Even if Cowboys are convinced they can win games playing keep away, they'll need these defenders to

[waving monkey]

The Cowboys’ approach to last week’s draft provided a sneak peek of what their strategy will be in 2016.

They seem convinced they can win games by playing keep-away rather than defense.

The Cowboys began their draft by taking running back Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall and then selecting a linebacker in the second round -- Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith -- who isn’t expected to play in 2016.

They believe a strong running game will keep the defense off the field, similar to their approach in 2014 when DeMarco Murray led the league in rushing.

Late last Friday night, the Cowboys finally added a defensive player who could actually help this season.
link/http://sportsday.***BANNED-URL***/d.../cowboys-draft-picks-contribute-defense-day-1

 

[erod]

This defense isn't any worse than the one that went 12-4.

 

[links18]

This defense isn't any worse than the one that went 12-4.

Wait until the injuries hit. They always do.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

This defense isn't any worse than the one that went 12-4.

At least the 12-4 defense could get takeaways. This defense hasn't proven to be on par yet.

 

[waldoputty]

At least the 12-4 defense could get takeaways. This defense hasn't proven to be on par yet.

Players-wise, I would say the 2016 defense is better.
DE - 2016 > 2014 except first 4 games. 2014 lost Lawrence for 10 games?
DT - 2016 >> 2014 Thornton > Golden Cock and the 3rd round DT Collins
CB - about the same, may be a little worse than 2014 - Scandrick come back the same?
LB - 2016> 2014 Lee is healthy
S - 2016 > 2014 Jones

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

Players-wise, I would say the 2016 defense is better.
DE - 2016 > 2014 except first 4 games. 2014 lost Lawrence for 10 games?
DT - 2016 >> 2014 Thornton > Golden Cock and the 3rd round DT Collins
CB - about the same, may be a little worse than 2014 - Scandrick come back the same?
LB - 2016> 2014 Lee is healthy
S - 2016 > 2014 Jones

Sure on prejection with the free agents/rookies we added, we should be better. Just hope we have a consistent pass rush and can get takeways.

 

[btcutter]

Players-wise, I would say the 2016 defense is better.
DE - 2016 > 2014 except first 4 games. 2014 lost Lawrence for 10 games?
DT - 2016 >> 2014 Thornton > Golden Cock and the 3rd round DT Collins
CB - about the same, may be a little worse than 2014 - Scandrick come back the same?
LB - 2016> 2014 Lee is healthy
S - 2016 > 2014 Jones

Other team may have improved over the last two years via draft and FAs.

 

[erod]

At least the 12-4 defense could get takeaways. This defense hasn't proven to be on par yet.

You get takeaways when the offense makes the opponent play from behind and take chances. Last year there was no need to take chances against Dallas because the cowboys couldn't score.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

You get takeaways when the offense makes the opponent play from behind and take chances. Last year there was no need to take chances against Dallas because the cowboys couldn't score.

And the defense getting the takeaways. We'll see if it happens.

 

[JBS]

2014 D went 12-4

However, they didn't stand a chance in stopping Rodgers

2016 is going to have to be significantly better to make a deep playoff run..

 

[jazzcat22]

Players-wise, I would say the 2016 defense is better.
DE - 2016 > 2014 except first 4 games. 2014 lost Lawrence for 10 games?
DT - 2016 >> 2014 Thornton > Golden Cock and the 3rd round DT Collins
CB - about the same, may be a little worse than 2014 - Scandrick come back the same?
LB - 2016> 2014 Lee is healthy
S - 2016 > 2014 Jones

DE, yes better overall depth. Maybe none that people will say are a 10 sack plus type guy, but maybe one emerges
DT, far better, the best we had in a very long time
CB, about same, yes, however mo is back, he was injured in what the 4th game in 2014, and he had a decent year last year
LB, Lee healthy, McClain coming in, not after being off a year or so, and not after knee surgery like last year, Hitchens in 3rd year, and a more defined role to focus on
S, Jones makes this much better, as it allows the S's that fans love to hate, makes them better IMO.

Overall, yes, talent and players better. Another year in rod's system, the light bulb will be coming on for some of these guys, and getting brighter for others.
I think this defense will surprise people. may not be great, but be solid.

 

[DogFace]

The 90's teams didn't have many 10 plus sack guys. Just waves of depth. We can have something simailar.

 

[jazzcat22]

The 90's teams didn't have many 10 plus sack guys. Just waves of depth. We can have something simailar.

Great point.
The sack leaders from Dallas in the SB years in the 90's.
Haley, 6 in 92, 4 in 93, 12.5 in 94, 10.5 in 95
Jeffcoat 10,5 in 92, and he had 11.5 in 89, the 1-15 year.

 

[erod]

And the defense getting the takeaways. We'll see if it happens.

It's the same guys on defense, plus Lawrence and Jones basically. If anything, Dallas is more talented now than then.

 

[gimmesix]

The Cowboys’ approach to last week’s draft provided a sneak peek of what their strategy will be in 2016.

They seem convinced they can win games by playing keep-away rather than defense.

The Cowboys began their draft by taking running back Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall and then selecting a linebacker in the second round -- Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith -- who isn’t expected to play in 2016.

They believe a strong running game will keep the defense off the field, similar to their approach in 2014 when DeMarco Murray led the league in rushing.

Late last Friday night, the Cowboys finally added a defensive player who could actually help this season.
link/http://sportsday.***BANNED-URL***/d.../cowboys-draft-picks-contribute-defense-day-1

I would love for the rookies to step up, but it isn't all on them. Players like Mayowa, Russell and Irving could put less on the rookies to play like veterans. We've got a lot of youth in this line that I'm interested in seeing. Most of them might turn out to be nothing more than bodies, but we'll see what Marinelli has been able to do with them.

 

[Doomsday101]

This defense isn't any worse than the one that went 12-4.

True but then the 2014 defense went out and created turnovers while last years unit never could seem to come up with the big plays to put the ball back into the hands of the offense.

 

[erod]

True but then the 2014 defense went out and created turnovers while last years unit never could seem to come up with the big plays to put the ball back into the hands of the offense.

Why though?

Because in 2014, Dallas was up 21-10 in the 3rd quarter, and teams had to take chances. That's why. That wasn't the case in 2015.

Last year, teams just played it safe knowing 20 points was a sure victory against Dallas, and that the defense would wear down because the Cowboys offense couldn't move the ball. The opportunities weren't there for many turnovers.

 

[Doomsday101]

Why though?

Because in 2014, Dallas was up 21-10 in the 3rd quarter, and teams had to take chances. That's why. That wasn't the case in 2015.

Last year, teams just played it safe knowing 20 points was a sure victory against Dallas, and that the defense would wear down because the Cowboys offense couldn't move the ball. The opportunities weren't there for many turnovers.

Not in all cases there were several close games where defense created turnovers. heck there were opportunities this past season they just did not finish the play and many of these loses were close games. I agree offense was not as effective in large part as I have mentioned in other threads we lost 3 of 2014 triplets, defense was going to have to step up given the issues offense was faced with.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

2014 D went 12-4

However, they didn't stand a chance in stopping Rodgers

2016 is going to have to be significantly better to make a deep playoff run..

Deep playoff run? Don't think we can expect that or should. Unless Zeke is the real deal and Romo/Bryant are back to form.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

The 90's teams didn't have many 10 plus sack guys. Just waves of depth. We can have something simailar.

Nothing similar in terms of those 90s teams DL in terms of quality starters/depth.