ESPN: Worst in the league in "three and outs" (not true)

[NorthwestDallas40]

Just heard on ESPN that Dallas defense is worst in the league at forcing three and outs... only 23 percent of the time. Not a surprise to anyone that watches this team. But discouraging to hear. Trent Dilfer, normally a Dallas apologist, says we will get exposed in the playoffs because of the defense. Sadly, unless something changes (Gregory hope and a prayer?), I agree.

 

[Jinxx13x]

But we are good in Points allowed !!!!

Just need the offense to continue to roll

We average 28.7 per game and allow 19.4 keep that ratio we will do well

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I guess Dallas should forfeit the rest of their games...

I mean what's the point?

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

The team as currently constructed will be performing a balancing act trying to control the clock and score points to keep our defense off the field. Ironically, what you've seen in a lot of our games is us jumping out to a lead which forces the opponent to start passing which just happens to be our clear weakness; it's a catch-22 that you hope the defense can hold on and make just enough stops.

 

[Bluefin]

Dallas' defense isn't trying to force tree and outs.

We all wish the D was better, but it's a complimentary unit that wants to limit big plays and scoring while the offense takes care of business.

The Cowboys are currently 10th in points allowed (19.4) before the games today and tomorrow night.

Yes, Washington moved the ball through the air, but that was against a unit without Morris Claiborne and Barry Church, who have missed the last four games, and J.J. Wilcox left in the third quarter with a thigh contusion. Nickel 'backer Justin Durant also left with an injury.

Dallas had Jeff Heath and Kavon Frazier playing safety and Damien Wilson in the Nickel.

 

[conner01]

The most important stat is points. The winner of the game is the team with the most points, not 3 and outs

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

The team as currently constructed will be performing a balancing act trying to control the clock and score points to keep our defense off the field. Ironically, what you've seen in a lot of our games is us jumping out to a lead which forces the opponent to start passing which just happens to be our clear weakness; it's a catch-22 that you hope the defense can hold on and make just enough stops.

This is true but ironically the only loss was more due to the run defense breaking down.

 

[DallasDomination]

Is Gregory coming back ?

I

 

[TheHerd]

I love the "they'll get exposed" comments. What's to expose?

Our defense is a steaming pIle when facing a good offense - everyone knows this. There is ZERO pressure and all we do is hang back and wait for the opposition to make a mistake and then count on the offense to score every drive, which they do.

 

[Risen Star]

Raise your hand if you're tired of the try hard, overachieving, orphan, nickname crap of Rod Marinelli's defenses? Get some damn talent in here. Give me talented players who don't have to work that hard and go by their birth name.

 

[Maxmadden]

Bend but don't break defense. They are very good a limiting opponents to FG's instead of TD's.( I would like to see that stat).

The Washington game wasn't as close as it appeared on paper. We gave them garbage yards and points in trade for time. The game was over when we went up 17 - 3. We were just playing the odds from there on out. When they scored we would simply just go down and match it. We played conservative the whole second half.

 

[Bluefin]

There is ZERO pressure.

It isn't constant, but we do get pressure at times and the officials missed some blatant holds on Washington on Turkey Day.

and all we do is hang back and wait for the opposition to make a mistake and then count on the offense to score every drive, which they do

It isn't fair to ask the offense, featuring rookies Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott, to play mistake free football every week.

But that's the ship we're in and 214 seem up to the challenge.

The defense is going on four weeks without forcing a turnover. Hopefully, that will change going forward. Getting Barry Church back may help. More DL pressure would also be a plus.

That said, if the offense protects the football and doesn't give the opposition cheap points, who will beat us?

 

[links18]

I guess Dallas should forfeit the rest of their games...

I mean what's the point?

They could alter their defensive philosophy and maybe like try to improve. Maybe more aggressive pass rush and less bend, bend, break in the 4th quarter? Maybe when Church and hopefully Mo come back? Season ain't over, but this defensive philosophy is risky in the playoffs--even if it is dictated by personnel issues right now.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

They could alter their defensive philosophy and maybe like try to improve. Maybe more aggressive pass rush and less bend, bend, break in the 4th quarter? Maybe when Church and hopefully Mo come back? Season ain't over, but this defensive philosophy is risky in the playoffs--even if it is dictated by personnel issues right now.

They've done a great job at limiting points.

Marinelli isn't going to change how he goes about doing things.

The stats may not be pretty but it's working.

 

[AdamJT13]

Just heard on ESPN that Dallas defense is worst in the league at forcing three and outs... only 23 percent of the time.

I'm not sure where ESPN got its information, but it's not correct. We've forced three-and-outs on 17 of 107 possessions, which is 15.9 percent. And that's not the worst in the league. Kansas City was at 12.0 percent going into today. New Orleans was second-worst at 15.0 percent.

 

[bandfan]

Because 10-1 just doesn't cut it on this board.....

 

[Alohawg1]

This defense is very good at raising fans BP, mine included.

 

[Seven]

What's the red zone numbers? I really don't care what happens between the 20's.......this season.

It is what it is.

 

[Don Corleone]

Seeing as how we were doomed the second Romo went down, I'm just going to enjoy this ride to wherever it takes us.

 

[superonyx]

Just heard on ESPN that Dallas defense is worst in the league at forcing three and outs... only 23 percent of the time. Not a surprise to anyone that watches this team. But discouraging to hear. Trent Dilfer, normally a Dallas apologist, says we will get exposed in the playoffs because of the defense. Sadly, unless something changes (Gregory hope and a prayer?), I agree.

Well 23% of the time sounds bad. And it probably is but where is the perspective? What is the percentage of the team who is 15th or 1st? Otherwise it's just another lazy stat dump.