Awuzie or Jourdan?

[stilltheguru88]

It would require a complete change in philosophy in Marinelli. Marinelli's scheme relies on pressure from his front four. Marinelli's defenses have typically been near the bottom year after year in terms of blitz percentage.

I think if people are thinking we are going to start blitzing all of a sudden, they are going to be disappointed.

His philosophy should be winning games.

 

[Sydla]

His philosophy should be winning games.

LOL.

Coaches have schemes and philosophies. This idea that a DC is suddenly diverge significantly from what he's been accustomed to doing, is wishful thinking. The idea that the Cowboys could morph into a Jim Johnson style, blitzing, attacking defense is pie in the sky thinking.

We may blitz a bit more with guys like Smith (I believe we've been ranked in the bottom 5 in blitzing under Marinelli) but the scheme will still be predicated on pressure coming from the front four.

Further the fact we have been drafting and signing bigger DEs than these 240-250 lb hybrid types is an indicator that front four pressure is still the philosophy of Marinelli and this team.

 

[Wood]

It would require a complete change in philosophy in Marinelli. Marinelli's scheme relies on pressure from his front four. Marinelli's defenses have typically been near the bottom year after year in terms of blitz percentage.

I think if people are thinking we are going to start blitzing all of a sudden, they are going to be disappointed.

I agree that his basic philisophy is for DL to generate pressure but if the team has a line that isn't particularly good at it and team just drafted a bunch of good blitzing players we might see him blitz more because his gold standard on defense is to generate turnovers.

 

[Sydla]

I agree that his basic philisophy is for DL to generate pressure but if the team has a line that isn't particularly good at it and team just drafted a bunch of good blitzing players we might see him blitz more because his gold standard on defense is to generate turnovers.

He might blitz more (meaning maybe we won't be ranked in the bottom 5) but this idea that we are now going to morph closer to a Jim Johnson style offense is really wishful thinking, regardless of what you think the skill set of the players is.

I'd be stunned if after 2017, our blitz percentage ranked in the Top half of the league. In fact, I suspect if the pass rush from the ends is improved, we might find our blitz percentage, once again, near the bottom of the league.

 

[Wood]

He might blitz more (meaning maybe we won't be ranked in the bottom 5) but this idea that we are now going to morph closer to a Jim Johnson style offense is really wishful thinking, regardless of what you think the skill set of the players is.

I'd be stunned if after 2017, our blitz percentage ranked in the Top half of the league. In fact, I suspect if the pass rush from the ends is improved, we might find our blitz percentage, once again, near the bottom of the league.

I was half joking about Jim Johnson defense style. Lighten up.

 

[Sydla]

I was half joking about Jim Johnson defense style. Lighten up.

I am perfectly light.

 

[GhostOfPelluer]

I don't think we will ever be a high percentage blitz team under Rod, but he has shown the ability to dial it up from time to time. There were a couple of big secondary blitzes against Green Bay in the playoffs that almost helped us win the game. Rod isn't as crusty as some people think. If he's got some horses who can get home on a blitz, I could see him using it more.

 

[Wood]

I don't think we will ever be a high percentage blitz team under Rod, but he has shown the ability to dial it up from time to time. There were a couple of big secondary blitzes against Green Bay in the playoffs that almost helped us win the game. Rod isn't as crusty as some people think. If he's got some horses who can get home on a blitz, I could see him using it more.

exactly. And that was point that McClay brought up about Marinelli. He is more malleable than people realize.

 

[Sydla]

I don't think we will ever be a high percentage blitz team under Rod, but he has shown the ability to dial it up from time to time. There were a couple of big secondary blitzes against Green Bay in the playoffs that almost helped us win the game. Rod isn't as crusty as some people think. If he's got some horses who can get home on a blitz, I could see him using it more.

I am sure he might blitz a bit more but since Marinelli has been here, they were 31st in blitz percentage in 2014 and 27th in blitz percentage in 2016. I couldn't find 2015. People want to believe it's a talent reason as to why he doesn't blitz more when in fact, it's a philosophy thing. When he was DC in Chicago, they didn't blitz a lot either.

So while you might see a small increase in blitzes, I wouldn't expect a whole lot difference in what we see on obvious passing downs than we saw in 2016, especially when you factor in we will be breaking in a lot of new secondary players.

 

[GhostOfPelluer]

I am sure he might blitz a bit more but since Marinelli has been here, they were 31st in blitz percentage in 2014 and 27th in blitz percentage in 2016. I couldn't find 2015. People want to believe it's a talent reason as to why he doesn't blitz more when in fact, it's a philosophy thing. When he was DC in Chicago, they didn't blitz a lot either.

So while you might see a small increase in blitzes, I wouldn't expect a whole lot difference in what we see on obvious passing downs than we saw in 2016, especially when you factor in we will be breaking in a lot of new secondary players.

I think we're splitting hairs. I don't know what a bit more equates to. I'm not even sure how to quantify my statement and I posted it. I do know it would be a shame to draft Awuzie and never let him blitz, that's one of the qualities that made him stand out from the other 2nd-round DBs.

I know Rod's general philosophy on the blitz. I actually agree with him because statistically the best QBs are daring you to blitz them. But there is a balance between Jim Johnson and 31st in the league. And I think part of it is we had so little success blitzing last season - until the playoff game for some reason.

 

[Sydla]

I think we're splitting hairs. I don't know what a bit more equates to. I'm not even sure how to quantify my statement and I posted it. I do know it would be a shame to draft Awuzie and never let him blitz, that's one of the qualities that made him stand out from the other 2nd-round DBs.

I know Rod's general philosophy on the blitz. I actually agree with him because statistically the best QBs are daring you to blitz them. But there is a balance between Jim Johnson and 31st in the league. And I think part of it is we had so little success blitzing last season - until the playoff game for some reason.

I'd be stunned if we were Top 20 in blitz percentage next year and going forward under Marinelli.

Meaning, even with the additions we have made, I wouldn't expect the defensive philosophy of Marinelli to change much.

 

[texbumthelife]

I'll say one thing, pressure or not, inside or outside, if you run lazy routes on either of these guys, you're not catching it and they probably are.

 

[Denim Chicken]

I'd be stunned if we were Top 20 in blitz percentage next year and going forward under Marinelli.

Meaning, even with the additions we have made, I wouldn't expect the defensive philosophy of Marinelli to change much.

2016 blitz percentage:

1. New Orleans Saints - 41.7 percent of plays

2. Denver Broncos - 37.6 percent of plays

3. Arizona Cardinals - 36.8 percent of plays

4. Tennessee Titans - 36 percent of plays

5. Detroit Lions - 35.8 percent of plays

6. Los Angeles Rams - 33.2 percent of plays

7. Minnesota Vikings - 33 percent of plays

8. Jets - 32.9 percent of plays

9. Indianapolis Colts - 31.7 percent of plays

10. Oakland Raiders - 31.5 percent of plays

11. Houston Texans - 29.9 percent of plays

12. Baltimore Ravens - 27.8 percent of plays

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 27.6 percent of plays

14. Washington Commanders - 27.6 percent of plays

15. San Francisco 49ers - 27.4 percent of plays

16. Miami Dolphins - 27.4 percent of plays

17. Carolina Panthers - 26.1 percent of plays

18. Green Bay Packers - 26 percent of plays

19. Seattle Seahawks - 25.5 percent of plays

20. Cleveland Browns - 23.8 percent of plays

21. San Diego Chargers - 22.3 percent of plays

22. Pittsburgh Steelers - 22.1 percent of plays

23. Giants - 21.8 percent of plays

24. Buffalo Bills - 21.7 percent of plays

25. New England Patriots - 20.1 percent of plays

26. Jacksonville Jaguars - 19.1 percent of plays

27. Dallas Cowboys - 16.9 percent of plays

28. Chicago Bears - 16.4 percent of plays

29. Kansas City Chiefs - 15.8 percent of plays

30. Cincinnati Bengals - 15.6 percent of plays

31. Atlanta Falcons - 14.7 percent of plays

32. Eagles - 14 percent of plays

 

[CowboyRoy]

I think Lewis can be all-pro at slot position. Awuzie likely moves to S at some point because of his toughness. One thing I can say is teams can expect to see Dallas blitz from anywhere now. Might start looking like Jim Johnson style defense for those who remembered him with Eagles.

That would be great, but I dont see Marianelli as a big blitz type guy.

 

[DogFace]

After watching more film, it would seem to me that you would want Lewis on the outside. Longer arms, can defend the jump ball better, and has those amazing hands for picking off the pass. Awuze you would want in the slot and closer to the line of scrimmage disrupting the inside passing game and using his awareness and aggressiveness in the run game.

I agree, but I think both can and will.

I'd like to see DB's "reach" rather than height. I know they give arm length and height. I'd rather have the bottom line which is reach for this position.

 

[DogFace]

Yes. We won't blitz more. Hopefully, just a little more in key passing situations. Most of us hate the 3 man An occasionally blitz and rushing 4 would be welcome.

 

[vicjagger]

One of them is better inside and the other, outside.

 

[Texas_Pete]

He's almost identically built to Chris Harris, as well as athletic profile. Chris Harris does it all but excels in the slot, I think Lewis has that kind of potential. He'll play the boundary and then slide inside, eventually.

Arm length: 33 1/2 in Hand size:9¼ in

Arm length: 31⅝in Hand size: 9¼"

I was wondering who Jordan physically compared to. Awuzie is favorably compared to Talib:

 

[stilltheguru88]

I was wondering who Jordan physically compared to. Awuzie is favorably compared to Talib:

I hope so.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

I was wondering who Jordan physically compared to. Awuzie is favorably compared to Talib:

Arm length is kinda important