Changes Continue to Be Mostly on Offense

[Picksix]

With a few exceptions, it seems like the majority of off-season moves continue to be on the offensive side of the ball. I understand all the moves made, because I think they all help the team, either in terms of adding better players, or dumping aging veterans whose production doesn't match salary.

But for a defense that struggled as much as ours did last year, I'm surprised there hasn't been more to address that side of the ball. Perhaps there just aren't the players to get. Maybe the plan was for Garrett to upgrade the offense this year, and for Ryan to upgrade the defense next year.

I also think that playing a 3-4 makes it tougher for them. Belichek is transitioning more to a 4-3 this year, and has said that it's because he finds it easier to find DL and LB's that fit the 4-3 than the 3-4. Not that I think Belichek does everything right, but his success speaks for itself, and I think he makes a good point.

I know LeBeau and Capers have done well with the 3-4, as has Rex Ryan. But I think the pool of players to fit the 3-4 is significantly more shallow.

This isn't meant to be an argument on the merits of a 4-3 vs. a 3-4. We've discussed that issue at length over the years. But it is curious to see the moves being made, and the what the team is thinking.

 

[Woods]

With a few exceptions, it seems like the majority of off-season moves continue to be on the offensive side of the ball. I understand all the moves made, because I think they all help the team, either in terms of adding better players, or dumping aging veterans whose production doesn't match salary.

But for a defense that struggled as much as ours did last year, I'm surprised there hasn't been more to address that side of the ball. Perhaps there just aren't the players to get. Maybe the plan was for Garrett to upgrade the offense this year, and for Ryan to upgrade it next year.

I also think that playing a 3-4 makes it tougher for them. Belichek is transitioning more to a 4-3 this year, and has said that it's because he finds it easier to fing DL and LB's that fit the 4-3 than the 3-4. Not that I think Belichek does everything right, but his success speaks for itself, and I think he makes a good point.

I know LeBeau and Capers have done well with the 3-4, as has Rex Ryan. But I think the pool of players to fit the 3-4 is significantly more shallow.

This isn't meant to be an argument on the merits of a 4-3 vs. a 3-4. We've discussed that issue at length over the years. But it is curious to see the moves being made, and the what the team is thinking.

The only moves on the defensive side of the ball I can see at this late stage is perhaps ILB and/or CB depth.

I think the team is o.k. with Ball as the 4th CB because he has the versatility to also play Safety and STs.

It's the 5th CB spot that maybe the Cowboys can upgrade with the talent (or lack of) still available.

 

[TheCount]

I think this defense will look drastically different going into next season, but yeah, looks like this year the focus was on the offensive line and trimming the fat.

 

[Reality]

When you bring in a new defensive coordinator, sometimes you have to roll the dice and go with what you have so you can get a real chance to evaluate the players in the new DC's system.

Some guys that performed poorly in Wade's system might do very well in Ryan's system and vice-versa as well. I would hate that we get rid of someone like Jenkins or Sean Lee only to find them becoming a star in a different system.

Now, once these guys have failed to perform in two different systems, then the decision to replace them will be obvious and without regret no matter what they do in the future with another team.

#reality

 

[dargonking999]

Unlike JG, Ryan has only had a TC to really work with these guys. So it's diffcult to do whole sale changes on these players without proper work with them. It's not like these guys are horrible players. Ware, Jenkins, Ratliff, And Newman are all pro-bowl players. Spears, Hatcher, Sens, Spencer, and James have been above avg players for a few years. The places where we struggled horribly and played horribly in the pre-season where replaced : Igor, and FS.

 

[Picksix]

When you bring in a new defensive coordinator, sometimes you have to roll the dice and go with what you have so you can get a real chance to evaluate the players in the new DC's system.

Some guys that performed poorly in Wade's system might do very well in Ryan's system and vice-versa as well. I would hate that we get rid of someone like Jenkins or Sean Lee only to find them becoming a star in a different system.

Now, once these guys have failed to perform in two different systems, then the decision to replace them will be obvious and without regret no matter what they do in the future with another team.

#reality

That makes a lot of sense. So then, what would you suggest they do if someone like, say, Ratliff struggles with his system like he has in the preseason?

 

[Reality]

That makes a lot of sense. So then, what would you suggest they do if someone like, say, Ratliff struggles with his system like he has in the preseason?

Well one thing I like about Ryan is unlike some DCs, he will not force players to fit his scheme. He adapts his schemes to the abilities of his players. If the Cowboys struggle early, I expect he will try his best to make his scheme work but he will ultimately make changes to it to better match the personnel options he has. At the end of the season, if a player, even someone such as Ratliff, were to fail to work in his system, then they would likely look to trade him.

Now I know the answer most people want to hear is "move him to DE" and of course that would be something Ryan I am sure would consider but only after ample attempts to fix the combination of his scheme and Ratliff at NT.

That being said, the entire defense has at times struggled throughout preseason so I am not ready to blame Ratliff or any player in particular especially given that they did not have a full off-season of preparation, OTAs, etc.

By the end of the season, no matter how it has played out, we (and the Cowboys) will have a better idea of who they need to keep and who they need to replace.

For now, I believe Ryan will find a way to bring out the best of all the players. It just may take some games to reach that point.

#reality

 

[speedkilz88]

Rob said around draft time that he liked the guys that he had here. Everyone keeps thinking he's just blowing smoke but his actions tend to back up what he's been saying.

 

[Woods]

What we really need is for Jenkins to revert back to form and for Newman to stay healthy.

I think our Safeties (Elam) should be an upgrade vs. last season.

I don't think there's much more we can do at this stage to significantly help the defense.

Let's hope they gel together.

 

[Mansta54]

When you bring in a new defensive coordinator, sometimes you have to roll the dice and go with what you have so you can get a real chance to evaluate the players in the new DC's system.

Some guys that performed poorly in Wade's system might do very well in Ryan's system and vice-versa as well. I would hate that we get rid of someone like Jenkins or Sean Lee only to find them becoming a star in a different system.

Now, once these guys have failed to perform in two different systems, then the decision to replace them will be obvious and without regret no matter what they do in the future with another team.

#reality

Very well said!!!