sago1
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Many of you don't recall our game against the Chargers & how before the game Charger players discussed difficulties in playing 3-4 defense for first time in 2004, and how more familiarty with 3-4 in TC 2005 allowed defensive coaching staff to increase complexity/packages, etc. AND Chargers in 2004 did not play so many rookies (Ware, Spears, Canty (starters/became starters/don't forget Ratliff pretty good backup to Spears before injury. They also didn't lose vet starters Dat & Singleton at vulnerable LB position; remember Parcells worried about inexperienced LB core before season even started.
Anyway, Chargers then said familiarty with 3-4 system enabled coaching staff in 2005 TC to move from basic vanilla 3-4 defense to more complex aggressive packages system. I think our change to 3-4 went smoothly/quicker then any could have anticipated in first half but 2nd half our rookies hit the wall (despite Parcells insistence to contrary), injuries, decreased quality of play by Glover/Ellis etc. led to more erratic play in 2nd half.
Believe Parcells knew (when he got rid of several vet defensive players) there would be rough patches a head when playing so many rookies but elected (despite previous career of not playing so many rookie starters) to go with these young guys cause of the potential he saw.
Frankly I'm optimistic about defensive play in 2006. We only need add 2 more defensive starters (ILB or OLB depending on Burnett's improvement & FS). Those additions & the offseason weight conditioning program (for OT Colombo/Pettiti as well) will make our defense 1 of top 3-5 all of 2006. I do feel adding good FS important cause Williams much better close to line so FS much have excellent cover skills/good hitter to offset this. Don't think Ferguson has played that poorly at all cause his job was to hold DL against OL while DEs & LBS pressured the QB.
Believe Chargers Merriman had good success in rookie season cause other defensive players around him allowed their DC to pick when/where to play Merriman & I hope Ware gets same opportunities. This will also add Spear, Canty, Ratliff and Pepper Johnson. BTW: Parcells said early in season Cowboys couldn't play more complex 3-4 system this year cause it would overload them. Chargers apparently thought same thing back in 2004 but were able make necessary changes to improve 3-4 to become much more aggressive in 2005.
Anyway, Chargers then said familiarty with 3-4 system enabled coaching staff in 2005 TC to move from basic vanilla 3-4 defense to more complex aggressive packages system. I think our change to 3-4 went smoothly/quicker then any could have anticipated in first half but 2nd half our rookies hit the wall (despite Parcells insistence to contrary), injuries, decreased quality of play by Glover/Ellis etc. led to more erratic play in 2nd half.
Believe Parcells knew (when he got rid of several vet defensive players) there would be rough patches a head when playing so many rookies but elected (despite previous career of not playing so many rookie starters) to go with these young guys cause of the potential he saw.
Frankly I'm optimistic about defensive play in 2006. We only need add 2 more defensive starters (ILB or OLB depending on Burnett's improvement & FS). Those additions & the offseason weight conditioning program (for OT Colombo/Pettiti as well) will make our defense 1 of top 3-5 all of 2006. I do feel adding good FS important cause Williams much better close to line so FS much have excellent cover skills/good hitter to offset this. Don't think Ferguson has played that poorly at all cause his job was to hold DL against OL while DEs & LBS pressured the QB.
Believe Chargers Merriman had good success in rookie season cause other defensive players around him allowed their DC to pick when/where to play Merriman & I hope Ware gets same opportunities. This will also add Spear, Canty, Ratliff and Pepper Johnson. BTW: Parcells said early in season Cowboys couldn't play more complex 3-4 system this year cause it would overload them. Chargers apparently thought same thing back in 2004 but were able make necessary changes to improve 3-4 to become much more aggressive in 2005.
