Calling it now

[Sydla]

Nice stat sheet. I took your rankings above for all 13 metrics and came up with total of 263, then dived it by 13 for the number of categories and came up with 20.23, so let's round it down to 20.

So an aggregate ranking of all of the categories puts the "D" at 20th.

Even if you throw in their best performances in defensive stats - 8th in total yards, 8th in rush yards per game, 3rd in rushing TDs allowed, their composite ranking only improves to 17.6.

In other words, just a really mediocre defense.

 

[Old'Boyfan]

Even if you throw in their best performances in defensive stats - 8th in total yards, 8th in rush yards per game, 3rd in rushing TDs allowed, their composite ranking only improves to 17.6.

In other words, just a really mediocre defense.

But, but, but,....it was 8th in yards allowed! That makes it a top 10 defense, don't you understand that?!?! All the other don't matter at all!
(Sarcasm)

 

[DenCWBY]

Their going to be way better but our division is too

A lot will determine by which defenses can stay healthy and those who don't. Then it boils down to who has the better 2nd and 3rd string defenders and if their offenses are effective to help the defenses stay off the field.
It's these variables (backup defensive players and stability of offense) where I think we're lacking at this point.

 

[percyhoward]

16.................. Dallas' rank in total takeaways

And even that one is misleading because it includes special teams takeaways when the defense wasn't on the field. Dallas ranked 21st in takeaways per opponent drive.

According to the metrics that correlate most strongly to wins -- points per drive (17th) , drive success rate (25th), def passer rating (27th). So that averages to 23rd.

 

[J-man]

I see some playmakers, but I also see a very weak middle up front. Teams will pound it up the gut on runs plays and dbl/chip our ends wide on pass plays. QB's could have all day. DB's will be put to the test.

 

[northerncowboynation]

Our defense is going to be MUCH better than it has been. I am talking top 10 at worst and top 5 in turnovers and sacks.

Depends on Sean Lee's health. We saw what happened against the run when Sean was out. Teams ran all over us.

Agree, the secondary is improving and the D-line is improving.

For me the key is Sean Lee. If Lee goes down, we have the answer IMO, J Smith. Last year when Lee went down it was Hitch and he tried but J Smith is way more athletic than Hitch. If Lee goes down, I'm hoping the impact is less than last year.

 

[GenoT]

The D mighta been #8 in yards allowed, but they were #13 in points allowed. And, unfortunately, points are all that matter on the scoreboard.

I really don’t care how many yards our D gives up, as long as they give up fewer points than our opponent does.

 

[Cowpolk]

The simplistic nature of your argument is mind boggling. Yes, everyone knows the NFL has a yardage ranking. There are also ways to sort the columns of other metrics such as points allowed and others.

Do you really think Offensive Coordinators use yardage, above everything else, to judge the opposing defenses they face? Simple yes or no question...

I dont care what offensive coordinators use the defense was rated number 8 last season get use to it

 

[Cowpolk]

And there is the flaw in your thinking.

8

 

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Our defense is going to be MUCH better than it has been. I am talking top 10 at worst and top 5 in turnovers and sacks.

from your fingers to God's eyes...

 

[Cowpolk]

But, but, but,....it was 8th in yards allowed! That makes it a top 10 defense, don't you understand that?!?! All the other don't matter at all!
(Sarcasm)

Ok they were in the top 10 makes um sound worse than 8th that make ya feel better

 

[Old'Boyfan]

Ok they were in the top 10 makes um sound worse than 8th that make ya feel better

You really don't get it. OK, they were 8th in yards allowed. Great. Most of us are looking at it in much more depth than that, like a more complete defensive picture. But if that floats your boat go with it.

 

[Sydla]

I dont care what offensive coordinators use the defense was rated number 8 last season get use to it

Simple question.

Were the Cowboys the 8th best defense in the NFL last year?

 

[Cowpolk]

Simple question.

Were the Cowboys the 8th best defense in the NFL last year?

Because the way the Nfl rates defenses says they are

 

[Cowpolk]

You really don't get it. OK, they were 8th in yards allowed. Great. Most of us are looking at it in much more depth than that, like a more complete defensive picture. But if that floats your boat go with it.

Im looking at it the way the Nfl rates defnses not the way you do

 

[Sydla]

Because the way the Nfl rates defenses says they are

That’s not what I am asking. I am not asking what you think the NFL thinks.

What do you think?

 

[Cowpolk]

That’s not what I am asking. I am not asking what you think the NFL thinks.

What do you think?

I dont use numbers to rate teams Last season the offense blew it defense played good enough for us to make the playoffs

 

[Sydla]

In other words, even you realize they weren’t a Top Ten defense last year.

 

[Cowpolk]

In other words, even you realize they weren’t a Top Ten defense last year.

Nfl says we were

 

[Sydla]

Nfl says we were

So again, deep down, even you realize they weren’t a top ten defense.

It’s pretty clear considering your dancing around what is a simple question to answer.