Defensive positives and negatives and where improvement must come

[Gambit]

We agree that not getting sacks or TOs is a killer. Here are some stats I found about our pass rush rankings through 3 weeks:

We are tied for 23rd in pressure percentage (14.4%) and 30th in total sacks with just 2.

Current 2026 Pass Rush Statistics

• • Sacks: 2 (Ranked 30th in the NFL)
  • Pressure Percentage: 14.4% (Tied for 23rd in the NFL)
  ** Yards Allowed per Pass Attempt:** 7.4 (Ranked 24th in the NFL)

Not the worst but not good enough so far.

I think you'll start seeing these numbers come up.

Next 3 games OLs are suspect and weak. Philly game will be interesting

 

[zekecowboy]

Game 3 positive and negatives vs the ravens and more importantly where this defense MUST improve…
POSITIVES - honestly not many but here they are:

• The ravens had 12 possessions and we forced 3 punts and two 4th down stops.
• We had two red zone stops
• Held Derrick Henry to less than 4 yds per carry.

NEGATIVES

• 34 points on 387 yds; 7 splash plays (20 yards or more)
• Lamar Jackson had no pressure and had a 9.2 yards per attempt passing, well above leave avg.
• Gave up nearly 200 yds rushing
• No sacks
• Zero turnovers

Btw - interesting stat from Bob Sturm on Cowboys defense the last decade: We are 0-10 in games where we get no sacks and no turnovers. The defense that led the NFL in TOs during the Dan Quinn era is long gone, at least at the moment.

WHERE WE MUST IMPROVE TO HAVE A SHOT AT BEING A PLAYOFF TEAM

• We must start getting some sacks and TOs) No sacks or to’s mean we have no chance. (Again we are 0-10 in last decade when we get no sacks and no TOs)
• Stop giving up so many big plays.
• Stop the run. (Where have we heard this before?)

One reason I’m a little “meh” on the Joey Porter trade - he won’t pressure the QB. It’s hard to get picks when there’s no pass rush.

So I will be watching to see if we can manufacture any kind of pass rush the next few weeks. Through 18% of the season, our defense has to blitz to get pressure which puts it all on the secondary. Maybe Porter helps in coverage some. Time will tell.

NEGATIVE: Desperation moves by Dallas management seldom work out. The trade for Broderick Jones. The trade for Jerry Porter, if he can walk after the season is over Dallas has no leverage. Also, with minimal pass rush it makes the cornerback play less of a factor.