Defense - Think We'll Be Better?

[KJJ]

The pass rush should be better especially when Hardy gets on the field. DLaw with a year under his belt should make some strides and Gregory has looked good in preseason. As far as defensively overall the loss of Scandrick is going to hurt so we'll just have to see how much better if any the defense is once the season starts. In preseason the defense hasn't impressed they've struggled against the run and that better get cleaned up or we'll get worn down during the season. Murray will have a field day against us when we face Philly in week 2 if the run defense doesn't look better than what we've seen this summer. Part of why the defense showed some improvement last season was due to spending an average of 13 fewer plays on the field than in 2013. A big part of the reason for that was the Cowboys efficient running game that controlled the ball keeping the chains moving and the defense off the field.

If the Cowboys don't run the ball as well causing the offense to be less efficient it's going to put the D on the field more. The Cowboys could struggle early defensively minus Hardy and McClain. There's going to be a lot on Gregory's plate and he's bound to experience some growing pains. Byron Jones is certainly going to experience some growing pains at corner and it's anyone's guess where Mo's game is at right now so we're just going to have wait for the regular season to see where the team and the defense is. It's hard to get a gauge during preseason because the starters don't play much so we'll have to wait for the regular season.

 

[Gameover]

Michael Irvin thinks so; Shannon Sharpe thinks they'll be much worse.

 

[Vintage]

Michael Irvin thinks so; Shannon Sharpe thinks they'll be much worse.

Well, when two football geniuses disagree, I'm not sure what to think.

 

[silver]

We'll be able to rush the passer when it counts. That'll be the difference. We have 4 legit pass rushers this year. Last year we had 1 or maybe 2, sometimes none.

 

[DeaconMoss]

We should be better because the best DE last year, Mincey who was pretty average, looks to be #3 or #4 on paper this year. T Crawford has a full year under his belt as a 3 tech and has been getting pretty consistent penetration when he's been in. If Coleman can stop being a nucklehead and just play that helps out the 1 tech also. The DLine should get pressure which will make the defense better. I am a little worried about giving up a few gash runs because our DEs seem to be pretty aggressive in getting up field, but I think that can both be cleaned up by the LBs and will just hurt the rankings of the defense more then it will hurt the team.

Game 1 Mincey is the starter

 

[Rogerthat12]

Games 1-4
DL: Lawrence, Hayden, Crawford, Mincey [Gregory]
LB: Lee, Gachkar, Wilson----I could be wrong but what's Hitchens' injury status for game 1?

Most ( Ranch reporters) are saying Hitchens will play game one but time will tell if not Gachkar will probably man the middle with Wilber at Sam. I think Wilson backs up while he learns.

 

[Derinyar]

Game 1 Mincey is the starter

Yes. It also doesn't necessarily say much about how the team sees the talent at the position. I doubt Gregory could hold up to a starting level of snaps, even in our rotation right now. However on a per play basis I expect Gregory to likely have more impact then Mincey. Gregory has traits that Mincey just doesn't. Lawrence seems to be one of the players being discussed as the most improved since last year, seems bigger, stronger and faster. Yes you have to prove things on the field, and we will see to that shortly, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Mincey lose more snaps then the other two when Hardy comes back because the other two provide ability levels that Mincey just doesn't have available now.

 

[Bizwah]

We are weaker at LBer. No McClain for four games. Who knows how long Hitchens will be out? Durant was great last year (until his injury). Carter was great at times as well. Lee's return is huge, and Gatchcar is a great add. But we're down two, maybe three big time players.

It cannot be understated what our running game did for this defense. If we can somehow replicate our running attack from last year, we may have at least as good of a defense as last year.

But...,it's clear the DL is much better. I think the secondary is deeper. Losing Oscan hurts. But I think Claiborne, Patmon, White, and Jones are much better than what we had last year.

Should be fun to find out.

 

[BAT]

What do you think, Zoners?

2014: 28.0 Sacks, 18 INT (2 TD), 15 FF (13 REC, 1 TD)

Main Lineup:

DL: Mincey, Hayden, Crawford, Selvie
LB: Hitchens, Ro. McClain, Durant/Carter
DB: Scandrick, Carr, Moore, Church, Wilcox, Heath (Yes, I know this is more than 11 -- these guys got significant reps)

2015: Sacks? INTs? FF?

Projected Lineup:

DL: Hardy, Hayden, Crawford, Lawrence [Gregory]
LB: Lee, Ro. McClain, Hitchens [Gachkar, Wilson]
DB: Carr, Claiborne, Patmon, White, Church, Wilcox, Heath [Jones]

2015: 44 Sacks, 22 INTs, 15 FF

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

No Scanny, RoMc or Hardy in those first 4 weeks against those offenses is going to be rough. After that they should be better.