Consternation over defense?

[ScipioCowboy]

What's with all the bellyaching and consternation over the play of the Cowboys' defense, namely the pass defense?

In my opinion, the defense, especially the pass defense, played reasonably well. Houston quarterbacks completed only 54 percent of their passes for less than 200 yards. The first team surrendered only 10 points: 3 points were the direct result of a long kick return into Dallas territory, and 7 points were scored following a turnover. Additionally, the defense was forced to weather four turnovers and two long returns. The Cowboys collected no sacks, but Phil Simms commented on the constant pressure applied to Matt Schaub.

If anything concerns me, it's the play of the special teams. Allowing long returns on a consistent basis will undoubtedly cost Dallas games.

 

[Woods]

I'll mention one thing with our coverage,

After the intial kickoff, we did a good job on punt and kickoff coverage until the end of the 4th quarter. I'm guessing many of those guys won't be around in a couple of weeks - the 4th quarter guys.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

I'll mention one thing with our coverage,

After the intial kickoff, we did a good job on punt and kickoff coverage until the end of the 4th quarter. I'm guessing many of those guys won't be around in a couple of weeks - the 4th quarter guys.

Hopefully, the coaching staff can determine the weaknesses in our kick coverage, and correct them within the next two week.

But I'm still befuddled over the anxiety this board has expressed over the Cowboy defense. It's as if people expect Dallas should never allow so much as a first down.

Newsflash: The Cowboys will give up yards; they will allow first downs; and, they'll even surrender points...probably in every game this season.

 

[Bizwah]

Shaub wasn't sacked a whole lot last year. He gets rid of the ball fast.

Remember, we were also playing one of those cheap, cut-blocking teams.

Granted, I was disappointed in our run-stopping. I don't expect us to stuff the run every time, but we were gashed today.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

i think we look like last years D. Not impression at all. D Ware is the only player that seems to show up.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

Shaub wasn't sacked a whole lot last year. He gets rid of the ball fast.

Remember, we were also playing one of those cheap, cut-blocking teams.

Granted, I was disappointed in our run-stopping. I don't expect us to stuff the run every time, but we were gashed today.

Exactly. Schaub was throwing quickly and mostly underneath. During the regular season, I wonder if Phillips would've used more zone blitzes against Schaub, giving Ratliff and Canty greater opportunity to intercept and deflect passes.

 

[Tusan_Homichi]

I don't understand it either. We gave up 10 points as a first team defense and 3 of them came off that huge return to start the game.

I'm not real sure what people were expecting.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

it's amazing what one can do when stepping back after the fact, and looking at the situation analytically and logically, as opposed to during the heat of the moment w/o a lick of common sense

 

[ScipioCowboy]

I don't understand it either. We gave up 10 points as a first team defense and 3 of them came off that huge return to start the game.

I'm not real sure what people were expecting.

You're exactly right.

Some posters need to evaluate precisely what their expectations of this defense are?

If you're expecting them to force three and outs every time they trot out on the field, you need to rethink your expectations or you're be sorely disappointed.

 

[windward]

Hopefully, the coaching staff can determine the weaknesses in our kick coverage, and correct them within the next two week.

But I'm still befuddled over the anxiety this board has expressed over the Cowboy defense. It's as if people expect Dallas should never allow so much as a first down.

Newsflash: The Cowboys will give up yards; they will allow first downs; and, they'll even surrender points...probably in every game this season.

Exactly.

The Texans have a pretty solid offense as well.

But as an aside, I'm really looking forward to Cody Rhodes' season preview for the Cowboys. Then we'll know what's what.

 

[windward]

You're exactly right.

Some posters need to evaluate precisely what their expectations of this defense are?

If you're expecting them to force three and outs every time they trot out on the field, you need to rethink your expectations or you're be sorely disappointed.

Anything less than 1985 Chicago Bears production is UNACCEPTABLE.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

it's amazing what one can do when stepping back after the fact, and looking at the situation analytically and logically, as opposed to during the heat of the moment w/o a lick of common sense

And I'm no Pollyanna.

I was very critical of this team last week, and I'm still very concerned about the coverage units.

But the defense was hardly problematic.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

There is nothing wrong with the first team unit outside of not being able to quite get the sacks we need them too. They were just missing. I'm sure when they gameplan even more, and put the entire defense in for the regular season, we'll be getting the sacks that we need to help even more.

 

[NewJCowboy]

Not at all

 

[Everlastingxxx]

Ok the defense was awesome. All the turnovers and sacks they had, wow! Super Bowl baby! This is what a Super Bowl D looks like woot woot, hows that guys?

 

[windward]

Ok the defense was awesome. All the turnovers and sacks they had, wow! Super Bowl baby! This is what a Super Bowl D looks like woot woot, hows that guys?

I see the post went completely over your head.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

Exactly.

The Texans have a pretty solid offense as well.

But as an aside, I'm really looking forward to Cody Rhodes' season preview for the Cowboys. Then we'll know what's what.

I was thinking about Mr. Rhodes just yesterday.

Hopefully, he'll produce another work of literary genius and esteem. I simply can't wait to read his opinions on his "favorite team of the house."

 

[Everlastingxxx]

I see the post went completely over your head.

I see reality does yours.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

Ok the defense was awesome. All the turnovers and sacks they had, wow! Super Bowl baby! This is what a Super Bowl D looks like woot woot, hows that guys?

No one said they were "awesome," but they put in a quality performance. It certainly wasn't playoff-caliber yet, but they stymied Houston's starting offense for the most part.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

No one said they were "awesome," but they put in a quality performance. It certainly wasn't playoff-caliber yet, but they largely stymied Houston's starting offense.

Go from good to great. Thats the standard. If u guys want to be satified with average, then so be it. Go have a marshmellow roast and give each other back rubs, i want this D to be better than good.