ScipioCowboy
More than meets the eye.
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With all the hand wringing and step-back-from-the-ledge talk about the defensive and offensive lines, I think we're overlooking an aspect of the team that could be very good next year: the defensive back seven. There's loads of potential here -- the talent to become the best back seven the Cowboys have fielded since the mid 90s. I like much of what Parcells did when he was here, but outside of Terence Newman, he saddled us with a defensive backfield of hard hitters who were slow and lumbering.
But this back seven is different. They have speed. They have range. They have a knack for taking away the ball. And perhaps more importantly, they swarm and they tackle. They make two yard stops on 3rd and 4. Most of the starting talent is young, and we find young play makers like Wilcox and DeVonte Holloman waiting in the wings. I predict one of those two will be starting by mid season.
In addition to keeping opponent out of the end zone this preseason, the Cowboys' starting back seven has allowed a 64.28 Defensive passer rating against starting quarterbacks this preseason. Before I discuss any further, let me throw out all the obligatory caveats:
- Yes, it's preseason.
- No, they haven't been playing world beaters at quarterback.
- Yes, the pass rush needs to improve.
Having said that, 64.28 would be a marked improvement over the last three regular seasons when they allowed ratings of 92.8, 88.4, and 94.7.
But this back seven is different. They have speed. They have range. They have a knack for taking away the ball. And perhaps more importantly, they swarm and they tackle. They make two yard stops on 3rd and 4. Most of the starting talent is young, and we find young play makers like Wilcox and DeVonte Holloman waiting in the wings. I predict one of those two will be starting by mid season.
In addition to keeping opponent out of the end zone this preseason, the Cowboys' starting back seven has allowed a 64.28 Defensive passer rating against starting quarterbacks this preseason. Before I discuss any further, let me throw out all the obligatory caveats:
- Yes, it's preseason.
- No, they haven't been playing world beaters at quarterback.
- Yes, the pass rush needs to improve.
Having said that, 64.28 would be a marked improvement over the last three regular seasons when they allowed ratings of 92.8, 88.4, and 94.7.
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