Cowboys defense struggles on 3rd down and in crucial stops...why?

[landryscorner]

Seeing the Broncos on defense against the Chargers it's plain to see that Wade isn't the defensive guru we all thought he was. He needs to watch some video from the Broncos and watch how a real team handles 3rd down plays on defense and how it handles 2 minute drills on defense. While the Cowboys just sit back and use the old prevent defense hoping that it will "prevent" a TD it usually fails on us and opposing teams just march down and score against us. While the Broncos defense brings the house and are relentless in their pursuit of the opposing QB.

As long as the Cowboys defense continues to play inept 3rd down plays and weak schemes when the games are on the line we will continue to lose these battles. Seems like last years team blitzed a lot more and was more successful in disrupting offenses a lot more.

It happened against the Giants and it happened against the Bronco's. I don't think Wade will change his def scheme. I hope some of our def players approach him and let him know that our defensive needs to get more creative and attack more often rather than just sit back and see what happens...that's not working obviously.

 

[DemonBlood]

Because we're cursed.

 

[RoadRunner]

Its mental. There are too many guys who deep down inside expect to blow it on this team, and it shows up in crunch time far too often.

With that said, the defense did bounce back in OT after allowing the lowly Chiefs to juggernaut there way to tying the game. The stop when the Chiefs had the ball at the 50 in OT was the best pressure stop they have made since the middle of last year.

 

[MapleLeaf]

Its mental. There are too many guys who deep down inside expect to blow it on this team, and it shows up in crunch time far too often.

With that said, the defense did bounce back in OT after allowing the lowly Chiefs to juggernaut there way to tying the game. The stop when the Chiefs had the ball at the 50 in OT was the best pressure stop they have made since the middle of last year.

...too scared.

End of the game they looked terrible. "Back on their heels."

Start of overtime and things turned around. I also noticed that Wade didn't play prevent.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

We aren't playing prevent. Wade specifically said we're playing the same coverages we'd play for 3rd and 7, and we're one of the top 3rd down defenses in the NFL. (How do I know the OP didn't realize that. )

I think it's what Roadrunner said. Unfortunately, I think it's just in their heads. Just like a lot of posters here expect the worst, I'm afraid they do, too. And of course it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I think the only way to turn the tide is to make some plays in crunch time. Whether it's by a great play or even luck, they need to make a play or two so they gain some confidence in those situations. When they do, good things will start happening.

Using a fresher player or two on the pass rush wouldn't hurt, either.

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

Its mental. There are too many guys who deep down inside expect to blow it on this team, and it shows up in crunch time far too often.

With that said, the defense did bounce back in OT after allowing the lowly Chiefs to juggernaut there way to tying the game. The stop when the Chiefs had the ball at the 50 in OT was the best pressure stop they have made since the middle of last year.

you are the winner. And that goes back to leadership...and the guy I have been calling out for years. THe Cowboys hiteched their horse to the wrong wagon when it comes to leadership. Bradie James is an OK player. You cannot have an OK player be your leader. Brooking has been here 5 games and is already far more effective than Bradie. And as I have said in the past, please do not mention his sacks from last year...just watch the game. Watch some of the big time ILBs in the game. LBers are so important to a 3-4 scheme...and you pretty much cannot have a marginal talent like James hold down the ILB position on this team as long as he has..and be looked to as your leader. For a small market team with marginal expectations James will do....but not in Dallas and not in a 3-4!

 

[Thick 'N Hearty]

because it's the Cowboy way. Offensively and defensively we like to shoot ourselves in the foot and try to prove we can limp to a victory. Doesn't always work out that way, though.

 

[joseephuss]

Because they only play with 10 men on the field. I don't count Barbie.

 

[craig71]

We aren't playing prevent. Wade specifically said we're playing the same coverages we'd play for 3rd and 7, and we're one of the top 3rd down defenses in the NFL. (How do I know the OP didn't realize that. )

I think it's what Roadrunner said. Unfortunately, I think it's just in their heads. Just like a lot of posters here expect the worst, I'm afraid they do, too. And of course it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I think the only way to turn the tide is to make some plays in crunch time. Whether it's by a great play or even luck, they need to make a play or two so they gain some confidence in those situations. When they do, good things will start happening.

Using a fresher player or two on the pass rush wouldn't hurt, either.

I agree,what is worrisome(to me anyway) is that it could get worse before it gets better if they don't find some confidence,another meltdown or two will compound what we're seeing now IMO.

Craig

 

[21Savage]

We're one of the top 3rd down teams in the league this year and were last year as well. So this thread = Fail.

Get it out of your head guys. The perception isn't the truth


2 minute drill on the other hand :bang2:

 

[CATCH17]

The Broncos are probably the best defense in the league right now too.

 

[EPL0c0]

I think the defense in general, but 2ndary specifically, is afraid of giving up the big play. So, they keep everything in front of them. They give up the <10yd play, but often, that's all the offense needs to keep moving the ball.

Along the goalline, they play a little better, a little more aggressive; probably because they know they're not going to give up a 50 yard play at that point. I'd like to see that mentality/aggressiveness in the middle of the field on some 3rd downs.