Fix the Defense, You Fix the Cowboys

[beevomav]

In the last four years the Cowboys have not had a winning season. In those seasons they have been ranked 26-24-16-31 in Scoring Defense.(Points Allowed)

Their last winning season was in 2009. That team went 11-5 and won a playoff game. That year the defense was ranked 2nd.

In Dallas' five Super Bowl wins, their defense ranked 3-2-5-8-7. In the 30 year history of Cowboy's playoff teams, the defense has been ranked in double digits only 7 times.

In the years following the Cowboys last Super Bowl appearance, there is a time span of 18 seasons with 6 different head coaches. In those 18 season, Dallas has made the playoffs 7 times. The defense, in this same span of 18 years, has been ranked in single digits 5 times. All 5 of those teams made the playoffs

Fix the defense and you fix the Cowboys.

follow me on Twitter @beevomav

 

[5Stars]

The defense coming in during preseason was being counted on by some players.

Ratliff, Spencer, Claiborne! Kiffin? Idiot's trying to play defense? Getting embarrassed?

Blame all of this on him.

 

[xwalker]

In the last four years the Cowboys have not had a winning season. In those seasons they have been ranked 26-24-16-31 in Scoring Defense.(Points Allowed)

Their last winning season was in 2009. That team went 11-5 and won a playoff game. That year the defense was ranked 2nd.

In Dallas' five Super Bowl wins, their defense ranked 3-2-5-8-7. In the 30 year history of Cowboy's playoff teams, the defense has been ranked in double digits only 7 times.

In the years following the Cowboys last Super Bowl appearance, there is a time span of 18 seasons with 6 different head coaches. In those 18 season, Dallas has made the playoffs 7 times. The defense, in this same span of 18 years, has been ranked in single digits 5 times. All 5 of those teams made the playoffs

Fix the defense and you fix the Cowboys.

follow me on Twitter @beevomav

They can sign 3 to 4 top young free agents if they cut Ware and Austin. Add in a couple of early draft picks on defense and they could upgrade 5 to 6 positions on defense in the offseason.

 

[DABOYZ]

My opinion is that we have some decent players on defense. I tend to believe that our problem on defense have more to do with the scheme. I initially liked the ball hawking attitude but I nowbelieve that idea could be the reason our players are often times left out of position. Demarcus Ware is a good example. He puts his head down and just goes after the QB (bad scheme). Sean Lee on the other hand is a ball hawking player but often times leaves his position resulting in his teammates getting burned. Both are good playes in a bad system.The good news is that it can be fixed with the right coach. jmo

 

[TTexasTT]

Agreed.

 

[diehard2294]

Jerry and Garrett don't play defense

 

[sbark]

.........and to fix the D, if its a 3-4 or a 4-3 version------takes fixing the D Line.

Crawford and maybe Bass are the only 2 youngsters with NFL potential. Hayden is depth, Everett Brown flashed for a sudden on the radar, but...........for all of Marinells work sorting thru Def lineman, it might well be for naught, no diamonds in the rough will end up sticking.

The quicker we can put together a Def line the quicker the D becomes competitive---its why the NYGiants seem willing to always grab a quality DL candidate when the draft offers them the opportunity......and heck even they seem to show age.

 

[beevomav]

They can sign 3 to 4 top young free agents if they cut Ware and Austin. Add in a couple of early draft picks on defense and they could upgrade 5 to 6 positions on defense in the offseason.

I agree, but will they do this. We spent draft picks this season on a TE and WR. Those two picks could have been a safety and a pass rusher..There just has not been a commitment to defense since Jerry has run the draft. He is all about showboating and getting the hype up to sell tickets.

 

[beevomav]

My opinion is that we have some decent players on defense. I tend to believe that our problem on defense have more to do with the scheme. I initially liked the ball hawking attitude but I nowbelieve that idea could be the reason our players are often times left out of position. Demarcus Ware is a good example. He puts his head down and just goes after the QB (bad scheme). Sean Lee on the other hand is a ball hawking player but often times leaves his position resulting in his teammates getting burned. Both are good playes in a bad system.The good news is that it can be fixed with the right coach. jmo

Your talking about this season, but last season is the same story. I am starting to get over Lee already. I just can't see spending any more money on a guy who can't stay on the field.

 

[maxdallasfan]

I'm not buying into Crawford or Bass until I see them play and make a difference. Until then, Jerry has to forget those two and go out and upgrade.

If they prove their worth, then it'll be even better than thought.

 

[RS12]

Fix the Defense, You Fix the Cowboys

Nope it is just a big problem amongst many.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Give me 1 good OL and S and the rest front 7 in the draft.

 

[85Cowboy85]

You are correct. And honestly the 16th ranked defense of 2011 was a little deceiving.

They were actually 19th in points allowed per drive and 23rd in yards allowed per driver. Also they forced very few turnovers. This is despite having the 3rd best starting field position.

They allowed the 25th worst passer rating in the league that year.

 

[blackbull]

Jerry stepping down is the only think that can fix this team

 

[BIGDen]

They can sign 3 to 4 top young free agents if they cut Ware and Austin. Add in a couple of early draft picks on defense and they could upgrade 5 to 6 positions on defense in the offseason.

This type of offseason is the only real hope we have for next year. Our offense can certainly compete with anyone (including themselves apparently by making things more difficult than necessary). Our OL has improved and has the potential to be even better next season with the continued development of all of the players except Free (who is serviceable). Young OL developing plus continuity with this group could really give us a solid OL next year. Having said that, I would still like an OL taken in the first few rounds since we are not deep and could stand to upgrade at the guards or RT. We also have guys like Williams and Dunbar (maybe Escobar/Hanna) that could help quite a bit next year.

The defense, however, is a disaster. We need 2-3 draft picks to come in next year and play well, a couple of FAs, and a few of our young guys to develop, make big comebacks from injury or poor play (Carter, Claiborne, Crawford, Lee etc). The Ware and Austin moves help tremendously. With an average defense this season, we would likely have already clinched the East. They need to get this offseason right because the Romo window will be closed in a couple of years.