Defense wins championships -- My thoughts 2 weeks into the season

[Galian Beast]

I've already spoken about how I think this defense is going to be special. We're adding one pro bowler and a pro bowl caliber player, in addition to a player who has the potential to be defensive rookie of the year.

This will transform what already looks like a very good defense lead by Sean Lee. What Marinelli and Lee can do with the cavalry will impress people. This will be an elite defense along the lines of the Seahawks. Many of these teams have won without offense, and even though that hasn't been our style in the past, we can do it here.

The biggest question is what can our offense do? I think that is a fair question. I think we still have a great offensive line, and one that will get better. I've seen teams win without QBs and big receivers. I think our running game needs to be emphasized going forward though. I think we have an easy enough schedule that we can pull this thing out with Tony and Dez for a while.

Difficult games
Atlanta
New England

Games we could win
New York Giants

Games we should win
Seattle
Philadelphia (17 points per game on offense)
Tampa Bay
Miami

If we went 4-3 down this stretch, we would be 6-3, which is certainly not bad. More importantly we would at minimum be tied for 1st in the NFC East, and that's if the Giants win out, which I don't think they will. I think they lose to the Bills, maybe to the 49ers, and to the Patriots. We can probably still be in first place at 5-4. So there is a lot of leeway here.

I'm not soured yet on these running backs, but if it came down to it, I'd still make a trade for an elite running back. I think this is our year despite these injuries. I think our defense is legitimate, and I think an effective running game can only help this offense when Romo and Dez return.

 

[RonSpringsdaman20]

I agree.

The formula to most championship teams is still present....
defense and running the football.
both are physical in nature, take their toll on oponnents... I feel confident about the first.... a little less so about the latter.

 

[jazzcat22]

There were probably a lot of fans that had us at 6-3 WITH Tony & Dez. And the reason would been defense for those losses. I would take 6-3 either way.

But now our D looks like it can be better than most, including myself, originally thought. As I often said, they may finish top 12 to 15, but be playing like a top 10 or even better at the end of the year. As they needed time to gel.
Well, so far, looks very good, and will even get better. Much sooner than most expected.

As you said, teams won this way before. Look at Wilson's first year, Seattle's defense did win, and a strong OL and running game. Wilson was a bus driver type QB. Not spectacular, but not horrible.
We need Weeden to be that type of QB, he doesn't need to win the games, just don't lose them. But also need to get the run game in high gear too.

 

[Clove]

Defense does win championships, and I'm still a true believer in that. We can't really afford any more injuries. Weeden just needs to be opportunistic when something is available. Don't do things you can't, and throw the ball away if you have to.

 

[cajuncocoa]

Meanwhile, ESPN is jumping on the New York Giants bandwagon.

smh

 

[MagicMan]

During these next 2 months, the Cowboys are going to have to win ugly......that is, punishing and opportunistic defense and conservative and almost boring offense; with Weeden focusing on not making major mistakes. Jimmy Johnson always said the best QB play is not the plays made to win games, but to eliminate the plays that lose them. Big plays will come naturally from missed tackles to missed assignments. TBH, I don't think the running game will be the catalyst this year because defenses are going to be stacking the line on run blitzes as well as pressuring Weeden; what will work will be the short passing game similar to a NE game plan-----screens, dump offs, quick slants, quick outs and
hitches.

Although I think even Weeden should be able to run this game plan, I am glad there is a backup plan with Cassel coming in. Either way, the defense is going to have to carry this team.


In honor of the late Yogi Berra: "If you ask me anything I don’t know, I’m not going to answer." RIP

 

[JoeyBoy718]

The Seahawks are an easy win with Weeden? They weren't an easy win with Romo.