Even Without A Talent Infusion, The Dallas Cowboys Defense Should Continue To Improve

[Kaiser]

There is no doubt guys like DLaw, Crawford, Hitchens, Wilcox, Bishop should improve and it will help, as will getting Sean Lee and Josh Brent back. But that is true for every year and often a team will have other players regress or get hurt, the issue is whether advances outnumber declines.

To me the improvement of the defense will be all about adding more than one pass rusher in FA to play LDE opposite DLaw and Mincey. No doubt they will add a veteran FS and DeVonte Holloman-type of coverage Will for the nickel defenses, but getting pressure on QB's is the big key in improving the defense next year. I said before the season started that a key factor that will help the defense is the fact the Offensive Line will control the clock, next year the overall defense will be better by forcing quicker throws and creating more turnovers via the pass rush.

 

[Kaiser]

They might. It's so hard to say what they'll do anymore. There's really no consistency at all.

From what I read the situation with Hardy wasn't a Ray Rice thug situation, it was a lot of "late night drunk and stupid" with an ex-girlfriend who has now made a bunch of claims about it. If they reach a settlement or Hardy's lawyers think they can win at trial the situation will look a lot different.

 

[Doomsday101]

We're good-enough, or almost-good-enough in a lot of places. Meaning, we can get better with the right guys almost anywhere. That's a good and a bad thing. It's good, because while we don't have areas where we're specifically getting victimized, there ought to be a lot of guys in both VFA and the draft who'd represent upgrades. So we have options for improving. It's bad, though, because what we really need at this point on defense are difference-makers. And those guys are either really really expensive or not available by definition. And it's not reasonable to expect one as a rookie at 27 in the draft.

We're getting one defensive difference maker back in Sean Lee, whether people want to remember it or not. He was our best defender before last year, and that includes Hatcher and Ware.

I'd be interested in adding Greg Hardy if he's available--despite his legal issues--for this same reason. He's a young difference maker at a position of obvious need who would fit the bill if the commissioner allows him to play and he's legally available to do so.

Other than that, though, there aren't a ton of those guys available in FA. Suh is one. But he's going to break somebody's bank. Who else?

If we don't go that route, it's regular incremental improvement and letting young players continue to develop. Improve DL rotation and depth, generally, and get better that way. That's probably something that gets snorted at, but I think we can at least continue the upward trajectory on defense going that route. We can improve at 4-5 spots easily and add competition without breaking the bank. Who knows? Maybe we get lucky again and find another play maker like Rolando McClain on the scrap heap. Do that often enough, and it eventually adds up.

I looked at Dallas defense as avg this past season and without doing anything I think they can improve some. I think through the draft and again mid level players in FA whom Marinelli feels fits into what he wants to do I think they can be a top 10 defense without the high priced FA.

As you mention we get Lee back and guys like Lawrence and Hitchens will continue to grow and develop into better players.

 

[tyke1doe]

Umm draft a FS and stop joking.

I hope we can luck up on a Ed Reed in this draft. He was drafted #24 in the first round.

 

[Idgit]

From what I read the situation with Hardy wasn't a Ray Rice thug situation, it was a lot of "late night drunk and stupid" with an ex-girlfriend who has now made a bunch of claims about it. If they reach a settlement or Hardy's lawyers think they can win at trial the situation will look a lot different.

Yeah. It's so hard to tell with that stuff what really went on if you don't have an elevator cam to show you. He wanted a jury trial, for whatever reason. It was supposed to start as early as early Feb, right? So I guess we'll know before FA what the situation is, at least.

I'm not sure what to make of his off-field problems. On the field, though, he's young, a terror, reportedly a good teammate, and he comes with a need for some rehabilitation. We'd have to be one of the top possible landing spots for him if we want to afford him. And his situation probably earns any team that signs him a little wiggle room in terms of the structure of the contract (if not the money). I think he makes a lot of sense if he's available.

 

[Kaiser]

Yeah. It's so hard to tell with that stuff what really went on if you don't have an elevator cam to show you. He wanted a jury trial, for whatever reason. It was supposed to start as early as early Feb, right? So I guess we'll know before FA what the situation is, at least.

The problem for Hardy is that it went to a "bench trial" where the Judge heard a witness say the girl claimed he beat her and found Hardy guilty. The next step is a full trial where Hardy's lawyers can cross examine the woman and bring in their own evidence (hint, it rhymes with "drug use"). From what you read Hardy has a good chance of winning at that stage. If you google the words "Hardy Panthers Legal" the second article that comes up is the Charlotte paper with a transcript of the 911 call. Hardy is calm and asking police to come and remove the woman, saying she has gone nuts and is on drugs. They also have a 911 call from a building attendant who basically repeated the woman's story about being assaulted.

If Hardy really did what was claimed he should go to jail for a long time. But it really doesn't look there is anything beyond the ex-girlfriend's story to back it up and other evidence that backs Hardy and discredits the accuser. Also the Judge was female, its not hard to imagine a North Carolina Judge seeing a defendant that is 280 pounds and automatically siding with a woman who is making an accusation.

 

[Idgit]

The problem for Hardy is that it went to a "bench trial" where the Judge heard a witness say the girl claimed he beat her and found Hardy guilty. The next step is a full trial where Hardy's lawyers can cross examine the woman and bring in their own evidence (hint, it rhymes with "drug use"). From what you read Hardy has a good chance of winning at that stage. If you google the words "Hardy Panthers Legal" the second article that comes up is the Charlotte paper with a transcript of the 911 call. Hardy is calm and asking police to come and remove the woman, saying she has gone nuts and is on drugs. They also have a 911 call from a building attendant who basically repeated the woman's story about being assaulted.

If Hardy really did what was claimed he should go to jail for a long time. But it really doesn't look there is anything beyond the ex-girlfriend's story to back it up and other evidence that backs Hardy and discredits the accuser. Also the Judge was female, its not hard to imagine a North Carolina Judge seeing a defendant that is 280 pounds and automatically siding with a woman who is making an accusation.

Interesting. The firearms charges are interesting, too. I gather it hasn't come out yet whether they were all permitted?

 

[Crown Royal]

Why would you expect Melton to take a step back?

I struggled with that one. I think he was really good in the middle of the season, but just fell back to earth and became very meh and then very lame/injured.

I said that because going into next year, I wouldn't even count on the middle of the season 'really good." You can make a strong argument for staying the same.

 

[Kaiser]

Interesting. The firearms charges are interesting, too. I gather it hasn't come out yet whether they were all permitted?

I hadn't really seen that, I just looked and he was required to turn over his firearms once he has placed on probation - which is a standard thing. Its also standard for an accuser with a lot of highly paid attorneys who is looking for a big payoff to highlight the fact he had weapons. It also helps her that Hardy had a big arsenal for whatever reason, he had 10 weapons that were mostly the equivalent of a military M-16 (AR-15 in civilian terms, which has been replaced by M-4 now).

Its a non-issue legally though, he wasn't required to have a permit for them even though he could have outfitted an entire squad from Fort Bragg if he had driven an hour south. Its sensational in the news but in reality its nothing beyond a talking point for the woman's attorney's.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

I struggled with that one. I think he was really good in the middle of the season, but just fell back to earth and became very meh and then very lame/injured.

I said that because going into next year, I wouldn't even count on the middle of the season 'really good." You can make a strong argument for staying the same.

I think he is still young and we just witnessed his transition year coming back from his knee.

I'd want him brought back on a modest deal hoping year two removed continues to bring back his explosiveness.

 

[Kaiser]

I also saw a link that the trial that could exonerate Hardy is a month from now, it will be interesting to see how (or if) that plays into the Cowboys approach to FA with guys like JPP.

 

[LatinMind]

They might. It's so hard to say what they'll do anymore. There's really no consistency at all.

I think theyre going to go hard on it because they took alot of backlash on the domestic violence issue. Lol they came out with a commercial just because of the issue in the NFL. Wouldnt be suprised to see him out a yr for atleast half the season.

 

[Idgit]

I think theyre going to go hard on it because they took alot of backlash on the domestic violence issue. Lol they came out with a commercial just because of the issue in the NFL. Wouldnt be suprised to see him out a yr for atleast half the season.

I can see that. It sort of all depends on whether or not they find it was an issue of abuse and threatening to kill somebody, or if a jury believes it was a bit of a shakedown.

 

[casmith07]

The problem for Hardy is that it went to a "bench trial" where the Judge heard a witness say the girl claimed he beat her and found Hardy guilty. The next step is a full trial where Hardy's lawyers can cross examine the woman and bring in their own evidence (hint, it rhymes with "drug use"). From what you read Hardy has a good chance of winning at that stage. If you google the words "Hardy Panthers Legal" the second article that comes up is the Charlotte paper with a transcript of the 911 call. Hardy is calm and asking police to come and remove the woman, saying she has gone nuts and is on drugs. They also have a 911 call from a building attendant who basically repeated the woman's story about being assaulted.

If Hardy really did what was claimed he should go to jail for a long time. But it really doesn't look there is anything beyond the ex-girlfriend's story to back it up and other evidence that backs Hardy and discredits the accuser. Also the Judge was female, its not hard to imagine a North Carolina Judge seeing a defendant that is 280 pounds and automatically siding with a woman who is making an accusation.

Knowing what I do about the North Carolina judicial system, you're absolutely correct in your last sentence.

For clarification, though, he was found guilty of a misdemeanor. The appeals process raises the case to a jury trial in Superior Court. If his attorneys (and he, as the client) feel it necessary to appeal a misdemeanor conviction with a sentence that was suspended in full, then there must be pretty strong evidence that the original story is BS.

 

[Kaiser]

Knowing what I do about the North Carolina judicial system, you're absolutely correct in your last sentence.

For clarification, though, he was found guilty of a misdemeanor. The appeals process raises the case to a jury trial in Superior Court. If his attorneys (and he, as the client) feel it necessary to appeal a misdemeanor conviction with a sentence that was suspended in full, then there must be pretty strong evidence that the original story is BS.

Bragg sucks!!! Sorry, force of habit. Thanks for posting that, the more I read on this the more I think its the girl being psychotic or wanting money, or both.

If you google the 911 call transcript, Hardy is calm and reasonable at a point where the girl says he attempted to kill her. He also says he has videotape, which would back up exactly your point about his legal strategy. This is from the 911 call -



Hardy: (Inaudible.) She’s hit me in the face twice. She won’t get out. We’re trying to get her out of my house. She keeps running back in every time. My neighbor is outside, she’s witnessed everything.


911: What’s the address?


Hardy: Somebody please come.


911: Sir?


Hardy: I have a videotape of everything. … Keep her away from me, please. My assistant is trying to retain her. She’s trying to break free, hit me with her heel. Now I’m literally running around the table right now. She’s trying to hit me with a shoe.

911: She’s outside of the apartment right now?


Hardy: No, she won’t let me close the door, and I can’t touch her to get her out. She’s literally kicking and scratching but my manager is retaining her. She’s throwing one of her heels right now. She just tried to hit me once. She’s hit me in the face twice. I’m trying to stay away from her. Can you please send somebody to help me? Keep her, bro. Keep her. Don’t let her go. Don’t let her go.


911: Do you need medic?


Hardy: I don’t need a medic. She hit me in the face, I’m fine. I’m not bleeding or anything. It’s a little swollen but I’m fine. … You shouldn’t have hit me. You shouldn’t have hit me.


Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/20...rdy-911-calls.html#.VMgXui6Wln4#storylink=cpy

 

[waving monkey]

this sounds like Hardy knows the score and the girl is on a tear

I dont know about you guys but I have had a brief fling with a crazy woman
and when it was over it wasn't pretty and the drama was epic

 

[JBS]

If by some miracle Mo Claiborne can come in here and be anywhere close to the guy we thought we drafted, that would be massive....

It's not likely, but I've seen crazier things happen

 

[casmith07]

this sounds like Hardy knows the score and the girl is on a tear

I dont know about you guys but I have had a brief fling with a crazy woman
and when it was over it wasn't pretty and the drama was epic

I did once. The sex was epic, but not worth it.

 

[casmith07]

Bragg sucks!!! Sorry, force of habit. Thanks for posting that, the more I read on this the more I think its the girl being psychotic or wanting money, or both.

If you google the 911 call transcript, Hardy is calm and reasonable at a point where the girl says he attempted to kill her. He also says he has videotape, which would back up exactly your point about his legal strategy. This is from the 911 call -


Hardy: (Inaudible.) She’s hit me in the face twice. She won’t get out. We’re trying to get her out of my house. She keeps running back in every time. My neighbor is outside, she’s witnessed everything.

911: What’s the address?

Hardy: Somebody please come.

911: Sir?

Hardy: I have a videotape of everything. … Keep her away from me, please. My assistant is trying to retain her. She’s trying to break free, hit me with her heel. Now I’m literally running around the table right now. She’s trying to hit me with a shoe.

911: She’s outside of the apartment right now?

Hardy: No, she won’t let me close the door, and I can’t touch her to get her out. She’s literally kicking and scratching but my manager is retaining her. She’s throwing one of her heels right now. She just tried to hit me once. She’s hit me in the face twice. I’m trying to stay away from her. Can you please send somebody to help me? Keep her, bro. Keep her. Don’t let her go. Don’t let her go.

911: Do you need medic?

Hardy: I don’t need a medic. She hit me in the face, I’m fine. I’m not bleeding or anything. It’s a little swollen but I’m fine. … You shouldn’t have hit me. You shouldn’t have hit me.


Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/20...rdy-911-calls.html#.VMgXui6Wln4#storylink=cpy

If only they knee-jerked and released him.

He's a good player. It'll be interesting to see what comes of the case, but my guess is that he wins easily on appeal. I'm unfamiliar with NC's judicial procedure, so this isn't one where the charges can be "dropped" because of the previous misdemeanor charge, I imagine.

Side Note: I'm getting ready to head out of Fort Jackson soon. This is about as close to Bragg as I ever want to get!!

 

[Kaiser]

This is about as close to Bragg as I ever want to get!!

Good. Move. Guys at Bragg used to call Fort Jackson "Relaxin' Jackson" but that was a million years ago and I'm sure its different now.

Hardy would be a huge addition if the Cowboys could pick him up, and the more I read about the situation the more it looks like a crazy ex girlfriend situation rather than Hardy being a thug. If Dallas could get him at a reduced contract because of all the media firestorm it could be a huge win for the team.