bowl. Wade's problem was he wasn't a head coach. He wasn't good at gathering the parts to keep the defense going and he wasn't good at giving them the discipline needed not to eat the cheese. His window was that 2007 season when he had all of Parcells' parts and the discipline was still lingering.

 

[plasticman]

The Doomsday defense of the 70's made their bones in the playoffs.

From 1970 to 1978, 15 out of 18 playoff games the opponent passer rating was under 57.0. Ten of them were under 40.0.

Four Cowboys players were Super Bowl MVP's and three of them were on defense.

The Denver Broncos passer rating for Super Bowl 12 was 1.7.

The Doomsday defense's best season was the postseason.

 

[Scottishcowboy]

The thing is if we're talking about monikers and and labeling this elite defense with a name.

Go look at the top ten defenses of all time they all gave up under 13 yards per game.. They literally shut down offenses, shut them completely down,very boring games to watch

this defense has yet to do that, we watched them blow leads in Jacksonville and Green Bay on the road and then that gets hung on Prescott you got the original poster blaming Prescott for the interception that could have kept a game 13-13 well what about the interception that Trayvon diggs doesn't make and the big hit Trayvon diggs doesn't get and even if it wasn't diggs, that isn't even his guy how does hey tight end get that far downfield and make it catch

like that where was all the pressure?? there was also a drive where they ran the ball at about close to five yards per carry and I get it if they were on the field a long time this defense was very good but it's not elite it has not arrived. I know we're in a different era but I think the top defense of all time gave up like 10.8 yards per game over an entire season.

If you want to get a name that's what you got to do holding the team to 19 points isn't good enough if you want a name that's what we're saying if two interceptions loses you a game then why is it that recently the Rams had a quarterback throw 20 or receptions in a year and two in the Super bowl and somehow, they won the game that's what a great team does

great teams are not perfect great teams are able to cover their mistakes up in all three levels plus coaching they don't worry about blaming the quarterback for two interceptions they just go out and they play better and harder the rest of the game.
Yes yes most of the blame goes to the offense for that loss against the 49ers however there's plenty of other blame to go around and this defense is not elite it has not arrived and I'm sorry there is no post you can keep blaming Prescott but we've seen even Troy throw interceptions and be behind in a game in the Super bowl and some other team bailed them out we've seen the great Tom Brady throw 3 interceptions and looked like trash in the NFC championship game and his team bailed him out that's what great teams do..

People need to be honest this team is not great yet it's very good the defense is not elite yet offense defense special teams and coaching still have a lot of work to do to be considered great and they need to do it when it counts in the biggest games and I can find all three phases has plays they wish they had back and they didn't make or they made mistakes including the wide receiver who Michael Gallup didn't run the correct route and the reason that first interception happened was because he didn't break his route off correctly they were not on the same page and yeah he stood there and watched the ball and they said they didn't even try to go break it up didn't even make an effort to go back to the spot he was supposed to be in in the first place.

So yes we lost as a team even though the defense played better than the offense and special teams there were lots of problems you're asking a quarterback to play perfectly when he has no offensive line and no run game.. Also where was the other skill players besides CD lamb making plays you know the ones like Dalton shultz making two boneheaded mental mistakes on that three minute drive towards the end of the game.

Are we gonna cover those up and just blame the quarterback because he didn't play perfectly I just named a few examples but I could do this all day with quarterbacks who did not play well in big games and somehow they're great defenses great run games great offensive lines they covered up that stuff and still won the game.

Less that 13 yards a game is indeed elite......we may struggle to achieve that I reckon!

 

[doomsday9084]

Last year the Cowboys allowed 342 points or 20.1 point per game. Their offense is good enough to win a lot of games again this year if they match that number.

Something to consider: The Commanders allowed 343, the Eagles allowed 344, the Saints 345, the Stealers 346, the Pats 347 and the Jags 350. Do we hear talk of their defenses being as elite as the Cowboys?

Just to note, Dallas gave the ball away the 8th most times in the NFL. The defense wasn't even on the field for some of those points.

Here is where some of the other teams on that list finished:
49er's 30th most turnovers
Steelers 28th most
Eagles 27th most

This is why Kellen Moore isn't here anymore. Some people have gone so far out of their way to excuse the turnovers that they forget they even happened.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2022/opp.htm

Dallas' defense gave up (per drive)
4th least points
6th least yards
1st most turnovers

Dallas certainly wasn't 85 Bears level great last year but they were certainly very good. The offense made some of the numbers look worse by constantly turning it over in scoring position. Conversely, the defense made the offense look better than it was by generating turnovers. The offense wasn't on the field for some of those points scored by the Cowboys.

 

[Bob-Lillys-War]

Every year we say the same thing about the defense .

 

[PAPPYDOG]

This is a Superbowl-caliber defense.

Leading the league in T/O for the past 2 seasons is impressive indeed!
Let's hope 3 times is a charmer as our offense will need all the help they can get.
Doomsday sits fine with me baby!

 

[noshame]

They will lead the league in several categories
Nic to evolve.

 

[Bob-Lillys-War]

Tired of hoping every year that this defense is superbowl bound .

SHOW US !

Micah is the only one who does everything above and beyond of whats expected .

 

[Jarv]

…and Doomsday was an era, not a one season wonder.

Yep, something we will probably never see again in the world we live in now called free agency.

 

[VaqueroTD]

Thanks for Sharing ...

How was Parcells 3-4 ( I believe it was four 4-3 under DC Zimmerman before eventually became 3-4) any different than Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense ?

I believe we led the NFL in sacks with Wade's 2007 version that included same star players that Parcells had,..ala Ware (who Parcells wanted Spears and Merriman over)...., Ratliff, Newman, and Roy Williams. Darren Woodson was on the way out in his last year that Parcells arrived.

Yeh we got exposed vs Eli Manning, ...but so were Belichek and McCarthy ..

Most of those players on Wade's 3-4 were brought in by Parcells. Not taking anything away from Wade, he's always been a good D-Coordinator. The reason why I consider them Parcells Boys is because like many great coaches, he is about culture building as much as skilled players. These were tough no nonsense players who could excel in a Parcells intense environment. They were already professional football players when Wade came in. And that's what I hope we're seeing with Dan Quinn and Big Mac's Boys. Culture change that reflects leadership.

 

[VaqueroTD]

Just to note, Dallas gave the ball away the 8th most times in the NFL. The defense wasn't even on the field for some of those points.

Here is where some of the other teams on that list finished:
49er's 30th most turnovers
Steelers 28th most
Eagles 27th most

This is why Kellen Moore isn't here anymore. Some people have gone so far out of their way to excuse the turnovers that they forget they even happened.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2022/opp.htm

Dallas' defense gave up (per drive)
4th least points
6th least yards
1st most turnovers

Dallas certainly wasn't 85 Bears level great last year but they were certainly very good. The offense made some of the numbers look worse by constantly turning it over in scoring position. Conversely, the defense made the offense look better than it was by generating turnovers. The offense wasn't on the field for some of those points scored by the Cowboys.

Yup. Big Mac has to be cussing to himself last year behind closed doors. I have a freaking dominant defense, arguably top three if not best in the NFL, and I still can't win.

 

[VaqueroTD]

Yep, something we will probably never see again in the world we live in now called free agency.

When I wrote the thread, I shortened it. I did have something explaining what I meant by Doomsday. We're Dallas, so it's a moniker. Your team is always tied into its history. Someone always trying to crown the "New Triplets" or the "New Doomsday." Probably "#1 Defense in 2023" season was best way to say it. But Doomsday is what makes people take notice.

Will say this though, there is a chance to lock up this defense longer than most teams manage. Maybe that's an advantage we get with Jerry who has dealt first-hand with the tribulations of trying to keep a good roster together in the salary cap era.

• Defensive line. Clearing cap space for Parsons this year. Sam Williams has to replace Tank's role which looks like he has the talent to do this. Need to find another Hankins in the draft somewhere for more support against the run when Hankins is gone. And I'm sure we won't re-sign guys like Armstrong, so keep adding pass rusher depth as long as #11 is still kicking.
• Linebackers. Clark and Overshown quickly on their way to replacing LVE. Writing on the wall for the Wolf with his short contract. I don't know if physically he can handle more than another 2 years with the beatings he has taken on that body.
• Secondary. Most safeties are locked in. A young buck has to replace Gilmore who is only a short-term solution. Hopefully would be Joseph but that's not something I would put money on.
• Coach. If they are play as well as they are capable this year, Quinn is going to continue to get offers. Someone will eventually give him the right one. He can afford to be selective because of the three points above. He has a good situation and Jerry supports him enough that he would probably even be considered for Head Coach if Bag Mac were to stumble.