Call me Crazy (about the DL)

[Teague31]

suspensions aside, I think this DL group has a chance to be very good. Certainly better than anything we have seen in the past 5 years. Think they will be a top 10 unit. In the middle Collins and Paea are going to wreak havoc. When you hear about these two consistently beating Beard and Zack in practice how could you not be excited? Depth there is good as well.
At end, Irving has a chance to be a legit star if he can walk the line. That leaves one position to worry about and between Lawrence (healthy and in a contract year), Mayowa (6 sacks a year ago) and an ever improving Taco we will be good to go. That doesn't even factor in a reborn Moore and the hope Tapper can put it altogether.
Yes the first month will be rough but I think this will be a legit unit down the stretch. When was the last time we even had such hope along the DL?

 

[DFWJC]

suspensions aside, I think this DL group has a chance to be very good. Certainly better than anything we have seen in the past 5 years. Think they will be a top 10 unit. In the middle Collins and Paea are going to wreak havoc. When you hear about these two consistently beating Beard and Zack in practice how could you not be excited? Depth there is good as well.
At end, Irving has a chance to be a legit star if he can walk the line. That leaves one position to worry about and between Lawrence (healthy and in a contract year), Mayowa (6 sacks a year ago) and an ever improving Taco we will be good to go. That doesn't even factor in a reborn Moore and the hope Tapper can put it altogether.
Yes the first month will be rough but I think this will be a legit unit down the stretch. When was the last time we even had such hope along the DL?

Compared to the last 5-6 years....I agree

 

[Texas_Pete]

I'm most intrigued about Neal. He is, dare I say, Aaron Donaldesque the way he uses his leverage to blow up OL. Exhibit A:



Exhibit B:



Exhibit C:



He's a Marinelli type player. I think he makes the 53.

 

[Aven8]

All depends on those 3 behind them really. Actually the two behind them as Marinelli runs a 4-2-6 the majority of the time anyway. Hitchens is just ok, but we need dynamic at MLB. Hoping Jaylon is fine and never looks back!

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Compared to the last 5-6 years....I agree

Agree also.

Still lots of question that time will sort out, but a better collection of talent than what they've had over the last few years.

 

[jazzcat22]

I am excited to see how they all do, and think they will be better than many think. But I also need to see it on the field. I think that goes without saying. I do believe they will get better as the year proceeds. They may not finish in the top 10, but could be playing like a top 10 at the end of the season and going into the playoffs.

 

[sbark]

Its all about immediate pressure directly up the middle, right in the QB's face with M.Collins,Pea, Irving and maybe Neal.

As more and more QB's / schemes go to 3 step drops and quick throws, the only way is pressure from the middle.

 

[Texas_Pete]

3T is one of the most important positions in a Marinelli defense. If Neal can flash a little bit more he'll at least make the PS. I'm rooting for him big time. He's my new defensive pet cat...next to Chido

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Its all about immediate pressure directly up the middle, right in the QB's face with M.Collins,Pea, Irving and maybe Neal.

As more and more QB's / schemes go to 3 step drops and quick throws, the only way is pressure from the middle.

Valid point.

Many have talked about the sacks (or lack there of) by the DE's, but I agree with you in that pressure from the DT's is hugely important now.

 

[jazzcat22]

Some of the DL's success at DE may depend on Collins. If he improves upon the way he was playing at the end of last season. he may get more attention fro the opposing OL, as to double team him. therefore opening up one on one matchups on the outside. This is where the DE's can be the factor we want them to be.
And not only that, it can open up some blitzing from the S position and / or MLB.

 

[CF74]

Paea and Thornton are getting past Zack and Fred? Really?

 

[jwitten82]

It's so crazy it's r3tarded

 

[Deep_Freeze]

It's so crazy it's r3tarded

Teague31 might need a straitjacket.

If Goodell hears all this crazy talk, he will suspend more of our DL.

 

[jblaze2004]

I'm most intrigued about Neal. He is, dare I say, Aaron Donaldesque the way he uses his leverage to blow up OL. Exhibit A:



Exhibit B:



Exhibit C:



He's a Marinelli type player. I think he makes the 53.

dang Neal is explosive. Looks like the first man off the ball too. He has that quick twitch that u can't teach. A young Jay Ratliff dear I say. Oh and that play against the cardinals he got held too (refs constantly miss our dlinemen getting held.

Only thing about him is his size. He is 6'2 which is fine but only what 272lbs. I wonder if he put on atleast 10lbs since he was drafted. Aaron Donald plays at 285lbs I believe.

 

[Titleist]

I followed Neal pretty closely during his LSU days. He was kinda undersized for his position but put in a ton of work to get himself to where he is today. He also had a consistently upward trajectory - definitely improved every year and I don't think he's even peaked yet

 

[SHAMSzy]

I miss D Ware and Anthony Spencer, we need a stud DE like these two. Anthony Spencer was one of the most under appreciated cowboys IMO, consistent stud on that strong side.

But yeah I agree the DL has potential

 

[Jstopper]

Paea and Thornton are getting past Zack and Fred? Really?

Yeah they have been reported to have won quite a few matchups against our 2 All-pro linemen

 

[thisiscowboyscountry]

This is certainly the best dl group Dallas has had over the past few seasons. They finally have multiple options in the rotation and have come a long way since 2014. Only problem is we have no superstars that have established themselves yet for opposing offenses to fear. Collins could be that disruptive force on the interior, while in a contract year it's possible you see Lawrence take a big step forward becoming a 10 sack guy. Irving is also in a contract year and has flashed the last couple seasons. There are also a number of wild cards that offer excellent depth that remain intriguing options for significant playing time. It's a good problem to have though vs relying on undrafted and off the street players starting or playing significant time...

 

[Sydla]

I'll take above average and be happy.

 

[Kaiser]

Like anything it depends on health and improvement from young developing players. But the OP is exactly right. If everyone is healthy, Marinelli is Marinelli, and you get normal development from Collins, Irving, and Taco you could have a very good DL. Light years better than the 2014 team - and that team went 12-4.