Cowboys lingering problem on defense is still their pass rush

[TheMarathonContinues]

I just mean there’s more than just sacks. The best defense last season was the Texans, who lead the league in yards allowed, were second in turnovers, and 7th in sacks (21 sacks behind Denver).

But even Denver was more than just one star edge rusher. Bonnito (14 sacks) was the only guy with more than 8 sacks. But they had 8 players with more than 4 sacks. Their pass rush was spread around.

We have a few guys who can give us more than 4 sacks:

Williams
Clark
Gary
Miller
EZE
Houston

Maybe Malachi the rookie

And maybe a LB like Overshown

And maybe even a DB like Downs

Yeah but Broncos had two guys who were getting sacks. I see Cooper had 8.5 but for awhile he and Bonitto were top 5 last year.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

But they're not making many plays.That's why they're still on the field late in preseason games.

I could be wrong, but the only way I see either making the final cut is because of their value on special teams.

We'll find out soon enough.

I’ve seen a few plays from Liufau and Sam. Sam had a sack last night.

 

[Cowboysheelsreds053]

None of the starters played so how in the hell can you declare the pass rush sucks? Please explain that. Are you Johnny Carson?

Rock you beat me to what I was going to ask, has the starters played yet? (Not watched but here and there), Just got a new LB like last week and know he hasn’t suited up yet.

 

[Pentagruel]

I’d argue our pass rush is biggest concern on defense going in.

I think the secondary is the biggest concern going into the season. They were historically terrible last year and while it’s been addressed in terms of new playing personnel, it has the longest way to go of any unit. The pass rush last year was 6th in pressures and average in sacks so not that bad overall. They have added some new pieces there, although they lost Osa as well. Obviously it would be huge if Eze or Lawrence emerged as a bona fide star on the edge but I’m keeping my eye more on the secondary.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

Yeah but Broncos had two guys who were getting sacks. I see Cooper had 8.5 but for awhile he and Bonitto were top 5 last year.

Seahawks had 47 sacks (tied for 7th with Texans) and nobody had more than 7. The Broncos were unusually dominant (hence the 20+ sack lead on everyone) because they had both star pass rushers and a committee. But other defenses were very dominant without stars.

 

[Rockport]

Let me rephrase the conversation for some who appear to struggle with discussing concerns .

If there is a weakness in our improved defense where could it be?

Would pass rush lead the list of concerns on defense ?

Maybe your title:

“Cowboys lingering problem on defense is still their pass rush”​

Has something to do with it. You know, the defense you haven’t even seen play yet. It might be. So might be RB. So might be OT. But you said definitively that the pass rush is still their biggest problem. I have to say your tap dancing is pretty impressive.

 

[stiletto]

Maybe your title:

“Cowboys lingering problem on defense is still their pass rush”​

Has something to do with it. You know, the defense you haven’t even seen play yet. It might be. So might be RB. So might be OT. But you said definitively that the pass rush is still their biggest problem. I have to say your tap dancing is pretty impressive.

I don't see how more people aren't absolutely terrified over the O Tackle situation this year.

 

[jblaze2004]

I think Eze and Gary gonna surprise people this season.

 

[kskboys]

How much did our 1st team defense actually play last night?

They didn't. Only the rooks who need experience.

 

[slick325]

I think Eze and Gary gonna surprise people this season.

I hope you're right on both players.

 

[kramskoi]

I don't see how more people aren't absolutely terrified over the O Tackle situation this year.

Drew Shelton is looking pretty raw and dirty. I think his pass block grade was 0 against Arizona?

 

[Shannon1]

Yes, the additions on defense has shored up the interior of DL and hopefully brought much support for run defense but without a premiere pass rusher can we put enough pressure on QB’s or will we leave our secondary vulnerable again.

Obviously we are concerned or wouldn’t have brought in Miller who is on last leg of his career.

So despite all the optimism towards a defense which has obviously been upgraded on many fronts this remains a major concern which could thwart an improved roster on defense and top 5 offense from making the playoffs.

 

[Diehardblues]

Rock you beat me to what I was going to ask, has the starters played yet? (Not watched but here and there), Just got a new LB like last week and know he hasn’t suited up yet.

These concerns aren’t based on preseason performance . How could they be as we haven’t seen starters yet.

If you’re totally confident we will have a strong pass rush that’s great but there are many who are concerned despite the upgrades overall on defensive roster.

Obviously we won’t know for certain until season begins but it was a topic of conversation in local media yesterday and why I begun thread . Thanks

 

[Diehardblues]

I think the secondary is the biggest concern going into the season. They were historically terrible last year and while it’s been addressed in terms of new playing personnel, it has the longest way to go of any unit. The pass rush last year was 6th in pressures and average in sacks so not that bad overall. They have added some new pieces there, although they lost Osa as well. Obviously it would be huge if Eze or Lawrence emerged as a bona fide star on the edge but I’m keeping my eye more on the secondary.

I agree that it could be a concern but wasn’t the secondary decimated by injuries coupled with no pass rush?

Regardless too many unknowns on both fronts to be as confident as some fans are going in.

 

[32BellyOption]

How do we know it’s lingering problem? Have we seen CP’s full scheme with the starters yet?

 

[boysfanindc]

But it was against guys who will be collecting unemployment in the next few months.

Williams and Liufau playing late into the 4th quarter suggests their roster spots are in question.

Think the cowboys were putting them out there for other teams to take a look, maybe stir up some trade value.

 

[ratkinson]

Think the cowboys were putting them out there for other teams to take a look, maybe stir up some trade value.

Could be

 

[Verdict]

I am sure but even if you are not, you don't trade a high 2nd round pass rusher in his second year who had huge college production who played decently (even being injured) in his first year at a position of need.

Generally speaking, no you would not. On the other hand hand you MiGHT trade him and say a 2nd round pick for Crosby if the present is more important than the future AND you aren’t sold that he is going to be as good as you thought he would be when you drafted him.

 

[G2]

It's preseason.

 

[StarBoyz83]

Gary is very good at sacks and pressure. For some reason this fanbase is grossly underrating him. It's just weird.

Von Miller.

He is rated a lot better than I thought he was. That makes me feel better after finding that out.