Nation
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The exercise below was taking a look at the 2011 Cowboys defense and seeing where they compared to the last two 3-4 defensive units that won the Super Bowl, the 2010 Packers and 2008 Steelers. Below is a look at how the pass defense performed in comparison both in terms of pressure as well as in coverage
While on a game to game basis sacks may be an overrated statistic I do feel like it is a good measure for how much pressure a defense is bringing over the course a year. Here is a look at how the 3 units performed by player and by positional group.
http://img13.*************/img13/3707/passrush.png
Quick Thoughts:
-While I'd love to see Spencer as a double-digit sack threat the edge rushers really aren't the problem. Not saying this means they need to re-sign Spencer as they can get the production they need from that spot without spending huge dollars, but I also don't think his sack numbers this year were a severe underachievement either.
-Jason Hatcher is sufficient as the number one 3-4 DE, but he needs to be paired with another 1A there. The next best end after Hatcher can't be a one sack player, he needs to be an equal as a pass rusher. Maybe that's Ratliff, maybe it isn't.
-We need to get pressure from our inside linebackers. Hopefully in going more athletic at the position in the 2012 defense there is at least a threat there, and given that the spot wasn't a lockdown coverage spot either Carter can only be an improvement.
-We're okay at the nose tackle, but given the expectations as it relates to Ratliff's contract we should be getting more out of the spot.
-Secondary is fine from a pass rush perspective.
On to the coverage
http://img88.*************/img88/5438/secondary.png
Nothing to be happy about here. Mediocre across the board in areas that are clearly important to winning.
While on a game to game basis sacks may be an overrated statistic I do feel like it is a good measure for how much pressure a defense is bringing over the course a year. Here is a look at how the 3 units performed by player and by positional group.
http://img13.*************/img13/3707/passrush.png
Quick Thoughts:
-While I'd love to see Spencer as a double-digit sack threat the edge rushers really aren't the problem. Not saying this means they need to re-sign Spencer as they can get the production they need from that spot without spending huge dollars, but I also don't think his sack numbers this year were a severe underachievement either.
-Jason Hatcher is sufficient as the number one 3-4 DE, but he needs to be paired with another 1A there. The next best end after Hatcher can't be a one sack player, he needs to be an equal as a pass rusher. Maybe that's Ratliff, maybe it isn't.
-We need to get pressure from our inside linebackers. Hopefully in going more athletic at the position in the 2012 defense there is at least a threat there, and given that the spot wasn't a lockdown coverage spot either Carter can only be an improvement.
-We're okay at the nose tackle, but given the expectations as it relates to Ratliff's contract we should be getting more out of the spot.
-Secondary is fine from a pass rush perspective.
On to the coverage
http://img88.*************/img88/5438/secondary.png
Nothing to be happy about here. Mediocre across the board in areas that are clearly important to winning.
