News: CBSSPORTS - Cowboys go all-in on a younger, faster, more flexible defense

[GhostOfPelluer]

Maybe I'm crazy but I'm not too worried about the DBs. The kids can play. And if nothing else, the current vets can hold the fort. Same with Taco and the D-Line.

Jaylon is the key. I have to keep myself from getting too excited because he can be such a dynamic player. I have to remind myself he'll be 18 months from playing meaningful football and we probably won't see anything resembling his talent level until 2018. But his ability is so freakish I can't help but get my hopes up. I envision a Patrick Willis-Navarro Bowman (pre-injury) type of presence from Lee and Jaylon and that impacts the running game and the passing game.

 

[AsthmaField]

IMO, the skill of the secondary went up a notch or two with Awuzie, Lewis, and Woods. The competitiveness and smarts of the secondary went up about 5 notches. Even with so many young guys contributing/starting in the defensive backfield, I expect it to be better... particularly by the mid point of the season.

The DL should be better as well, with Taco and Tapper playing. Collins having camp and in his second season should make a jump too.

The LB's, will be at least as good (with Lee staying healthy as the key) but Smith could really take that unit up a few notches as well.

So many versatile, smart players all over the defense is really going to take the handcuffs off of Marinelli and allow him to do a lot of different things.

 

[ThreeandOut]

IMO, the skill of the secondary went up a notch or two with Awuzie, Lewis, and Woods. The competitiveness and smarts of the secondary went up about 5 notches. Even with so many young guys contributing/starting in the defensive backfield, I expect it to be better... particularly by the mid point of the season.

The DL should be better as well, with Taco and Tapper playing. Collins having camp and in his second season should make a jump too.

The LB's, will be at least as good (with Lee staying healthy as the key) but Smith could really take that unit up a few notches as well.

So many versatile, smart players all over the defense is really going to take the handcuffs off of Marinelli and allow him to do a lot of different things.

One of the intriguing things about Awuzie is he had nine sacks in his career. That's more sacks than a lot of the DT's drafted over the past couple of years, including our guy Collins.

 

[AsthmaField]

One of the intriguing things about Awuzie is he had nine sacks in his career. That's more sacks than a lot of the DT's drafted over the past couple of years, including our guy Collins.

Yeah, he can do it for sure. He has a knack for it.

However, that's really a scheme thing. The coaches have to send you on a corner blitz before you can sack the QB.

Having said that... Marinelli will send a corner blitz from time-to-time. Awuzie should get some chances.

 

[big dog cowboy]

IMO, the skill of the secondary went up a notch or two with Awuzie, Lewis, and Woods. The competitiveness and smarts of the secondary went up about 5 notches. Even with so many young guys contributing/starting in the defensive backfield, I expect it to be better... particularly by the mid point of the season.

Nice post **.

I know there is one member who keeps bringing up the Cowboys gutted their secondary by going cheap and letting the FA's leave to save money. Forget that, read this article. The Cowboys will get better play on field AND save money.