ESPN: Cowboys' front seven ranked 32nd in NFL

[burmafrd]

i don't remember thedefense stepping up to help win a game to get into the playoffs the last three years. they only won eight games with ware spencer hatcher lee last three years just saying

defense plays to win games in the last couple of years- Carr getting that Pick 6 is about the only one I can remember off hand.

 

[Bowdown27]

until we prove we aren't the worst defense in the league as of last year then this makes sense. Have to change opinions

 

[gimmesix]

Fairly negative article on ESPN today:

Cowboys' front seven ranked last

Todd Archer (ESPN)

The Cowboys lost DeMarcus Ware, Jason Hatcher and (in the saddest, most ridiculous minicamp story of the year) Sean Lee from a defense that allowed 2,056 rushing yards and recorded just 36 sacks last year. Henry Melton arrives as a younger, more system-suited replacement for Hatcher, but everything else is a shambles. Bruce Carter, Justin Durant and DeVonte Holloman form the most anonymous linebacker corps in the league, and only Carter has any significant starting experience. Anthony Spencer may start the season on the PUP list as he battles back from microfracture surgery on his knee. And of course, the Cowboys are so cap-stressed that they wouldn't be able to sign a veteran reinforcement, even if one becomes available this late in the offseason.....

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4729076/cowboys-front-seven-ranked-last

I think it's too high.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'd be willing to put some money down with the dude that they won't end up as the worst defense in either yards allowed or scoring defense this year.

So would I.

 

[Dwight]

No one should feel upset or surprise. There are too many issues with the front seven even if Lee was active.

The positive thing the front seven can do is surprise the naysayers and play well. Also, the Head Coach can play to the team's strengths and minimize the weaknesses. The key is winning on the offense and special teams side.

Mike McCarthy did this a couple of years ago with a terrible defense and still made it to the playoffs. Lets hope Jason Garrett does the same.

 

[Setackin]

32nd in the league, but probably more like 50th in the nation. Lol

 

[dallasfan4lizife]

people on the outside see this team as a joke...look at what jerry has turned us into lol.

 

[jday]

I was worried about this until I saw it was based on Pro Football Focus rankings.

No, you should still be worried regardless of the source. All you really need is your eyes to see that this unit has alot to prove. Can Spencer play on the Dl, since he should still be considered as playing a new position and can he stay healthy. Can Melton stay healthy returning from season ending injury? Can Crawford stay healthy returning from season ending injury and how will he play given the position swap? Will Selvie improve on last year's breakout season or at the very least give us the same? How will the rookies transition from college? Do we have a true 1-tech DT that can hold his ground when double-teamed by a Center and Guard? Until proven otherwise, this unit deserves this ranking.

I will go on record as saying, given the Marinelli effect, they won't be the worst in the NFL come season end - I'm guessing somewhere in the middle if they can at least stay relatively healthy.

 

[Longboysfan]

That High?

 

[Sportsbabe]

Fairly negative article on ESPN today:

Cowboys' front seven ranked last

Todd Archer (ESPN)

The Cowboys lost DeMarcus Ware, Jason Hatcher and (in the saddest, most ridiculous minicamp story of the year) Sean Lee from a defense that allowed 2,056 rushing yards and recorded just 36 sacks last year. Henry Melton arrives as a younger, more system-suited replacement for Hatcher, but everything else is a shambles. Bruce Carter, Justin Durant and DeVonte Holloman form the most anonymous linebacker corps in the league, and only Carter has any significant starting experience. Anthony Spencer may start the season on the PUP list as he battles back from microfracture surgery on his knee. And of course, the Cowboys are so cap-stressed that they wouldn't be able to sign a veteran reinforcement, even if one becomes available this late in the offseason.....

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4729076/cowboys-front-seven-ranked-last

This ain't college football.

 

[Sportsbabe]

No, you should still be worried regardless of the source. All you really need is your eyes to see that this unit has alot to prove. Can Spencer play on the Dl, since he should still be considered as playing a new position and can he stay healthy. Can Melton stay healthy returning from season ending injury? Can Crawford stay healthy returning from season ending injury and how will he play given the position swap? Will Selvie improve on last year's breakout season or at the very least give us the same? How will the rookies transition from college? Do we have a true 1-tech DT that can hold his ground when double-teamed by a Center and Guard? Until proven otherwise, this unit deserves this ranking.

I will go on record as saying, given the Marinelli effect, they won't be the worst in the NFL come season end - I'm guessing somewhere in the middle if they can at least stay relatively healthy.

They haven't been given a chance to use your eyes against anything yet. Every year is a new year. I'm not writing off my Boys until they've given me a reason too. First things first: coache em up, opening day, get to Thanksgiving, then holla back. Other than that ... I aint trying to hear that crystal ball crap.

 

[Doc50]

No, you should still be worried regardless of the source. All you really need is your eyes to see that this unit has alot to prove. Can Spencer play on the Dl, since he should still be considered as playing a new position and can he stay healthy. Can Melton stay healthy returning from season ending injury? Can Crawford stay healthy returning from season ending injury and how will he play given the position swap? Will Selvie improve on last year's breakout season or at the very least give us the same? How will the rookies transition from college? Do we have a true 1-tech DT that can hold his ground when double-teamed by a Center and Guard? Until proven otherwise, this unit deserves this ranking.

I will go on record as saying, given the Marinelli effect, they won't be the worst in the NFL come season end - I'm guessing somewhere in the middle if they can at least stay relatively healthy.

Good post.

I'm fine with having an underdog defense. We'll be better than that, and improve as the year progresses. Those who take us lightly will be disappointed.

Our secondary will be more experienced, and won't have to cover as long because we'll finally have a pass rush. The front seven will be more cohesive, and won't consist of the neighborhood kids. And the offense should be able to run some clock.

Getting weary of playing games this early on paper. Anxious to see them for real.

 

[Maxmadden]

people on the outside see this team as a joke...look at what jerry has turned us into lol.

Trolling? or just trying to change the subject?

 

[Rockport]

These kinds of rankings are an effort in futility. How does anyone know what the Dallas Cowboys DL will look like in 2014 until after the season? It's impossible so commenting on these rankings is mind numbing. I know, I just did it.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

So...what about his suggestion that we should have signed someone to a contract that handcuffs us in the future?

Wishful thinking from an Eagles fan turned sportswriter.

 

[egn22]

If we were ranked number 1 I'd feel the same way I do now. Until they play rankings mean nothing at all. I'm very optimistic about things turning around for us this year. I love the underdog role.

 

[slick325]

I have no problem with that ranking. Accurate until proven otherwise on the field in 2014.

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

Let me caveat this by saying I am NOT defending Jerry Jones....and of course you want to have as many blue chippers as possible. The intent is to leave no stone unturned to find them. But this DL by DESIGN....is about having as many young, energetic, rotational, coachable, guys......with ZERO agenda. We have gone the "big name guys" route...and were in the exact same place we have been in the last 4 years..which was a win and you are in game on the last day of the season. If we could achieve that with one of the historically worst defenses in league history...can it get any worse? If it does...we have to take a serious look at the coaches and the players. Mo Claiborne was the #6 overall pick....AND....AND...we gave up a 2nd to get him. Scandrick is the highest paid 3rd CB in the NFL. Carr was the most expensive free agent CB in 2012. Crawford was a 3rd round pick. Of course that is not top 10...but I believe that is where Hatcher was drafted. Lawrence was a 2nd round pick. Again, that is someone that should be able to give you some snaps THIS year...as you try to develop him into a stud. Meltonis a proven player. And let's not forget, Melton was a "no-name" until he made a name for himself. If Selvie gives you what he gave you last year....I will take it!

So while Jerry has not stocked that side of the ball with the 85 'Bears. There are football players over there that were drafted highly and/or are being paid pretty good. They need to produce to their draft status/pay check!

And the object is to let the offense carry the team while the defense finds it legs Hence, the heavy investment in the OL. Whether people agree or disagree with that strategy is open for debate. But this appears to be the plan..and as I have stated before....I am more excited than I have been in a long time about seeing this team run the ball. And seeing what some new blood on the DL can actually do. Because we have had way too many sacred cows in Dallas for too long.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

I remember there was a point when we use to be considered to have one of the best front 7's in the league with Spears, Hatcher, Ware, Spencer, Ratliff, Bruce and Lee. That wasn't long ago.

I've stated that I think our front 7 will be better than people think this year. But as it stands, its hard to argue against anyone ranking us last in the NFL. Its not even debatable actually. But I am excited to see how some of our guys like Crawford and D-Law perform. We're more so last ranked based on the uncertainty's of our front 7.

No, there was a point when Cowboys fans thought we'd be one of the best front 7's. We've always had a tendency of overrating our own talent. I remember when (back in the 4-3) our delusional fans were saying they'd take our ILB tandem of Lee and Carter over the 49er's with Willis and Bowman. Haha

 

[big dog cowboy]

people on the outside see this team as a joke...look at what jerry has turned us into lol.

Not defending Jerry but we have had 3 non losing seasons in a row. Teams that are a joke don't accomplishing that. While it also means we have not qualified for the playoffs it also means we do win games.