CFZ I believe the defense has figured it out

[CowboyRoy]

I'm still upset Dan Quinn allowed John Ridgeway to be cut at the early stages of this season. Ridgeway would have come in handy right about now to help stop the run inside between the D-Tackles. All because Dan Quinn was focused way much more in sacking opposing QBs. So upset at him.

I truly hope he can stop opposing teams from continuing to run on us bigly. I don't see how these current smaller/lighter DTs (Gallimore (302) and Odighizuwa (280)) are going to do it. Granted, we have Bohanna (360) and Hankins (325), but Hankins is 30 going on 31 with a lot of wear and tear, and Bohanna is barely in his 2nd year and still learning. It sure would have been nice to still have had 6'5", 335 pound John Ridgeway even if he's a rookie. He could have helped better at plugging up the inside than our much lighter DTs.

Dan Quinn's philosophy is becoming eerily similar to Rod Marinelli's. It's all about rushing the passer. Definitely not good. Hearing him finally admit about needing to concentrate on stopping the run is great, but I find it hard to believe this D will be successful without some more big DT help. I don't understand why the Cowboys stayed pat and refused to even talk to Ndamukong Suh? Sure, the Eagles have yet to disclose how much they agreed to pay Suh for the remainder of this season, but did anyone know the Buccaneers are still on the hook this year for $6.8 million for Ndamukong Suh's remaining contract from when he last played for them last year? This had to have worked out in the Eagles favor to be able to sign him for less the remainder of this season. Meanwhile, the Cowboys stayed still and refused to do anything. If the Cowboys keep struggling to stop the run this 2nd half of the season, Dan Quinn needs to be held accountable. This is inexcusable, especially after everyone knows the Cowboys have been struggling for years to stop the run.

This is what the Cowboys need to start doing on some first downs to help stop the run:

Ridgeway, who was claimed off waivers by the Commanders from the Dallas Cowboys in September, and his impact will not show up much in the box score. He only has five tackles in six games played this season, but his effect on the defense goes beyond numbers.

Where Ridgeway excels the most is when the Commanders line up with five defensive linemen at the line of scrimmage, otherwise known as the "cinco package." Ridgeway and his 321-pound frame can hold up double teams, allowing linebackers to move more freely.

 

[CowboyoWales]

It shouldn't be possible to scheme Parson out. He should be moving around like he was when he was most effective.

I'd argue that OC's are working on our whole Defense's near obsession with pass-rush and Nickel defense.

 

[Redline360]

It shouldn't be possible to scheme Parson out. He should be moving around like he was when he was most effective.

I agree. Need to adjust

 

[visionary]

Since early LAST year, this defense has prided itself on rushing the passer. DQ has constructed the defense all about rushing the passer. And why not with players like Parsons, DLaw and the rest of the defensive ends? They’re deep with pass rushers. Then 2022 started and teams quickly learned that hell yeah, the Cowboys can rush the passer. That’s what they focus on. That’s what they live by. So we’ll just run the ball at them. And it worked. And Dallas hasn’t adjusted. They have continued to base their defense on rushing the QB.

Post Green Bay game.

Finally, we’re hearing that not only the players, but the coaches have realized that basing your defense on rushing the passer ain’t working. We’ve heard from Quinn. We’ve heard from Parsons. We’ve heard from Kearse and we’ve heard from others that things have changed. True, we have a great pass rushing defense, but unless we stop the run on 1st and 2nd downs to force a passing situation, we’re gonna lose. Our pass rushing defense means squat unless we do so. For the first time EVER, the Cowboys have given up back to back over 200 yards rushing. Any defense that can’t stop the run is more than likely gonna lose I don’t care who you have at QB.

Quinn should’ve realized this earlier. That’s on him for not doing so. He has told the team now finally to stop the run on 1st and 2nd downs. They’re still 6-3 and in the thick of things. Many here have quit. Given up. Shame on you.

Yep, Rockport has always been objective so I’m going with this tripe

 

[Bullflop]

I think the defensive staff and most of us, as well, got somewhat overly enthusiastic about the introduction of a devastating pass rush in 2022. The rude awakening that has ensued recently was a shockingly strong reminder that guarding against the oppositions running game comes first. Let's hope that reminder remains forever in this team's intentions to avoid such disasters from happening again. It was just embarrassing, to say the least. More of such humbling beatings should be strictly avoided.

 

[MizzouCowboy4]

Since early LAST year, this defense has prided itself on rushing the passer. DQ has constructed the defense all about rushing the passer. And why not with players like Parsons, DLaw and the rest of the defensive ends? They’re deep with pass rushers. Then 2022 started and teams quickly learned that hell yeah, the Cowboys can rush the passer. That’s what they focus on. That’s what they live by. So we’ll just run the ball at them. And it worked. And Dallas hasn’t adjusted. They have continued to base their defense on rushing the QB.

Post Green Bay game.

Finally, we’re hearing that not only the players, but the coaches have realized that basing your defense on rushing the passer ain’t working. We’ve heard from Quinn. We’ve heard from Parsons. We’ve heard from Kearse and we’ve heard from others that things have changed. True, we have a great pass rushing defense, but unless we stop the run on 1st and 2nd downs to force a passing situation, we’re gonna lose. Our pass rushing defense means squat unless we do so. For the first time EVER, the Cowboys have given up back to back over 200 yards rushing. Any defense that can’t stop the run is more than likely gonna lose I don’t care who you have at QB.

Quinn should’ve realized this earlier. That’s on him for not doing so. He has told the team now finally to stop the run on 1st and 2nd downs. They’re still 6-3 and in the thick of things. Many here have quit. Given up. Shame on you.

Year is still early. Cowboys win next 2 they be fine

 

[RodeoJake]

The year Indy won the SB, their run D was horrible until the playoffs. Sanders came back and their D came together.

I'll give our D time to figure it out.It seems like they just need to play as a unit and stop freelancing. If they don't, then it's on to hoping they fix it in the offseason.

 

[xwalker]

I'm still upset Dan Quinn allowed John Ridgeway to be cut at the early stages of this season. Ridgeway would have come in handy right about now to help stop the run inside between the D-Tackles. All because Dan Quinn was focused way much more in sacking opposing QBs. So upset at him.

I truly hope he can stop opposing teams from continuing to run on us bigly. I don't see how these current smaller/lighter DTs (Gallimore (302) and Odighizuwa (280)) are going to do it. Granted, we have Bohanna (360) and Hankins (325), but Hankins is 30 going on 31 with a lot of wear and tear, and Bohanna is barely in his 2nd year and still learning. It sure would have been nice to still have had 6'5", 335 pound John Ridgeway even if he's a rookie. He could have helped better at plugging up the inside than our much lighter DTs.

Dan Quinn's philosophy is becoming eerily similar to Rod Marinelli's. It's all about rushing the passer. Definitely not good. Hearing him finally admit about needing to concentrate on stopping the run is great, but I find it hard to believe this D will be successful without some more big DT help. I don't understand why the Cowboys stayed pat and refused to even talk to Ndamukong Suh? Sure, the Eagles have yet to disclose how much they agreed to pay Suh for the remainder of this season, but did anyone know the Buccaneers are still on the hook this year for $6.8 million for Ndamukong Suh's remaining contract from when he last played for them last year? This had to have worked out in the Eagles favor to be able to sign him for less the remainder of this season. Meanwhile, the Cowboys stayed still and refused to do anything. If the Cowboys keep struggling to stop the run this 2nd half of the season, Dan Quinn needs to be held accountable. This is inexcusable, especially after everyone knows the Cowboys have been struggling for years to stop the run.

Ridgeway 6-5, 320...Not 335.

I was surprised they cut him. I think they expected him to clear waivers and make it to the practice squad.

Ridgeway did not anchor well.

He was good at shedding blocks with upper body strength in 1 on 1 blocking, but he got blown up by double teams.

In camp he got pushed 10 yards across the field by Josh Ball then tried to fight after the play.

In college he looked good until the Georgia game. Georgia had the 2nd OL angle block him and Ridgeway was helpless against that tactic. It negated his best asset which is upper body power. They did not even have to use a true double team. The first blocker would kick out to the 2nd level after the 2nd blocker was moving Ridgeway laterally.

Ridgeway might turn into a good DT but in 2022 he is not close to Hankins as a 1tech run stopper.


All the Cowboys have to do to stop the run is to quit stunting.

They could also play some true 4-3 in instead of their base defense which is big Nickel with Kearse as a LB and Wilson replacing Kearse ar SS.

Damone Clark is faster than Kearse. That was obvious on a play where Clark came from behind Kearse and blew past him to push the ball carrier out of bounds.

Based on pre-draft weights:
Clark 6-, 239
Kearse 6-4, 216

Normally when the play Clark (or Barr) it is with Parsons at DE (i.e. 3 DL plus Parsons).

With Clark in the Kearse big Nickel LB role, Parsons could remain at LB. Either on the line outside the DE or off-ball.

• That makes them bigger across the board.
  • Clark as the 3rd LB instead of Kearse.
  • Kearse at SS instead of Wilson.
  • Wilson at FS instead of Hooker.
  • A DE at DE instead of Parsons at DE.

They have occasionally (1 or 2 snaps in a game) played Odighi at DE.

DLaw...Hankins...Bohanna...Odughi

Sam Williams in place of DLaw if DLaw's foot issue limits him.

Odighi goes from smallish DT to oversized DE

Bohanna becomes a huge 3tech DT instead of average anchor 1tech.

Wow....I just realized that I've completely solved the run defense problems with existing players.

 

[Whirlwin]

Since early LAST year, this defense has prided itself on rushing the passer. DQ has constructed the defense all about rushing the passer. And why not with players like Parsons, DLaw and the rest of the defensive ends? They’re deep with pass rushers. Then 2022 started and teams quickly learned that hell yeah, the Cowboys can rush the passer. That’s what they focus on. That’s what they live by. So we’ll just run the ball at them. And it worked. And Dallas hasn’t adjusted. They have continued to base their defense on rushing the QB.

Post Green Bay game.

Finally, we’re hearing that not only the players, but the coaches have realized that basing your defense on rushing the passer ain’t working. We’ve heard from Quinn. We’ve heard from Parsons. We’ve heard from Kearse and we’ve heard from others that things have changed. True, we have a great pass rushing defense, but unless we stop the run on 1st and 2nd downs to force a passing situation, we’re gonna lose. Our pass rushing defense means squat unless we do so. For the first time EVER, the Cowboys have given up back to back over 200 yards rushing. Any defense that can’t stop the run is more than likely gonna lose I don’t care who you have at QB.

Quinn should’ve realized this earlier. That’s on him for not doing so. He has told the team now finally to stop the run on 1st and 2nd downs. They’re still 6-3 and in the thick of things. Many here have quit. Given up. Shame on you.

At least he knows he made a mistake and now he can fix it

 

[BoysForLife]

Nobody's quitting on anything you whining little drama queen.

Just maybe fans are a little frustrated that problems are never anticipated with this franchise and we are always closing the barn door after the horse has run away.

Exactly. **** on me once, shame on you. **** on me twice, shame on me

Same thing with all of Daks constant gum flapping

Don't tell us. Just shut the hell up and do it. Talk is cheap. Results are what fans are looking for

 

[CATCH17]

I guess I’m in the minority but I don’t care about our opponents run game as much as I do giving up big plays down field to Christian Watson for example.

 

[Runwildboys]

Ridgeway 6-5, 320...Not 335.

I was surprised they cut him. I think they expected him to clear waivers and make it to the practice squad.

Ridgeway did not anchor well.

He was good at shedding blocks with upper body strength in 1 on 1 blocking, but he got blown up by double teams.

In camp he got pushed 10 yards across the field by Josh Ball then tried to fight after the play.

In college he looked good until the Georgia game. Georgia had the 2nd OL angle block him and Ridgeway was helpless against that tactic. It negated his best asset which is upper body power. They did not even have to use a true double team. The first blocker would kick out to the 2nd level after the 2nd blocker was moving Ridgeway laterally.

Ridgeway might turn into a good DT but in 2022 he is not close to Hankins as a 1tech run stopper.


All the Cowboys have to do to stop the run is to quit stunting.

They could also play some true 4-3 in instead of their base defense which is big Nickel with Kearse as a LB and Wilson replacing Kearse ar SS.

Damone Clark is faster than Kearse. That was obvious on a play where Clark came from behind Kearse and blew past him to push the ball carrier out of bounds.

Based on pre-draft weights:
Clark 6-, 239
Kearse 6-4, 216

Normally when the play Clark (or Barr) it is with Parsons at DE (i.e. 3 DL plus Parsons).

With Clark in the Kearse big Nickel LB role, Parsons could remain at LB. Either on the line outside the DE or off-ball.

• That makes them bigger across the board.
  • Clark as the 3rd LB instead of Kearse.
  • Kearse at SS instead of Wilson.
  • Wilson at FS instead of Hooker.
  • A DE at DE instead of Parsons at DE.

They have occasionally (1 or 2 snaps in a game) played Odighi at DE.

DLaw...Hankins...Bohanna...Odughi

Sam Williams in place of DLaw if DLaw's foot issue limits him.

Odighi goes from smallish DT to oversized DE

Bohanna becomes a huge 3tech DT instead of average anchor 1tech.

Wow....I just realized that I've completely solved the run defense problems with existing players.

Call Quinn, now!

 

[Brooksey]

Vander Esch & Parsons need to fill better, (91) Watkins is a major liability against the run keep him on the bench no matter what.

Less stunts, better gap integrity, set the edge and wrap up.

 

[Runwildboys]

I think the defensive staff and most of us, as well, got somewhat overly enthusiastic about the introduction of a devastating pass rush in 2022. The rude awakening that has ensued recently was a shockingly strong reminder that guarding against the oppositions running game comes first. Let's hope that reminder remains forever in this team's intentions to avoid such disasters from happening again. It was just embarrassing, to say the least. More of such humbling beatings should be strictly avoided.

I wouldn't say protecting against the run comes first. I'm more concerned with stopping their passing game. But selling out to stop the pass isn't the way to do it. Just like on offense, they need to do a better job of balancing out.

 

[Bullflop]

I wouldn't say protecting against the run comes first. I'm more concerned with stopping their passing game. But selling out to stop the pass isn't the way to do it. Just like on offense, they need to do a better job of balancing out.

Exactly -- it's my hope, as well. Good balance is surely the key.

One without the other is risky. Playing vs. the Vikes makes it necessary.

I was originally extremely concerned about emphasizing the pass rush more than the run.

 

[CowboyoWales]

Vander Esch & Parsons need to fill better, (91) Watkins is a major liability against the run keep him on the bench no matter what.

Less stunts, better gap integrity, set the edge and wrap up.

Yep, you take the Grand Canyon, I'll take the the prairies.....whilst having to cope with the harassment from O-Line which are allowed to get to the second level due to 3-tech's looking as if they're on constant pass-rush assignment and our 1-tech's are moving their bulk out of the middle to allow the Fowlers of our defense to fill the gapping holes with his speed.
Cut the fancy plays, play a proper 3 LB set and meet the run head on (even if it means sacrificing some 3rd downs with a less than optimum pass rushing RDE).

 

[Proof]

I'm still upset Dan Quinn allowed John Ridgeway to be cut at the early stages of this season. Ridgeway would have come in handy right about now to help stop the run inside between the D-Tackles. All because Dan Quinn was focused way much more in sacking opposing QBs. So upset at him.

I truly hope he can stop opposing teams from continuing to run on us bigly. I don't see how these current smaller/lighter DTs (Gallimore (302) and Odighizuwa (280)) are going to do it. Granted, we have Bohanna (360) and Hankins (325), but Hankins is 30 going on 31 with a lot of wear and tear, and Bohanna is barely in his 2nd year and still learning. It sure would have been nice to still have had 6'5", 335 pound John Ridgeway even if he's a rookie. He could have helped better at plugging up the inside than our much lighter DTs.

Dan Quinn's philosophy is becoming eerily similar to Rod Marinelli's. It's all about rushing the passer. Definitely not good. Hearing him finally admit about needing to concentrate on stopping the run is great, but I find it hard to believe this D will be successful without some more big DT help. I don't understand why the Cowboys stayed pat and refused to even talk to Ndamukong Suh? Sure, the Eagles have yet to disclose how much they agreed to pay Suh for the remainder of this season, but did anyone know the Buccaneers are still on the hook this year for $6.8 million for Ndamukong Suh's remaining contract from when he last played for them last year? This had to have worked out in the Eagles favor to be able to sign him for less the remainder of this season. Meanwhile, the Cowboys stayed still and refused to do anything. If the Cowboys keep struggling to stop the run this 2nd half of the season, Dan Quinn needs to be held accountable. This is inexcusable, especially after everyone knows the Cowboys have been struggling for years to stop the run.

so don’t count on the bigger 2nd yr player in bohanna but should have counted on the lighter rookie while lamenting smaller guys?

 

[Risen Star]

Since early LAST year, this defense has prided itself on rushing the passer. DQ has constructed the defense all about rushing the passer. And why not with players like Parsons, DLaw and the rest of the defensive ends? They’re deep with pass rushers. Then 2022 started and teams quickly learned that hell yeah, the Cowboys can rush the passer. That’s what they focus on. That’s what they live by. So we’ll just run the ball at them. And it worked. And Dallas hasn’t adjusted. They have continued to base their defense on rushing the QB.

Post Green Bay game.

Finally, we’re hearing that not only the players, but the coaches have realized that basing your defense on rushing the passer ain’t working. We’ve heard from Quinn. We’ve heard from Parsons. We’ve heard from Kearse and we’ve heard from others that things have changed. True, we have a great pass rushing defense, but unless we stop the run on 1st and 2nd downs to force a passing situation, we’re gonna lose. Our pass rushing defense means squat unless we do so. For the first time EVER, the Cowboys have given up back to back over 200 yards rushing. Any defense that can’t stop the run is more than likely gonna lose I don’t care who you have at QB.

Quinn should’ve realized this earlier. That’s on him for not doing so. He has told the team now finally to stop the run on 1st and 2nd downs. They’re still 6-3 and in the thick of things. Many here have quit. Given up. Shame on you.

You've convinced me, bro. Thanks for the good news.

 

[Creeper]

I'm still upset Dan Quinn allowed John Ridgeway to be cut at the early stages of this season. Ridgeway would have come in handy right about now to help stop the run inside between the D-Tackles. All because Dan Quinn was focused way much more in sacking opposing QBs. So upset at him.

I truly hope he can stop opposing teams from continuing to run on us bigly. I don't see how these current smaller/lighter DTs (Gallimore (302) and Odighizuwa (280)) are going to do it. Granted, we have Bohanna (360) and Hankins (325), but Hankins is 30 going on 31 with a lot of wear and tear, and Bohanna is barely in his 2nd year and still learning. It sure would have been nice to still have had 6'5", 335 pound John Ridgeway even if he's a rookie. He could have helped better at plugging up the inside than our much lighter DTs.

Dan Quinn's philosophy is becoming eerily similar to Rod Marinelli's. It's all about rushing the passer. Definitely not good. Hearing him finally admit about needing to concentrate on stopping the run is great, but I find it hard to believe this D will be successful without some more big DT help. I don't understand why the Cowboys stayed pat and refused to even talk to Ndamukong Suh? Sure, the Eagles have yet to disclose how much they agreed to pay Suh for the remainder of this season, but did anyone know the Buccaneers are still on the hook this year for $6.8 million for Ndamukong Suh's remaining contract from when he last played for them last year? This had to have worked out in the Eagles favor to be able to sign him for less the remainder of this season. Meanwhile, the Cowboys stayed still and refused to do anything. If the Cowboys keep struggling to stop the run this 2nd half of the season, Dan Quinn needs to be held accountable. This is inexcusable, especially after everyone knows the Cowboys have been struggling for years to stop the run.

I watched Ridgeway play last week. He had that one forced fumble on Goedert about 10 yards beyond the LOS but other than that he pretty much just got pushed around. That's not to say he won't be a good player next year or the year after, but he would not help this year, I don't think. I am not saying the Cowboys did not make a big mistake cutting him and trying to sneak him onto the practice squad, I think they did considering they protected less important positions than DT when they did it.

 

[Creeper]

I was listening to Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan on NFL radio yesterday and Kirwan was asked about the Cowboys run defense. He made a few points but said he thought Quinn knew what to do to fix it. Kirwan said the Cowboys defensive front is "smaller" but that doesn't mean the problem is personnel. He said there are things they can do to improve the run defense and Quinn knows what they are. He talked about shifting linemen towards the run on the snap, "pinching" and other ways to control gaps. He said he knows Quinn knows this because they both learned from the same guy, although he did not mention who that guy was.

He didn't say it, but I do think it might mean sacks go down, which may expose the secondary. In any case, I think the problem has been obvious all along. The DE have to contain the edges. and the LBs have to get to their gaps quicker.