Can we rebuild defense before Dak is done?

[rambo2]

You can't have your pie and eat it too
They got to start eating some of that pie up on free agents to improve this defense.

They look like they will.

 

[Blackrain]

They look like they will.

I sure hope you're right because I really don't look forward to another year watching a defense like that.
In all honesty that was very painful to have to watch.

 

[deerhunter11]

Dallas doesn't need a total rebuild, just better pieces in key positions, particularly linebackers who can meet runners in the hole, oppose to watching RBs come out of the hole and then try to make a tackle in the 2nd level.

Ball hawk safety who can high point the football in the air and not in the box safeties looking clueless in single safety high coverage.

Solid edge who can keep contain on run defense and have more than a speed rush move when trying to get to the QB.

These moves wouldn't get this defense in the top 5 in the NFL per say but they'll definitely be better than Bottom 5 in the league which is inexcusable.

Good post, Dallas needs 5 or 6 good starter type players on defense and could be much improved maybe middle of the pack next season. Dallas has a great new set of eyes with Parker on board as well. Dallas needs 2 LB, 2 S 1 elite pass rusher and a nickel corner who can tackle and cover. A 3-4 defensive end should also be added; this can be done with a combination of free agency and the draft.

 

[kramskoi]

Yep

Dak and offense hasn’t been enough to carry lesser defenses. But we have seen lesser QB’s have more success with great defenses.

If we have a great defense like Houston and Dak blows it like Stroud did, then it’s time to move on.

He had a very good defense at Santa Clara in the 2022 playoffs. The offense really let that team down. Prescott wasn't wise with the football. It's the one game I refuse to let him off the hook for...even if I'm willing to give him ONE MORE good defense to squander before giving up on him.

That said...I do think that the dullard-level decision to trade Amari Cooper cost them a title game shot against the Eagles that year. Gallup was never again the guy he was pre-injury. It's one of the reasons I'm bullish on retaining Pickens.

 

[kramskoi]

It absolutely is an accurate way to assess a defense. The number one job is stopping points from being scored. Stopping yardage is secondary to that.

Facts are that Dak has had several top 10 defenses and squandered them, just like he squandered a league leading runner.

Dak's mental ceiling (just like Romo) is the 2nd biggest reason this team never gets anywhere (Jerry is number 1).

While I won't let Prescott totally off the hook for 2022, I do think that with Cooper on the field they would've gotten by the 49ers. Not trying to force the ball to Lamb is always better. It's one reason why I'm bullish on retaining Pickens. Ferguson isn't an all-world tight end and Schottenheimer isn't utilizing the RBs in the passing game like he perhaps should. Offense is still going to be the best route to a title game over the next two years. Rams showed that a great offense can get you there. Superbowl? Not high on that happening in two years.

 

[rambo2]

I sure hope you're right because I really don't look forward to another year watching a defense like that.
In all honesty that was very painful to have to watch.

They can sign whoever they want to sign and they very well could draft 2 defensive players in the 1st round.

 

[Blackrain]

They can sign whoever they want to sign and they very well could draft 2 defensive players in the 1st round.

We need to use both those first round draft picks on defense and we have to hit on both they have to be slam dunks.

We can't afford any more Mazi Smith's or taco charlton's.

We absolutely do not need to draft any injured linebackers under any circumstances.

We need a couple plug and Play hit the ground running immediate contributors.

ABSOLUTELY NO PROJECTS!!!

 

[kskboys]

They can sign whoever they want to sign and they very well could draft 2 defensive players in the 1st round.

Maybe in Fantasy Land. No team can sign whomever they want to. Doesn't work that way.

 

[Diehardblues]

He had a very good defense at Santa Clara in the 2022 playoffs. The offense really let that team down. Prescott wasn't wise with the football. It's the one game I refuse to let him off the hook for...even if I'm willing to give him ONE MORE good defense to squander before giving up on him.

That said...I do think that the dullard-level decision to trade Amari Cooper cost them a title game shot against the Eagles that year. Gallup was never again the guy he was pre-injury. It's one of the reasons I'm bullish on retaining Pickens.

I’d agree Prescott errors were costly but our defense which was poor against the run was more costly which couldn’t make stops.

While we had some better defenses with DQ at DC their strength was TO’s and pass rush with Parsons .

In the end our defense and offense weren’t enough. Neither were ranked overall in Top 10. We looked like a SB team against lesser opponents.

 

[Diehardblues]

So should we assume we have not had the greatest coaches in the building these past 30 years?

Yes, along with our dysfunctional ownership and front office that has hindered, meddled and undermined coaching.

Even when we had Bill and Mike they all too often were not in total control of building.

Ultimately we have to hold responsible the one constant throughout the last 30 years.

 

[kramskoi]

I’d agree Prescott errors were costly but our defense which was poor against the run was more costly which couldn’t make stops.

While we had some better defenses with DQ at DC their strength was TO’s and pass rush with Parsons .

In the end our defense and offense weren’t enough. Neither were ranked overall in Top 10. We looked like a SB team against lesser opponents.

It wasn't poor that day. The rush defense was actually pretty good. They held C-Mac to 35 yards on 10 carries. Seattle held him to 35 yards on 11 carries in the playoffs this year. The Cowboys gave up 113 yds on 32 carries (3.5 ypc) to Deebo, Mitchell, C-Mac and Purdy combined. Seattle gave up 108 on 27 carries (4 ypc) to the 49ers.