Adjustments to the Defense?

[Cowboy06]

With the suspensions and the overall lack of available talent, will the Cowboys change their approach on defense?

I have been thinking about using the DL to attack less and to free up the linebackers to stop the run. Yet, the LBs don't seem sound. Nor does the secondary make me think they can hold up or come up with turnovers.

So how does the defense become creative? The attacks lanes and the need to create a pass rush scare me.

I believe that the silver lining is that the backups will get some exposure and experience. The downside is that they could be horrible. The good point about that is what we will know who to release and can keep churning the roster.

 

[CF74]

Somehow we need to bring in a LB and a DE with some skins on the wall, a solid vet fa...

 

[TheCount]

There's no replacement for talent.

I don't really see much changing in terms of scheme or special packages, that's never really been our style. For us, "switching it up" usually means blitzing Scandrick from the slot.

 

[Cowboy06]

I hope we can start looking at young players that may be released due to the talent on their current teams. I'm sure they already have a list of players they would want to bring in. At least I hope so.

 

[Cowboy06]

There's no replacement for talent.

I don't really see much changing in terms of scheme or special packages, that's never really been our style. For us, "switching it up" usually means blitzing Scandrick from the slot.

I agree and I don't think doing business as usual will get us anywhere. I hope I'm wrong though.

 

[jazzcat22]

They will go with their same plan and philosophy. Unfortunately so. I agree, they need to change up a few things. But not the overall scheme, not yet.
Vets would be progress stoppers at this point, unless they players in place just don't have it. But need to see that in TC first. Bringing in other players at this point in time, well, there aren't any out there. And those type of players won't be available until final cut down days.

I doubt we see anything different. But they do need to improve on in game adjustments. Seems they don't do any, on offense or defense. As their philosophies and schemes aren't all that great to just say...stick with it. Except the running game...you stick with that. Now that did work for them in 2014.

 

[rockj7]

I agree and I don't think doing business as usual will get us anywhere. I hope I'm wrong though.

Welp bright side of things is we either lead the league in scoring ir we are picking a top 10 defensive player in the draft ext year

 

[DominantD]

How is Thornton against the run? Is it possible that we will be a little stronger against the run with Thornton and Crawford up the middle? Both can get some pressure on the QB up the middle and sometimes push the pocket allowing our DEs a better chance to make plays. At DE, even if we had Gregory, he doesn't appear ready to stop the run (although Lawrence would be fine).

So in the meantime, my hope is that we are little better against the run allowing 3rd and a little bit longer and an occasional missed 3rd down conversion.

P.S. I'm grasping for straws (above). I wouldn't change schemes or get too cute or we might be out of our "lanes" allowing big plays.

 

[Risen Star]

Well, instead of defense it's we-fense this year. So I applaud the Cowboys for preparing for the worst and also for this sweet new t-shirt.

 

[Risen Star]

How is Thornton against the run? Is it possible that we will be a little stronger against the run with Thornton and Crawford up the middle?

Is it possible that Cedric Thornton can play the run better than Nick Hayden?

Anything is possible. You just have to believe.

 

[Cowboy06]

Welp bright side of things is we either lead the league in scoring ir we are picking a top 10 defensive player in the draft ext year

Okay...you're responsible for my laptop and the coffee that almost hit the display...LOL Yeah...I guess you have a point. I would love to see an influx of talent in the fold next year, mostly on defense.

I just really hope that the player and coaches can improve. You never know this team could surprise during the first 4-6 weeks. I would be nice to be in the top half of the league.

 

[Cowboy06]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...eatest-defensive-minds-in-nfl-history/page/26

 

[TrailBlazer]

We don't need creative. We need sound defensive technique. Gap integrity. We need guys to do their jobs and not get washed off the ball. We need Sean Lee to be healthy.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Is it possible that Cedric Thornton can play the run better than Nick Hayden?

Anything is possible. You just have to believe.

Wouldnt hold my breath

 

[rockj7]

Okay...you're responsible for my laptop and the coffee that almost hit the display...LOL Yeah...I guess you have a point. I would love to see an influx of talent in the fold next year, mostly on defense.

I just really hope that the player and coaches can improve. You never know this team could surprise during the first 4-6 weeks. I would be nice to be in the top half of the league.

Bro I found out alot of our 1992 Cowboy games on YouTube I looked at Michael Irvin catch one pass for 18 yrds and we won with defense and running E Smith like a horse I shed a tear almost. Yes I'm living in yesterday

 

[CF74]

Is it possible that Cedric Thornton can play the run better than Nick Hayden?

Anything is possible. You just have to believe.

Is the upgrade comparable to ham and cheese over just plain baloney? Or are we talking Monte Christo here? Stay tuned..

 

[Cowboy06]

Bro I found out alot of our 1992 Cowboy games on YouTube I looked at Michael Irvin catch one pass for 18 yrds and we won with defense and running E Smith like a horse I shed a tear almost. Yes I'm living in yesterday

You know between some of the people on this board, we could write one heck of a novel from a fan perspective. pepper in some humor, well timed jabs and the occasional passionate disagreements...and it's a best seller...downfall? We all get rich and post more...LOL

 

[gmoney112]

In a thread about adjustments to the defense, and not one person has mentioned anything about an actual scheme we employed last year.

I think we need to go back to a cover 3 shell primarily. I'm not exactly sure what we ran in 2014 but I know it was a lot of cover 3 off man. That led to us nearly leading the league in TO's.

Last year we thought our pass rush was going to be vastly improved, and tried to play to Carr/Claibornes strengths with a cover 1 man robber scheme. The secondary wasn't terrible but I think it's pretty apparent that these guys need to have their eyes toward the ball.

With Lee back and Byron out at FS, I think he's got the speed/instincts to be a pretty good Cover 3 safety, a mini Earl Thomas (not size but skill, ET is the best cover 3 safety in the game)

I think now that Romo is back and this offense is potent, we're going to see a reversion back to that Cover 3 to get the offense as many possessions as possible.

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

Somehow we need to bring in a LB and a DE with some skins on the wall, a solid vet fa...

We should sign Hardy after week 1 (non-guaranteed) and cut him after week 4.

 

[CF74]

We should sign Hardy after week 1 (non-guaranteed) and cut him after week 4.

I would wait till we've exhausted all other options...