DMN: Bob Sturm: Cowboys still need to show they can shut down a big offense

[jobberone]

Dallas Cowboys Blog
Bob Sturm: Cowboys still need to show they can shut down a big offense
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Bob Sturm Follow @sportssturm Email sturm1310@me.com
Published: July 18, 2015 7:05 pm
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Dallas Cowboys strong safety Barry Church (42) walks off the field as photographers crowd around Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after the Packers 26-21 victory in an NFC divisional round playoff game at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, in Green Bay. ( Smiley N. Pool / The Dallas Morning News )

Bob Sturm, SportsDayDFW.com Dallas Cowboys contributor and co-host of BaD Radio weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on SportsRadio 1310-AM and 96.7-FM The Ticket, recently hosted a chat to talk all things football.

Here are some of the highlights:

Question: Are the Cowboys one of the four teams that made playoffs last year that will miss the playoffs this year. Please name the four?

Sturm: Actually, I think the league average is five. I will write that in August. But, pick 4 playoff teams from last year that will miss this year? Here you go: Cardinals, Lions, Bengals are three likely candidates. Panthers, Broncos, and Ravens are on my radar before Dallas. I think the Cowboys win the NFC East by a game or two, so I don’t think Dallas misses.

Question: What type of team poses a greater one-game threat to the Cowboys as constructed: a great defensive team (e.g., Bills, Jets), or a great offensive team (Saints, Patriots)?

Sturm: Tough call. I think the 2nd half of the last game they played – up in Green Bay against a gimpy QB – suggests that we need to know this defense can slow down an elite offense on the big stage at the big moment. But, the elite defenses – of which several are on the schedule – will really give this offense a run for its money and put its high end skill players at injury risk. I think both present an interesting scenario, but I would start with suggesting that the Cowboys will want to prove to themselves that they can shut down a big offense at the big moment in 2015.

Click here to read the full chat transcription.

Bob Sturm: There's one part of the Dez Bryant deal that amazes me

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• National columnist: Cowboys' Dez Bryant deserves apology for 'smear campaign'

• NFL panel: Cowboys will get more from new WR deal than Broncos will

• Top 10 QB ranking: How many will have a better year than Tony Romo in 2015?

 

[Galian Beast]

Year over year, people are ignoring how different his defense looks, at least on paper.

Jeremy Mincey was our best pass rusher last year, and this year he could certainly be our 4th best. That says a lot.

I think you have a pro bowl caliber linebacker in Sean Lee returning as well. To assume that the defense is the same as last year, I think is mistaken. You have Two really high rated players from the draft added to the defense as well. And one of the highest rated players on defense in the league.

On offense, losing Murray seems like a bigger deal than it might end up being. The improvements based on chemistry and experience on the offense may overshadow that entirely.

 

[Wood]

bob sturm wins captain obvious for week

 

[Seven]

OK. This is just my opinion......I think Rodgers' 'gimpy ankle' was a load of crap. He limped like he had to and it wasn't consistent. It didn't affect their game so why keep bringing it up?

 

[JakeCamp12]

I don't know about anyone else, but why does everyone think DeMarco Murray is going to easily repeat what he did last year? If you look at his past, he had really one year that he managed to play the entire season. With the number of touches that he had last year, I just don't see him having the same results this year on the field. I think he will miss at least 4 games and I don't see him being as productive. I think the money was better spent on how we configured the team right now. Do I have extreme confidence in McFadden and Randle? Not one, but the coaching staff has done a really good job the last few years getting players ready to play in this system. I think the surprise this year will be the defense carrying the team when we need it to and providing more chances for the offense to have long drives.

 

[SDCowboy]

You don't say.

 

[Galian Beast]

I don't know about anyone else, but why does everyone think DeMarco Murray is going to easily repeat what he did last year? If you look at his past, he had really one year that he managed to play the entire season. With the number of touches that he had last year, I just don't see him having the same results this year on the field. I think he will miss at least 4 games and I don't see him being as productive. I think the money was better spent on how we configured the team right now. Do I have extreme confidence in McFadden and Randle? Not one, but the coaching staff has done a really good job the last few years getting players ready to play in this system. I think the surprise this year will be the defense carrying the team when we need it to and providing more chances for the offense to have long drives.

I don't think he will. I think Murray is a very good running back, but I think he ranks towards the bottom of the top tier. They are a lot of running backs that are better than him and there are a lot of running backs who are more dynamic than him. To pay Murray as much as they're paying him, with his injury risk is pretty foolish.

We decided not to put all of our eggs into one basket here and the Eagles did the exact opposite. Their offensive line has taken a hit with the release of mathis and suspension of johnson. I expect them to struggle early on.

 

[CCBoy]

I still like the idea of seeing the dominance of a Dallas defense coming out in black 'n blue December. Works well for this practical fan.

 

[zrinkill]

Hey Bob ....... who stopped our offense last year?

 

[cowboyz]

everyone talks about how gimpy rodgers beat the cowboys, but they also almost beat the seahawks