I'm starting to believe in this defense

[coult44]

Yep, I'm starting to believe. I like the fire they are playing with. I like how they are flying around, hitting hard, taking risks, etc. Are they playing perfect? Nope. Is the D-Line getting a ton of pressure? Nope. But I like Crawford at the 3. Spencer was a big boost tonight. Melton and Mincy are playing good. This is a 1000000% turn around from last year. OSCAN is my favorite but Church is giving him a run for his money. Also MCCLAIN has turned these LB's around. With him, Carter, and Durant. We have a legit LB Corps.....THIS IS FUN!!!!!!

 

[theogt]

They're playing like an average to slightly above defense. Which compares extremely favorably to the historically bad defense we saw last year.

 

[DallasBlockersClub]

Totally ok with an average defense this season. A huge victory, imo.

 

[Clove]

I think 2 to 3 players could turn this defense into a dominant one.

 

[BBQ101]

They're playing like an average to slightly above defense. Which compares extremely favorably to the historically bad defense we saw last year.

They can be average as long as they get tournovers. NO only punted twice, but they turned it over 3 times.

Also, their tackling was above average tonight. How many times have the Saints killed us on short passes where there is no one around the guy, or he breaks a tackle and gets a huge chunk. The cowboys were flying to the ball tonight.

BBQ

 

[AKATheRake]

They're playing like an average to slightly above defense. Which compares extremely favorably to the historically bad defense we saw last year.

We're creating a lot of turnovers and keeping the scoring down.

Other than sacks I don't know how much more can be asked for out of a defense.

These guys are putting the ball right back into the O's hands and they're duping QB's into zones where we're setting up tip drills and making plays on the ball.

They give up an odd big run and it's a big 1 but overall they're actually helping.

 

[DallasBlockersClub]

I think 2 to 3 players could turn this defense into a dominant one.

Depending on the players, most teams could say that.

 

[poost]

You can not only see the difference, but feel the difference when Rolando is playing. He seems to make everyone around him better.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Love the defense and the effort but we still need more sacks.

 

[Ren]

If Lawrence can play and Spencer returns to form we could have a decent line later in the season, unlike years past the D might actually get better as the season goes on

 

[Lonestar94]

Since sean lee is out i've been kinda indifferent about the defense.. i dont think that will change either.

once lee is back next year and we have mcclain, carter, and a first round DL or safety, there will be some excitement.

 

[Clove]

Depending on the players, most teams could say that.

Maybe, but most teams will have to have a really good defensive coordinator, and I think we've found one.

 

[Sinister]

I Hate, Hate the way this defense has been built, but I have to give a ton of credit to Marinelli (not the biggest fan), he has this defense playing above and beyond and I'm so proud of those players for fighting the way that they are.

However, it's still early in the year, I hope they can stay consistent from week to week.

Go Boys!!

 

[zrinkill]

Since sean lee is out i've been kinda indifferent about the defense.. i dont think that will change either.

once lee is back next year and we have mcclain, carter, and a first round DL or safety, there will be some excitement.

And it will be gone again when Lee gets hurt and is out for the year by week 10 ....... cause its gonna happen

 

[Boyzmamacita]

The pass rush is a step too slow, but that has been true in recent history even when Ware was on the roster. The defense is playing better than I expected, but as long as QBs have all day back there, I'm a little concerned. I hope they continue to improve like they have each week.

 

[Kaiser]

I had two real takeaways from this game -

The team can beat anyone if this O Line consistently beats the other team and Murray can rip off 8 year gains all day long. Its like gravity.

Second, the defense has a long ways to go but you can see the picture becoming clearer. Crawford looked way more comfortable at DT than he has at DT and its only one game but he seems to have a light go on. If the DTs are Crawford and a healthy Melton starting, with DeMarcus Lawrence (and maybe Spencer) healthy in the second half - you finally have a pass rush. You also have guys like Mincey, McClain, Coleman, etc as solid depth rather than being forced to give you starter reps.

Then next year you add a first round pick at DE and have LBs in McClain, Carter, Lee and Hitchens and you actually have a fairly solid front seven.

 

[Hoofbite]

Marinelli is getting the most out what little talent he has but my taint still puckers every time they step onto the field.

I think a lot of the defense's warts are being masked by the offense's dominant TOP.

They're currently averaging about 10 less snaps per week then they did last year, and over the course of a season that would be roughly 2-1/2 games worth of snaps that they won't take compared to last year. I would expect their snaps per week to increase a little but if the offense can continue to hold the ball it might not increase by a lot.

I'm hesitant to have any confidence in them because they're inconsistent and they have some numbers that are traditionally very bad. To their credit though - and much like last year - their ability to take the ball away has nullified a lot of the plays that they have surrendered to a certain extent.

I don't think the defense will permit the offense to have a lackluster game and still get a win, but they appear to be able to function well enough to get the job done when the offense is performing as it has been.

 

[Rogerthat12]

If Lawrence can play and Spencer returns to form we could have a decent line later in the season, unlike years past the D might actually get better as the season goes on

I totally agree with this point, if Lawrence can get back and Spencer progresses without a setback, this defense could improve.

The young guys are getting more experience and if the others DL/LB can stay and/or get healthy, this defense has a chance with the offensive play on the other side of the ball.

Yes, to have a great D we may need a few years to address the defense but we will have a chance if they can simply be solid.

 

[tico]

I think a running game on Offense has helped the defense perform better.. No more quick 3 & outs...the look hungry not exhausted!

 

[esloan]

Any news on Lawrence and when he might be back?