Cowboys D after the Hardship of Hardy

[T-RO]

Rumors abound that Greg Hardy wore out his welcome with teammates, coaches and many fans in his one-year stint with the Cowboys. Many of us didn't want him in the first place considering his abusive and erratic behavior.

Greg Hardy was moody, often late or absent to practice... and inconsistent on the field as well. He played 12 games with a star on his helmet. Produced 6 sacks and 12 hurries.

What's interesting is to compare how the Cowboys have done with less after jettisoning the troublesome player.

When I see Rod Marinelli waddle along the sidelines I can't help but think of the notorious penguin character from the old Batman TV show. Rod is a taller penguin to be sure, but a pure mastermind villain to opposing offenses.

It's with amazement we consider what Marinelli and his bad boys along the defensive line have accomplished despite the dumping of Hardy and the lack of consistent production from Demarcus Lawrence (suspension and injuries).

2015
Points allowed per game: 17th
Overall defensive ranking, yardage: 16th
Sacks: 31
Hurries: 71

2016 - thru 15 games
Points allowed per game: 4th
Overall defensive ranking, yardage: 16th
Sacks: 34
Hurries: 79

Interesting questions to consider: If Jerry had brought Hardy back this season...Would the locker room chemistry be as positive? Would David Irving have emerged as the force he is today? Would Irving even be on the team!?!

 

[BoysfanfromCanada]

I've always felt that if Romo didn't get hurt, the team would have kept winning, and Hardy would have stayed motivated, and a run at the Super Bowl would have been a probability. But Romo getting hurt and the absolute failures replacing him made it very hard on the defence to keep the team in it, and by the seventh or eighth loss, Hardy checked out.

I won't complain too much though. Romo getting hurt basically landed us both Zeke and Dak, along with the rest of this draft class.

 

[Stash]

Wow! I knew sacks were down in 2015, but even I didn't know they only had 3!

 

[T-RO]

I've always felt that if Romo didn't get hurt, the team would have kept winning, and Hardy would have stayed motivated, and a run at the Super Bowl would have been a probability. But Romo getting hurt and the absolute failures replacing him made it very hard on the defence to keep the team in it, and by the seventh or eighth loss, Hardy checked out.

I won't complain too much though. Romo getting hurt basically landed us both Zeke and Dak, along with the rest of this draft class.

And Hardy's departure, Demarcus' suspension led to a roster spot for Irving. We got some serious lemonade from 'dem lemons.

 

[big dog cowboy]

The QB and RB from last year <<<<<<<<< The QB and RB from this year.

Biggest impact on the defense.

 

[T-RO]

The QB and RB from last year <<<<<<<<< The QB and RB from this year.

Biggest impact on the defense.

I get your point...as far as keeping the defense off the field...but don't you think the personnel is better now?

 

[The Natural]

I'd venture to say that getting rid of Hayden or whatever that guys name is that was always on his back had a greater impact than the loss of Hardy

 

[Don Corleone]

I'd venture to say that getting rid of Hayden or whatever that guys name is that was always on his back had a greater impact than the loss of Hardy

Nick Hayden a.k.a. "Golden Cock"

 

[haleyrules]

I've always felt that if Romo didn't get hurt, the team would have kept winning, and Hardy would have stayed motivated, and a run at the Super Bowl would have been a probability. But Romo getting hurt and the absolute failures replacing him made it very hard on the defence to keep the team in it, and by the seventh or eighth loss, Hardy checked out.

I won't complain too much though. Romo getting hurt basically landed us both Zeke and Dak, along with the rest of this draft class.

Yep. There's a silver lining in every rain cloud.

 

[T-RO]

I'd venture to say that getting rid of Hayden or whatever that guys name is that was always on his back had a greater impact than the loss of Hardy

Hayden was never expected to provide pass rush.

 

[Satchel89]

Hardy is a scumbag. It's that simple. Good riddance

 

[T-RO]

Hardy is a scumbag. It's that simple. Good riddance

Agree 100%. And I have no idea how some fans around here were still clamoring for him this past offseason. He's out of the league for a reason. Only 28 years old and he's done.

I like our current front and those men have room to grow.

Here is Hardy's latest career.

 

[Ranching]

Hardy is a scumbag. It's that simple. Good riddance

Yeah, no need for any of those in the NFL. I'm glad Hardy is gone, our coaching staff cannot handle personalities like that. Not a knock on them, just my opinion.

 

[BAT]

And Hardy's departure, Demarcus' suspension led to a roster spot for Irving. We got some serious lemonade from 'dem lemons.

Irving was actually on the team in 2015 and he earned spot in rotation same week he was signed off the Chiefs' practice squad.

 

[LocimusPrime]

Next year we need to work on getting those sack numbers up. We are about middle of the pack, which is an improvement over last year. Hopefully a free agent signing or two coupled with the improvement of 1-2 returning players on the Dline should go the trick

 

[thunderpimp91]

The QB and RB from last year <<<<<<<<< The QB and RB from this year.

Biggest impact on the defense.

A couple of months ago I might have agreed with this statement, but anymore i don't think it is very true. Byron Jones has a true position this year, and has played exceptional in his 2nd season. The emergence of Collins, McClain, Irving, and lately Mayowa have given this D-line a bit of dignity. Combine that with the addition of Anthony Brown, the excellent play early on from Claiborne and a full season from Sean Lee and this defense is simply a lot better than it was a year ago.

 

[The Natural]

Hayden was never expected to provide pass rush.

His absense is a big a reason the rush defense has improved.

 

[T-RO]

Yeah, no need for any of those in the NFL. I'm glad Hardy is gone, our coaching staff cannot handle personalities like that. Not a knock on them, just my opinion.

There are 32 franchises that decided there was no good in trying to handle a personality like that. He couldn't even play in Canada.

 

[Ranching]

There are 32 franchises that decided there was no good in trying to handle a personality like that. He couldn't even play in Canada.

They figured, if Jery Jones couldn't put up with him, no one else would.

 

[T-RO]

A couple of months ago I might have agreed with this statement, but anymore i don't think it is very true. Byron Jones has a true position this year, and has played exceptional in his 2nd season. The emergence of Collins, McClain, Irving, and lately Mayowa have given this D-line a bit of dignity. Combine that with the addition of Anthony Brown, the excellent play early on from Claiborne and a full season from Sean Lee and this defense is simply a lot better than it was a year ago.

Yup. The reality is the pass rush is better now than it's been in years...and that includes last season when we had Demarcus and Hardy as bookends.

I swear some guys fall in love with trouble players for the same reason they fall in love with troubled women. "If they are a total pain in the arse...they must somehow be worth the fuss, right?"

98% of the time the answer is Hell No!