I was looking at some of the numbers from this yr, then compared them to last year.
So far in 4 games this yr, as a TEAM we have 6 tackles for loss, 12 passes defensed 2 forced fumbles and 12 sacks. As has been mentioned, we have ZERO interceptions.
We're an attacking style defense (at least thats what we're told) so having an average of 1.5 TFL's and 3 PD's each week is pretty weak.
Last yr as a TEAM we had 77 tackles for loss, 84 passes defensed, 20 forced fumbles, 46 sacks, and 19 interceptions. That means our AVERAGE game we had almost 5 TFL's and just over 5 PD's. Thats pretty good.
In regards to interceptions, we had 9 picks in the first 4 games last yr. In the 17 games since (counting the playoff loss) we have a total of only 10.
Looking at some individual players. Ken Hamlin has no interceptions, no passes defensed, no forced fumbles and no sacks. Terence Newman has been credited with no PD's. Only one player (Ratliff with 2) has more than one TFL. No Dallas player who plays safety has credit for a pass defensed or TFL. Niether starting ILB has credit for a tackle for loss.
It's really a disgrace. While some of this can be credited to some guys playing hurt, missing games or not playing up to expectations, the vast majority of the blame has to fall on Wade Phillips and Brian Stewart. There really isnt any excuse for them to be taking this kind of major step backwards from last yr, when guys were putting up better results despite playing in this defense for the first time and having to learn on the fly. Then factor in significant upgrades at talent at CB and ILB, and it just makes zero sense.
