Concerns about the run defense

[perrykemp]

There has been a ton of consternation re: the apparent lack of pass rush the team displayed so far this pre-season / training camp, however, I'd say at this point, 503 yards of rushing through 3 games into the pre-season, I think I am as worried (if not more) about he run defense.

In the run defense can't hold up all bets are off for any really hope for improving the defensive performance from last season.

Feels to me like Rolando McClain in the team's only potential savior here -- he is a big MLB and likely will have a positive in stopping run.

Am I missing anything else? Is there someone I am not thinking of that can be a game-changer with the run defense?

Seems to me the return of Melton, Spencer, and Dlaw would have, at best, a neutral effect on the run defense - none of them seem to fit the mold of game-changing run defenders.

 

[Parcells4Life]

Stopping the run comes from a beast DT like Glover, Suh, McCoy, etc. that can grt in the backfield right away and make it get bounced outside where there's more help.

If you can't stop it from coming straight at you, there's no hope.

I expect Dallas to make a trade in the next 2 weeks.

 

[RS12]

Run defense and Romo's health are the two biggest keys to the season. Cant be in 2nd and 4 constantly on defense and expect to win.

 

[TonyRomo17]

If T. Mclain is an upgrade of Hayden, that could be huge. Hayden is just so bad, i really dont understand what the coaches/front office like about him.

 

[Vanilla2]

If they can score tds consistently that concern may be alleviated.

 

[perrykemp]

If T. Mclain is an upgrade of Hayden, that could be huge. Hayden is just so bad, i really dont understand what the coaches/front office like about him.

Well at least he is a bigger body.

Have the front-office provide any clues when we might see this international man of mystery?

I quick looked him up on NFL.com and saw he likes to get around -- the Cowboys being his 4th team in the past 3 years.

 

[Hoofbite]

I noticed that as well.

150 in each of the first two games and tonight 200.

There aren't many teams down that far. I think Pittsburgh is but 503 after 3 weeks is not good.

This schedule is also pretty dangerous in terms of teams that can run.

If the run defense doesn't fix itself it will really hurt the team.

 

[CyberB0b]

It was terrible last year and I see no improvement in depth or talent.

 

[StarOfGlory]

I noticed that as well.

150 in each of the first two games and tonight 200.

There aren't many teams down that far. I think Pittsburgh is but 503 after 3 weeks is not good.

This schedule is also pretty dangerous in terms of teams that can run.

If the run defense doesn't fix itself it will really hurt the team.

Are you saying we might have a tough time stopping Shady (x2), Morris (x2), Lynch, Forte, Gore.....ugh, that is not looking good from week to week.

 

[bodi]

What Run D - we have none IMO

 

[gmoney112]

Of course our run defense is going to be bad this year, our whole defense is going to be bad. People need to stop expecting the Seattle defense this season and realize that a top 20 defense this season and Marinelli should be named DC of the year.

That being said, Melton is infinitely better against the run than Coleman, and TMac at least has experience occupying 2 blockers while Hayden just kinda rolls around out there. If Melton and TMac are playing our run defense will be significantly better, Coleman + Hayden is probably easily the worst DT combo in the NFL. Let's just hope they get healthy.

 

[Hoofbite]

Are you saying we might have a tough time stopping Shady (x2), Morris (x2), Lynch, Forte, Gore.....ugh, that is not looking good from week to week.

Look at what the Titans have done on their OL and their backfield. Could be a very touch match up.

Roos - Also used #11 overall pick this year on LT.
Warmack
Schwenke
Levitre
Oher

Shonn Green
Sankey
Dexter McCluster

They're gonna be a ground team.

 

[bodi]

I am ready to throw the Tampa Two Step out the window and just play a 4-3

and how many TT teams have ever won a SB ?

besides we don't have the type of players

Kiffin's defenses were known as gang tacklers with tremendous team speed with a front four that could pressure the quarterback consistently, fast sideline-to-sideline linebackers, and a hard-hitting secondary that caused turnovers. Many teams have copied the Tampa 2, but none have come close to the success the Buccaneers experienced led by numerous Pro Bowlers and Hall of Famers. The Tampa Bay defense featured future Hall of Famers, Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp, and Pro Bowlers, John Lynch, Ronde Barber, Hardy Nickerson, Simeon Rice, Shelton Quarles, Donnie Abraham, Dexter Jackson.

 

[Alexander]

Look at what the Titans have done on their OL and their backfield. Could be a very touch match up.

Roos - Also used #11 overall pick this year on LT.
Warmack
Schwenke
Levitre
Oher

Shonn Green
Sankey
Dexter McCluster

They're gonna be a ground team.

Not so sure about that. They are airing it out fairly well also. Justin Hunter looks like he is ready to become a good one.

 

[jobberone]

There has been a ton of consternation re: the apparent lack of pass rush the team displayed so far this pre-season / training camp, however, I'd say at this point, 503 yards of rushing through 3 games into the pre-season, I think I am as worried (if not more) about he run defense.

In the run defense can't hold up all bets are off for any really hope for improving the defensive performance from last season.

Feels to me like Rolando McClain in the team's only potential savior here -- he is a big MLB and likely will have a positive in stopping run.

Am I missing anything else? Is there someone I am not thinking of that can be a game-changer with the run defense?

Seems to me the return of Melton, Spencer, and Dlaw would have, at best, a neutral effect on the run defense - none of them seem to fit the mold of game-changing run defenders.

It's all a concern. There's not a single unit that isn't a worry. Until we get back Melton, McClain, Spencer, Mo, and OScan we will not look good. I suspect we'll be better than some think but until they show up average will be Mt Everest.

We don't have enough pressure and gap control must mean something else to most of them.

The LBers are having a hard time in coverage and most NFL LBers aren't going to look good against the run with the DL in chaos. You're going to give up 5 ypc if you're lucky.

The DBs are better than I thought they'd be. I'm not dismissing some concerns but I think Carr, OScan, Mo (when healthy), Moore, Patmon, Wilcox, and Church are ok. I remain concerned about depth though.

I still say getting to average is possible with this unit but we need the vets back. And the waiver wire and vested vets will get a hard look. There is no position on defense that can't be addressed.

 

[Hoofbite]

Not so sure about that. They are airing it out fairly well also. Justin Hunter looks like he is ready to become a good one.

Are they? I haven't paid attention. Just assumed 2 new backs and additions to the OL meant they had plans on runnin a bit.

 

[Alexander]

Are they? I haven't paid attention. Just assumed 2 new backs and additions to the OL meant they had plans on runnin a bit.

Since when has Ken Whisenhunt been known for a grind it offense?

 

[big dog cowboy]

People need to stop expecting the Seattle defense this season

Please show me one post, just one, where anyone came close to this expectation.

 

[morasp]

It's all a concern. There's not a single unit that isn't a worry. Until we get back Melton, McClain, Spencer, Mo, and OScan we will not look good. I suspect we'll be better than some think but until they show up average will be Mt Everest.

We don't have enough pressure and gap control must mean something else to most of them.

The LBers are having a hard time in coverage and most NFL LBers aren't going to look good against the run with the DL in chaos. You're going to give up 5 ypc if you're lucky.

The DBs are better than I thought they'd be. I'm not dismissing some concerns but I think Carr, OScan, Mo (when healthy), Moore, Patmon, Wilcox, and Church are ok. I remain concerned about depth though.

I still say getting to average is possible with this unit but we need the vets back. And the waiver wire and vested vets will get a hard look. There is no position on defense that can't be addressed.

Even though he's a rookie I still hold out hope that Lawrence will make a difference when he comes back too. He was one of the better pass rushers in the draft and has some power to go with his moves.

 

[gmoney112]

Please show me one post, just one, where anyone came close to this expectation.

Haha to be fair, it was tongue in cheek. A quick glance at the first page of this board, or any game thread, or 5 minutes in the chatroom, where people are kneejerking consistently over any play that gains over 5 yards, can lead someone to the conclusion that some believe this defense should be good to great.

Also this isn't the first time I've seen the words "savior" in regards to a player on defense, words like that kinda insinuate we're only a player away from being a good defense. I just think it'd save a lot of people indigestion if they tempered their expectations a bit.