Defensive projects working out

[Galian Beast]

And I think we have to give a lot of credit there to Marinelli for that.

Wilcox is playing much better football, and a lot of us hoped that he would develop. It's important to remember that this kid really didn't play much safety in college.

We might have got a pro bowl linebacker in McClain, and for peanuts. I'll give Jerry, Garrett, and Marinelli credit for this one. I think a lot of fans use the term pro bowl to casually, but I think it fits for McClain. He's been lights out.

I have to eat crow on Durant (more so than on Carter). I had Durant off the roster, but he is showing what the Cowboys originally saw in him when they brought him in here. He is a legitimate player, but I think next year he may be our 4th linebacker. Carter has found his role in the strong side linebacker, though we all thought weak side would be perfect for him. He always seems to finally develop once Lee is out. I'm glad Carter has begun to turn it around and get some confidence. He is the antithesis of Morris Claiborne, who will always be the poster child of a failed investment for this defense.

This team also showed that they believed in Orlando Scandrick. I think myself and a lot of other fans weren't happy that he was signed to such an expensive contract for what we thought we were getting. Again, we have to eat crow there. This guy is a player.

Sterling Moore on the other hand I've been singing his praises since we first got him, and couldn't make heads or tails out of why we kept cutting him for guys like BW Webb.

 

[maxdallasfan]

The Scandrick extension was one of Jerry's smartest moves.

 

[Supercowboy1986]

The Scandrick extension was one of Jerry's smartest moves.

This. If I remember correctly it was like 3m a year or something

 

[ConstantReboot]

All of these players that we once called bust are flourishing under Marinelli. I would also add Ty Crawford to that list. I would have never known he would be our best dlineman right now.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

In my opinion the defense is out-playing its talent level.

BUT it's playing with a level of discipline that we haven't seen in years, which is compensating for a lack of talent here & there.

Remember the ***-ups vs. the Giants to start last season or the weekly Rob Ryan "Chinese Fire-Drill" defense where everyone looked totally lost.

 

[maxdallasfan]

The key last week was not to sack Wilson. That's when he squirts out.

Contain was the key, and contain they did.

 

[gmoney112]

The Scandrick extension was one of Jerry's smartest moves.

I wish someone would dig up that thread. I don't normally gloat, but...

 

[RS12]

Developing players is the key to a flow of cheap labor.

 

[Nightman]

In my opinion the defense is out-playing its talent level.

BUT it's playing with a level of discipline that we haven't seen in years, which is compensating for a lack of talent here & there.

Remember the ***-ups vs. the Giants to start last season or the weekly Rob Ryan "Chinese Fire-Drill" defense where everyone looked totally lost.

We haven't even fielded our best squad yet. Melton is getting his legs back, as is Spencer. DLaw hasn't even played yet. Crawford and Mincey might have finally found their roles. Hayden is better in a limited role and Brent might add some talent to the 1T. If Carter, RoMc and Durant are healthy that is an aggressive unit(imagine when Lee comes back next year and Hitchens catches up to the speed of the NFL).
Scandrick is very solid, Carr has been better and Wlicox seems to be improving.

I love the way they are flying around and hitting people. I think all of the negative press this pre-season about the 'worst defense ever' has definitely motivated them.

 

[Galian Beast]

We say that the defense is outplaying their talent level but is that true?

McClain was the 8th pick in the draft.
Anthony Spencer was a 1st round draft pick and pro bowler in 2012.
Henry Melton was a pro bowl defensive tackle in 2012.
Brandon Carr is the 5th highest paid corner in the game.

Carter was a 2nd round draft pick who fell from the 1st because of an injury.
Justin Durant was a 2nd round draft pick.
Scandrick is the 39th highest paid corner in the game.

Tyrone Crawford is a 3rd round draft pick.
JJ Wilcox is a 3rd round draft pick.
Terrell McClain was a 3rd round draft pick.

Kyle Wilber was a 4th round draft pick.
Anthony Hitchens was a 4th round draft pick.