In the last 3-5 years, sack numbers are down all across the NFL. Even the best pass rushing teams are finding it more difficult to sack the QB. Why?
- QBs and the offenses they run are schemed to get the ball out much quicker. The 7 step drop with a deep pass is now a rarity in the NFL.
- Offenses with an empty 5 wide formation are designed for lightening quick passes when there is minimal protection.
So how can defenses adjust? If it’s harder to get sacks, what can the defense do to make it harder on the QB?
- Getting pass deflections at the LOS. Teach defensive lineman to block passing lanes and get more deflections. Getting a deflection at the LOS is also a way to get more TOs.
- Use more disguised and nuanced blitz packages. You don’t always have to get a sack to disrupt a pass play. Making the QB uncomfortable or disrupted in rhythm is also very effective. The last 5 years, the Cowboys blitz less than 2/3 of the league. Hopefully that changes.
- Utilize more Press coverage on occasion. The additions of Diggs last year and Joseph this year should help with this. Our defenses the last few years have tended to give way too much room to receivers.
- Having a disruptive force in the middle-this may be the hardest for us to come up with since we don’t seem to have a dominant DT. Hopefully that improves.
Here’s hoping Dan Quinn can find ways to get us more sacks, or at the very least, more deflections at the line and more overall pressure and hurries. Sacks are great, but as the league evolves, they are harder to get. Finding other disruptive measures will be one big key to our D improving.
