How to fix our run defense?

[Cowboyny]

I would definitely move to a 34 for Micah alone. Do what Pittsburgh does. Their olb opposite Watt is no bigger than Micah.

I don't know how Kneeland fits into that, but although I like him, he isn't worth staying in a 43. And we need a DL overhaul anyway regardless of scheme.

As I have been mentioning, could very well transition to a 3-4 base, but it's really more about moving away from these undersized players and adding bigger personnel so they can handle the run better. Parsons to me is more of a 3-4 OLB then he is a 4-3 DE. If they want to continue to stay in a 4-3 alignment, move Parsons to outside linebacker. Can even play a 5 man line and have Parsons as a stand up rusher.

 

[visionary]

If we move to a 3-4 then im ok with Paying Micah

 

[xwalker]

I have been doing a ton of research since the Lions loss this year and how the Cowboys can truly fix this weakness of defending the run.

-4th worst in rushing yards allowed
-Dead last in red zone defense
-4th worst in defensive points allowed

The last time this unit was consistently good at stopping the run was under Wade Phillips. Not saying we MUST move to a 3-4 front, but it is more about having bigger personnel to be able to defend the run better. Let's take a look at their front 7:

2007

DE-Canty, Spears (both were over 315 lbs)
NT-Jay Ratliff (bigger then Osa, closer to 290)

WOLB-Ware 260 LBS (Parsons is just 245)
SOLB-Spencer 257 LBS (Lawrence is 251)

MLB-James 245 LBS (Kendricks is just 227, Marist is 238)
WLB-Ayodele 250 LBS (Overshown is 235)

Things I would consider in rebuilding this front 7:

-Moving Parsons off the ball, especially in obvious run situations. He struggles setting the edge and gets beaten up too much facing these huge tackles.
-Add multiple Defensive Lineman in that 315 range. Players that are hard to move off a spot, to allow our linebackers to make the plays.
-Consider making a switch to a 3-4 Base Defense

The Cowboys must add talent at DT.

They could easily get bigger on run downs by playing Parsons at LB.
- Parsons would be the biggest LB on the current roster.
- Parson's replacement at DE would be a bigger player.
- Parson's as a rookie only started 4 games at DE. He started all others at LB. He had 13 sacks.

The 3-4 does not solve the issues:
- Most offenses play 3 WR sets for the majority of snaps.
- i.e. Nickel Defense is the base for most or all teams.
- The 3-4 is not a Nickel Defense.

I'm not against the 3-4, but it's about having great players/coaches, not the 4-3 vs 3-4.
- The Chiefs and Lions are 4-3 teams and currently listed as top 5 defenses vs the run.

 

[conner01]

Honestly and I could be wrong but I think Jerry has already decided on this........which might explain why he only signed 1 defensive free agent this season after letting several starters walk.

DeMarcus Ware became a HOFer from the 3-4 base. We switched to the 4-3 his final year and he struggled before going to Broncos and winning his Super Bowl in 3-4 with Vonn. Saying this coz there's no way Jerry's going to keep Parsons and pay him $40M+ and NOT put him in the best position to succeed including coaching and schemes.

This is why I wouldn't rule out the next head coach being a 3-4 defensive guy with some skin on the wall.

Either scheme we need a legit DT. It was so obvious pre season we needed a DT and I hope we don’t reach in the draft. Just go sign a DT, one real FA and it could be huge for this team

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Just go sign a DT, one real FA and it could be huge for this team

Honestly, this is the route I would rather go ( unless Graham is there for our pick ). Hell, go find a quality vet with some skin on the wall. I am not saying we have to break the bank but yes spend a little and fix this damn thing once and for all.

 

[Cowboyny]

The Cowboys must add talent at DT.

They could easily get bigger on run downs by playing Parsons at LB.
- Parsons would be the biggest LB on the current roster.
- Parson's replacement at DE would be a bigger player.
- Parson's as a rookie only started 4 games at DE. He started all others at LB. He had 13 sacks.

The 3-4 does not solve the issues:
- Most offenses play 3 WR sets for the majority of snaps.
- i.e. Nickel Defense is the base for most or all teams.
- The 3-4 is not a Nickel Defense.

I'm not against the 3-4, but it's about having great players/coaches, not the 4-3 vs 3-4.
- The Chiefs and Lions are 4-3 teams and currently listed as top 5 defenses vs the run.

I am aware of nickel being the base defense in today’s game, I’m more focused on getting bigger personnel to be able to handle the run better and more consistently.

If you remember the first road playoff game against the 49ers, they held their vaunted run game for the 1st 3 quarters before they wore down due to the lack of offense. Parsons played most of his snaps as an off the ball linebacker. Yes, he still will get his snaps rushing the passer, but he takes too much of a beating playing de full time.

Agree, we have to upgrade the DT position in a big way! Would also like to add another edge to the group as DLaw might be gone next season