A Few Defensive Thoughts After Watching The All-22

[TwoDeep3]

Higher learning? He went to LSU.

(too easy)

L>>S>>U

Really. Come on. It's higher than the average public high school. Cynics!

 

[theSHOW]

Makes you wonder how he got into a school of higher learning.

https://encrypted-tbn0.***NOT-ALLOWED***/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqjkaAWoQX-PX6TdxmPHCjH43Qec1GwquVqTdcpWj4djKOZQ93Cw

Higher learning? He went to LSU.

(too easy)

Shrimp Gumbo U

 

[gimmesix]

The best thing I took from Sunday is that Rolando McClain is a better player than Sean Lee when he's into it.

Better in some aspects, maybe. McClain is a player with a ton of physical ability that allows him to not have to be the most cerebral player in the game because he can physically take on and beat blockers.

Lee is a student of the game who beats blockers by knowing where the ball is going and getting there first to make the tackle. That means he has an edge over McClain when Lee is able to avoid traffic, while McClain has an edge when it comes to fighting through traffic, which makes them pretty close in run defense, but I do prefer the more physically gifted player there.

What keeps McClain from being the better player, though, is Lee's knowledge of the game allows him to understand coverage so well that he gets in the path of throws and makes interceptions. That's why Lee has 11 interceptions in his career, while McClain has 1.

 

[windward]

McClain seems to be into it when he's playing the MIKE. Put him at the WILL or the SAM and he seems to lose interest. That may be a problem when Lee comes back...of course Lee will probably get hurt again.



YR

Fwiw I think Lee would make a pretty good Will.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

- I do not think Selvie can play the LDE. I think this is why the teams has been signing and trading for LDE. SF could run on his side whenever they wanted to. He's a nightmare in the run game.

- R.McClain is a violent player. We all remember the few hits he had on the RBs and on the QB, but he abused SF's offensive line. The difference in hand strength between McClain and Carter is so obvious on tape.

- I like J.J. Wilcox, but he does a lot of the same things as Barry Church. Pairing those together means TEs are going to be a problem every week.

- SF has a terrific offensive line coach. The way that SF can switch between zone-blocking to down-hill run blocking is really something to watch. Their offensive line is coached very well. Everyone has solid technique.

- I don't think Morris Claiborne played that bad of a game considering he missed a lot of TC, all of PS and was matched up with Michael Crabtree most of the day without safety help.

- Justin Durant got hurt celebrating.

- At this point in his career, Carter is a much better blitzer than anything else and I'm not trying to be negative about it. He does a really good job at getting to the quarterback as a blitzer. I would like DAL to use him more in 3rd and long situations.

I think Wilcox is lost more than playing like church. church is able to see things and diagnose and make the right calls, but he is just not athletic enough or fast enough.

I agree, selvie is nothing better than a rotational player at best and he is our starting LDE. that should tell you everything about the state of our team.

I am less and less impressed with Claiborne. he should be dominant given he is a top 6 player. right now we are getting a 5th round player out of him. injuries or no injuries, a top 10 talent can/should play better than this.

 

[DiResta]

Agree. Say that McClain is more physical in the run game, fine. But Lee's anticipation and hands for the interception are ridiculous for a linebacker. And we all know how important pass defense is in today's NFL.

And attitude. Character. without a great character fast, strong dudes wash out all the time. Lee is like another coach and has been. hes the leader when he walks in the room and if he was surronded by more talent who knows what he could do.

the ONLY knock on Lee is the bad knees

 

[nalam]

-
I really thought he should have been given that INT but I never seem to fully grasp the possession rule. He had possession when his knee was down and then when his elbow was down and after that the ball came out.

The Cowboys had LB blow out his knee on a celebration years ago. His name is not coming to me at the moment.
.

I think the rules of catch stands good for interceptions too, you have to maintain possession when going to ground, i.m.o

 

[xwalker]

And attitude. Character. without a great character fast, strong dudes wash out all the time. Lee is like another coach and has been. hes the leader when he walks in the room and if he was surronded by more talent who knows what he could do.

the ONLY knock on Lee is the bad knees

It wasn't a knee injury that knocked him out last season.

 

[xwalker]

I think the rules of catch stands good for interceptions too, you have to maintain possession when going to ground, i.m.o

Yes, it's the same rules as for an offensive receiver. It just seemed very close considering that he was basically down twice (knee then elbow) before the ball came out.

 

[CCBoy]

Really. Come on. It's higher than the average public high school. Cynics!

Definitely higher than the preppies who show up here, in the early evening, following their time at school or running the streets.

 

[CCBoy]

Fwiw I think Lee would make a pretty good Will.

I do also, possibly even better.

 

[CyberB0b]

-

- I don't think Morris Claiborne played that bad of a game considering he missed a lot of TC, all of PS and was matched up with Michael Crabtree most of the day without safety help.

Well, yeah, he was playing Cover 3 most of the game. He was terrible in his reads in zone. When he played man, he wasn't very good, either. If we weren't so thin at CB, I see him as the 4th CB. The only reason he was on the field was because Scandrick was suspended and they were playing Sterling Moore off of his couch.

 

[starfrombirth]

The Cowboys had LB blow out his knee on a celebration years ago. His name is not coming to me at the moment.

I don't remember the linebacker but I remember Martin Gramatica blowing out his knee celebrating and then his brother doing the same stupid thing a little while later.

 

[Derinyar]

Yes, it's the same rules as for an offensive receiver. It just seemed very close considering that he was basically down twice (knee then elbow) before the ball came out.

Its the issue of having to carry the ball all the way through the ground on a reception, I think. Its the situation like the end zone toe tap where the player lands out of bounds and the ball comes out. At least that's what it looked like to me.

 

[ConstantReboot]

No he's not.

I like Sean but seeing but I think Rolando is a bit better and more athletic. He tackles hard and meets the ball carrier head on. Sean seems to get his tackles in the second level when the ball carrier has already gained some yardage.

However, I think Sean is smarter and tends to sniff out the plays better, especially in passing situations.

 

[morasp]

Seriously?

Reminds me of Bill Gramatica:

After successfully kicking a 43-yard field goal in the first half of a game against the New York Giants on December 15, 2001, Gramática jumped up in celebration and tore the ACL in his right knee (plant leg) upon landing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Gramática

 

[Verdict]

Mo has a learning disability that basically makes it hard for him to read.
It was known well before the test.
Hard to rate his intelligence on things that are not written.

I just remember Mo for his tweet: "Cast come off tomorrow" or something like that.

 

[mmohican29]

I like Sean but seeing but I think Rolando is a bit better and more athletic. He tackles hard and meets the ball carrier head on. Sean seems to get his tackles in the second level when the ball carrier has already gained some yardage.

However, I think Sean is smarter and tends to sniff out the plays better, especially in passing situations.

I think Sean is the more complete player, but if Rolando puts his mind to it- he could be a top MLB. He was THE best LB on the field on Sunday and that includes Patrick Willis. His physicality is almost unmatched in the run game and if he can ever get Lee's film study habits he will be dynamic.

I'm of the mindset to move Lee to WLB next season (for as long as he's healthy). The Cowboys could have a top trio of starting LB'ers next year.

 

[SHAMSzy]

Versus the run McClain is better. Overall as a LB it isn't even close unless you count that Lee is always on the sideline in street clothes.

Lee's recognition, ability to get the defense set and defeat plays before the snap plus obviously his pass play is the best in the league.

Luke Kuechley says hello..

 

[cowboys1981]

- I do not think Selvie can play the LDE. I think this is why the teams has been signing and trading for LDE. SF could run on his side whenever they wanted to. He's a nightmare in the run game.

- R.McClain is a violent player. We all remember the few hits he had on the RBs and on the QB, but he abused SF's offensive line. The difference in hand strength between McClain and Carter is so obvious on tape.

- I like J.J. Wilcox, but he does a lot of the same things as Barry Church. Pairing those together means TEs are going to be a problem every week.

- SF has a terrific offensive line coach. The way that SF can switch between zone-blocking to down-hill run blocking is really something to watch. Their offensive line is coached very well. Everyone has solid technique.

- I don't think Morris Claiborne played that bad of a game considering he missed a lot of TC, all of PS and was matched up with Michael Crabtree most of the day without safety help.

- Justin Durant got hurt celebrating.

- At this point in his career, Carter is a much better blitzer than anything else and I'm not trying to be negative about it. He does a really good job at getting to the quarterback as a blitzer. I would like DAL to use him more in 3rd and long situations.

Good observations!

Next season we'll have a nice tandem of
WLB: Lee MLB: McClain SLB: Carter

As far as Selvie goes, he does make sone plays ,but he does have his moments that'll leave you shaking your head.