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

[McKDaddy]

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

This!!!

 

[KJJ]

Our run defense has been a huge issue for years. I can’t remember the last time I felt good about our run defense.

 

[Whyjerry]

Micah was a noted run stopper as a downhill LB. His problem is simply position. Maybe a 3-4 OLB would help.

That he is a DE exclusively is peak Cowboys stupidity.

 

[bigE79]

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

Not his fault but is definitely part of the problem.

 

[CCBoy]

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

I think he's fine ... still.

 

[CCBoy]

Micah doesn’t want to watch film. He wants to rush the passer 100% of the time. He gets positive grades for his ability to run down the runner on the back side but it’s very leaky when you run right at him. When he’s on the same side as Diggs you are basically giving up a free 7-8 yards. Our focus is rushing the passer but the top offenses are focused on pounding the rock. At the end of the year we are going to be one of the top teams in sacks again, but in the NFC, Philly, DET, GB, Washington, SF going to run it right at our Oprah Winfrey defense. In the AFC Buffalo, Baltimore and chiefs will do the same. It’s not ideal to win right now. I’m not sure how we can justify 200 mil given the current landscape if the goal is to win, but Micah fits the brand to well for Jerry not to sign him.

 

[eromeopolk]

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.

Parsons should be back at his college position at MLB playing in a Jimmy Johnson attack style 4-3 Defense or Tuna/Belichicks 3-4 defense at ROLB.

Go watch that Penn St. Cotton Bowl game at Jerry's World. He is a LB that could be even more disruptive living free at LB.