Fixing The Cowboys Porous Run Defense (re: Micah Parsons)

[atlantacowboy]

Micah, as others here have noted, is trying to play DE bc it pays better. But, he is light in the pants for a DE. He's never going to be a run stuffer DE. However, all the glory goes to sacks so nobody cares. He's still going to be a pro bowl DE.

 

[kskboys]

Wait, most everyone blames the porous run defense on the DT's. Now it is Micah's fault?

Part of it, always has been. Man, it was sad to watch the Packers in that playoff game simply blocking him to the outside and running right by him.

 

[CowboyoWales]

Is he an elite run defender maybe not… but the hate Micah gets is ridiculous on this site. One player cannot do it all by himself I don’t care how good he is.

For example that Green Bay playoff game…. “Micah didn’t show up”. Is it really his fault the entire team got gashed in the run? Is he supposed to hop over 300 pound lineman and make every play. It’s stupid and unrealistic.

He’s an elite defender and he hasn’t really had a ton of talent around him since he’s been here.

The great ray lewis begged the ravens to put some big guys in front of him so he could flow to the ball better. I’d venture Micah would look a lot better if this dline had more talent in the past…. We’ll see going forward how that works out

He isnt hated and he isnt the no1 Run D problem, but by the same measure he plays purely for Micah and not the team. yes, there's weaknesses within the line, however, he becomes easier to scheme away from, as pretty much every Down he's trying to get to the QB, or run game for a loss

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Micah is an outstanding pass rusher, but a mediocre run defender in my opinion. For example, PFF ranks him 72nd out of 211 edge rushers vs the run (sure PFF is not the end all be all, but in this context they are correct). A lot of heat goes to Mazi Smith, but he's not the only problem vs the run.

Even at around 245lbs, Micah is too slight to be in the same place when deployed to rush the passer or vs the run. Guards, Tackles, and even TEs are allowed to hold him or even tackle him with no penalties (facepalm).

He needs to be moved around - even back to off ball LB to protect him a bit since the officials won't.

Playing (a bit) more LB may actually protect him from 330lb Guards or Tackles getting their hands on him, and wearing him down or even hurting him (like last season).

With more reps at LB he can still rush the passer and can be used as a chess piece.

I'd like to see Kneeland and Sam Williams get more snaps at edge vs the run. They are stronger / bigger than Micah and better vs the run.

The Cowboys gotta control the trenches, with better play vs the run by their edges.

outside rn containment has been a problem for years. not sure why. some of it is discipline. some of it is understanding assignment. some of it is the players. so combination of all three. the problem is not just DEs, but LBs behind them. they have sucked on the outside for years. . not sure if its going to be fixed this year, specially the Eze as I have heard is great pass rusher, but lacks in run defense.

the problem is that when they contain the outside and flush the runs inside, Mazi sucks.

add it all up and it all leads to crappy run defense.