If you could solve one problem...

[AtlCB]

Anyone that picked FS needs to take Football 101. A FS isn't gonna help our pass defense NEARLY as much as a pass rush. With a FS, a QB would still get time to throw and if a QB has time to throw your DBs WILL get beat.

With a pass rush it doesn't matter who you have a FS, he won't have time to throw and he'll be rushing passes. Larry Allen could be the FS and he'd end up with 5 picks.

The Cowboys rank 5th in the NFL in sacks (9). Half of those sacks came from the defensive line and three came from the linebackers. This team is on pace for 48 sacks this season! I don't see anything wrong with the pass rush. The biggest problems on defense are missing tackles and giving up the long pass play.

 

[Justis]

After watching 3 games so far, if you could solve only 1 of these problems, which would it be?

1) Free safety
2) Conservative/predictable offense
3) Lack of Pass rush/QB pressure
4) Placekicker
5) Punt returner

Obviously our play-calling is good enough, it looks like Bledsoe's gonna go to the Pro Bowl. We have plenty of pass rush, couldn't ask for more from these young guys so early. I'd like to give Cortez the boot, no pun intended, but with our efficient offense it's seeming to be less of a problem. Punt returners aren't in the game enough to worry so much about changing them. This of course leaves FS, KD is a special teams ace, but I promise you a servicable real FS would exponentially improve our pass D.

 

[Rack]

The Cowboys rank 5th in the NFL in sacks (9). Half of those sacks came from the defensive line and three came from the linebackers. This team is on pace for 48 sacks this season! I don't see anything wrong with the pass rush. The biggest problems on defense are missing tackles and giving up the long pass play.

Problem is you're looking at the stat line instead of the game.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

That is misleading. San Francisco ran the ball well against Dallas. San Diego and Washington did not. Most of the yards that Dallas gave up so far has been to the 49ers and the Brunnell scramble. That scramble really skewed the rushing statistics. Dallas contained the running game in the first two games and did not in the third game. Something to consider and improve on, but it doesn't looks has if teams have rushed it consistantly against the Cowboys.

I don't agree. QBs rushing the ball, is part of rush defense. It would be like me trying to say that because we forced SD out of the running game, those numbers for Tomlinson, 72 on 19, are also skewed.

Even if you take out Brunell's 35 yards, you still have something like a 4.1 YPC against our defense.

People are running on us. That's a true statement.

 

[joseephuss]

I don't agree. QBs rushing the ball, is part of rush defense. It would be like me trying to say that because we forced SD out of the running game, those numbers for Tomlinson, 72 on 19, are also skewed.

Even if you take out Brunell's 35 yards, you still have something like a 4.1 YPC against our defense.

People are running on us. That's a true statement.

But they aren't running the ball consistantly. And by that I mean dictating the ball game by controlling the line of scrimmage and the clock with good running. At least they weren't in the first two games. SanFran did and that is something to be concerned with, but I just don't see it against the Chargers and Commanders. Dallas' defense controlled the running game in both games and when you do that you usually put your team in a good position to win. They won one and came dang near winning the second.

 

[AtlCB]

Problem is you're looking at the stat line instead of the game.

I've watched all three games. BTW, how many teams in the NFL can say that their free safety has 0 interceptions and 0 passes defensed?

 

[Rack]

I've watched all three games. BTW, how many teams in the NFL can say that their free safety has 0 interceptions and 0 passes defensed?

What's that got to do with our pass rush? Have you ever seen a post by me saying I'm happy with our FS?

That would be a big fat "No."


It's just not as important as our pass rush. If you have a good, consistent pass rush, it makes every member of your secondary look better. If you have a probowler at every position in your secondary they'll get beat if they don't have a pass rush.


By the way, Ed Reed has 0 ints, and 1 pass defensed. I guess he sucks now? Or is it cuz they Ravens have no pass rush this year?

Gee, I wonder what it could be.

 

[AtlCB]

What's that got to do with our pass rush? Have you ever seen a post by me saying I'm happy with our FS?

That would be a big fat "No."


It's just not as important as our pass rush. If you have a good, consistent pass rush, it makes every member of your secondary look better. If you have a probowler at every position in your secondary they'll get beat if they don't have a pass rush.


By the way, Ed Reed has 0 ints, and 1 pass defensed. I guess he sucks now? Or is it cuz they Ravens have no pass rush this year?

Gee, I wonder what it could be.

IMO, the FS position is the biggest weakness on the team. Both safeties have been bad in coverage, but Davis hasn't made a single play in pass coverage in three games!!! He hasn't broken up or intercepted a single pass. This team might as well run 10 players out on the field in obvious passing downs.

Furthermore, the pass rush hasn't been bad. It certainly wasn't great against SF, but Brees and Brunell had someone in their faces most of the game.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

But they aren't running the ball consistantly. And by that I mean dictating the ball game by controlling the line of scrimmage and the clock with good running. At least they weren't in the first two games. SanFran did and that is something to be concerned with, but I just don't see it against the Chargers and Commanders. Dallas' defense controlled the running game in both games and when you do that you usually put your team in a good position to win. They won one and came dang near winning the second.

I don't know about this Joseephuss. The skins didn't run the ball against us, I agree with that but I don't know that the Skinz are a very good indicator of anything offensively. They beat us but there offense is horrid.

The Chargers, on the other hand, both drive that they went heavy with the run on, they scored TDs off of. Actually, I kind felt like Fumbles, Sacks and penalties kinda took San Diego out of there running game. Tomilinson on carried the ball 7 times in the 2nd half. Only 2 twice in the 4th quarter. There problem was that defensively, they couldn't stop our offense. I mean, San Diego was basically controlling the game, through much of the first half. They were winning at the end of the 3rd quarter.

I just have concerns. I think our run defense is not playing as well as is should be.

 

[scottsp]

If only the safety play wasn't so porous in coverage. The pressure from the defensive front hasn't been so anemic. There are far worse units up front in the league - units that don't give up nearly the number of big plays we do.

Mental breakdowns are killing us. As Drew Pearson said last night, your typical NFL wide receiver is confident that he can get past the cornerback. It's not the corner they're tying to flank.

It's the safety.

Quarterbacks key primarily on that.

There are some good defenses not getting to the passer with great regularity. They do tend to eliminate the big plays. Their safeties are not coming down hard on underneath routes while something else might be threatening over the top.

Hey, but at least our safeties are JACKIN' PEOPLE UP. And that's what it's all about. Sportscenter is next.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

If only the safety play wasn't so porous in coverage. The pressure from the defensive front hasn't been so anemic. There are far worse units up front in the league - units that don't give up nearly the number of big plays we do.

Mental breakdowns are killing us. As Drew Pearson said last night, your typical NFL wide receiver is confident that he can get past the cornerback. It's not the corner they're tying to flank.

It's the safety.

Quarterbacks key primarily on that.

There are some good defenses not getting to the passer with great regularity. They do tend to eliminate the big plays. Their safeties are not coming down hard on underneath routes while something else might be threatening over the top.

Hey, but at least our safeties are JACKIN' PEOPLE UP. And that's what it's all about. Sportscenter is next.

This is a pretty good post, I think.

 

[joseephuss]

I don't know about this Joseephuss. The skins didn't run the ball against us, I agree with that but I don't know that the Skinz are a very good indicator of anything offensively. They beat us but there offense is horrid.

The Chargers, on the other hand, both drive that they went heavy with the run on, they scored TDs off of. Actually, I kind felt like Fumbles, Sacks and penalties kinda took San Diego out of there running game. Tomilinson on carried the ball 7 times in the 2nd half. Only 2 twice in the 4th quarter. There problem was that defensively, they couldn't stop our offense. I mean, San Diego was basically controlling the game, through much of the first half. They were winning at the end of the 3rd quarter.

I just have concerns. I think our run defense is not playing as well as is should be.

I think there is room for improvement no doubt. I just think it is not as bad as the stats that you posted indicate. They are doing some good things out there against the run, but aren't perfect yet. I think after only 3 games, it is still too early to see how well the defense stacks up against the run. Inconclusive data if you will.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I think there is room for improvement no doubt. I just think it is not as bad as the stats that you posted indicate. They are doing some good things out there against the run, but aren't perfect yet. I think after only 3 games, it is still too early to see how well the defense stacks up against the run. Inconclusive data if you will.

I can live with inconclusive, at this point. I do take into consideration that we are running a new defense. We will see what the season holds.

 

[Doomsdayblitz]

I don't think our offense is too predictable. Bledsoe has thrown for more yards in a three game span than Aikman probably ever did. When Emmitt was running behind that dominating offensive line, we had fewer running plays than we do now. The lead draw was close to half our plays. We need to get back to the point where it's not whether the opponent knows what we're doing or not, but that they couldn't stop us if they did.

A predictable offense suggests that we run on running downs & pass on passing downs. I haven't seen that. Sometimes I wish I did. JJ should be getting way over 100 yds./game. He is way too talented to be averaging in the 80s, even though that is not bad. My pick is not on your list. Next years' draft will have one of the greatest OT groups in the past 15 years. We need to grab one in the first round, then maybe another a couple of rounds later. I know Pettiti is doing pretty well, considering, but we still need to stock up more on our offensive line.

An overpowering "O" line gives the OC so many more options in a game. Once you start dominating with the run, it opens up your entire playbook. We haven't done that this year. The other team stuffs the run several times, we get behind, then we have to pass for over 300 yards. Let's keep beefing up both sides of the ball on the line, and we will go to the promised land. Funny how a great line makes everyone look better.

 

[joseephuss]

I don't think our offense is too predictable. Bledsoe has thrown for more yards in a three game span than Aikman probably ever did. When Emmitt was running behind that dominating offensive line, we ran fewer plays than we do now. The lead draw was close to half our plays. We need to get back to the point where it's not whether the opponent knows what we're doing or not, but that they couldn't stop us if they did.
A predictable offense suggests that we run on running downs & pass on passing downs. I haven't seen that. Sometimes I wish I did. JJ should be getting way over 100 yds./game. He is way too talented to be averaging in the 80s, even though that is not bad. My pick is not on your list. Next years' draft will have one of the greatest OT groups in the past 15 years. We need to grab one in the first round. I know Pettiti is doing pretty well, considering, but we still need to stock up more on our offensive line.

An overpowering "O" line gives the OC so many more options in a game. Once you start dominating with the run, it opens up your entire playbook. We haven't done that this year. The other team stuffs the run several times, we get behind, then we have to pass for over 300 yards. Let's keep beefing up both sides of the ball on the line, and we will go to the promised land. Funny how a great line makes average RBs & QBs look like world beaters.

Great points. I think Payton tries to get too cute sometimes instead of just keeping things simple.

 

[Dallas4ever]

Looking at the poll results thus far, it's obvious to most of us that the FS position will hurt us most if not addressed. I've said it here before and I'll say it again....you cannot afford to have an inexperienced and below average player responsible for covering the middle of the field for you. There was no real reason to believe that if KD couldn't win the FS position last year that he would be the answer this year. The team knew that they needed to address the FS position and simply didn't. You can bet that Jerry is already regreting that decision.

 

[royhitshard]

#3 without a doubt!

 

[Trophy#6]

The rest have potential to get better during the course of the season EXCEPT Place Kicker. You either got a guy or you don't got one...we don't. Cost us the first game with that missed fg and darn nearly cost us last weeks game with that missed PAT.

 

[dbair1967]

I cant believe such an inordinate amount of people really believe FS is the problem here...if you rush the passer and knock down the QB consistently, you can get by with average DB's...on the other hand you can have 4 very good DB's back there who will all look poor if you cant get to the QB

FS is an issue, but not anywhere near the issue that our inability to consistently pressure the QB is...dont give me the "well we have 9 sacks and that a pace for 48" either...we have 9 sacks and almost no other hits or real pressure on the QB's.....

we lost to the Commanders for one reason and one reason alone, with the game on the line we couldnt rush the QB, even in 3rd and 27 or 4th and 15...we nearly lost to SD and SF for the same reason

David

 

[BARRYRAY]

Well I would vote for better o-line/running game. If we can get JJ or whoever 100 yds a game, we will win, as far as kicker goes I here ya, not sure Condit is done for the year,we may see him at the end again, also we may get another FS somewhere along the line, anybody know a good cheap deep snapper, that wouldn't hurt either...BB