Is defense better off without them?

[HoosierCowboy]

we lost "our best" defensive players--were they the problem?

 

[Doomsday101]

we lost "our best" defensive players--were they the problem?

No they per say were not the problem, them being injured and not playing effectively combined with very large salaries was a problem

 

[xvendettax914]

This is pure speculation but, i dont believe you can call a HOF pass rusher, and your top performing DT (as much as i despise his attitude) a problem. I DO believe its possible players stood around waiting for them to do something in a game as opposed to picking the torch up themselves and making something happen. Now without that "one guy" it demands much more from the rest.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

First I love Ware.. one of my fav Cowboys and a HOF'er... but look at last year at Philly... we held McCoy to 53 yards.. and philly only scored 3 points (Ware was injured). He wasn't necessarily the issue but his body and his play were starting to wear here. Naturally being the man and the player he is, he's rejuvinated in Denver. I think he was guilty of over-running/pass rushing on a lot of run running plays. I think overall we're hungry after being told we suck all summer, disciplined and working hard due to not being able to rely on any "star"... I love our hustle on D.

 

[xwalker]

we lost "our best" defensive players--were they the problem?

Parcells cut Emmitt and Larry Allen even though they stil had a little tread remaining on their tires.

The Cowboys defense seems to have a new attitude. It's possible that having a Star player remaining from past regimes was not good to keep around.

It's interesting because I saw multiple reports that Marinelli campaigned to keep Hatcher, but not Ware.

 

[Common Sense]

It takes a special kind of lunacy to believe that this defense wouldn't be better with DeMarcus Ware in place of Jeremy Mincey.

 

[Doomsday101]

It takes a special kind of lunacy to believe that this defense wouldn't be better with DeMarcus Ware in place of Jeremy Mincey.

I agree, the Ware we see today yes. The Ware of the last 20 games in Dallas no. I think the injury with Ware left Dallas feeling very uncertain about his future and given the contract he was under Dallas just was not willing to take the chance. They did look to have him reduce the pay and he choose not too, not blaming him after all it is a business and Ware did what was best for Ware. Cowboys did what was best for them the chance was too great in their eyes. If anything the loss of Ware will spark the rebuilding of the defense

 

[Bleu Star]

we lost "our best" defensive players--were they the problem?

No. I wouldn't come anywhere close to saying they were the problem. HOWEVER, I would say attitude determines altitude and once you've been in a specific rut for a period of time it becomes difficult to steeer you out of it. Both Ware and Hatcher are better off elsewhere and the defense is better off as a result of the moves that were made. There's nothing more to it. Sometimes a change of scenery is beneficial for all involved. I, personally, think Marinelli has been able to do more with a group of young hungry no names that came in on day one of training camp with open minds. No entitlement. No expectations. Just plain hard work.

 

[5Stars]

we lost "our best" defensive players--were they the problem?

I think the defense, regardless if Ware or Hatcher were here, are better because of "pride"!

When a defense, coaches and all, team and all, are the worst defense in History, that has to have an effect on a competitor. There is nothing that motivates a competitor like being know as the worst in History.

Had Ware and Hatcher still been here, the same thing would happen. PRIDE!

 

[Tabascocat]

This is pure speculation but, i dont believe you can call a HOF pass rusher, and your top performing DT (as much as i despise his attitude) a problem. I DO believe its possible players stood around waiting for them to do something in a game as opposed to picking the torch up themselves and making something happen. Now without that "one guy" it demands much more from the rest.

I agree

 

[DFWJC]

Ware played hurt all year.

Even worse, the defense was just in total disarray with all the injuries added to a new scheme. Perfect storm.

I've been saying since training camp that the defense would be better this year for sure, mostly based on knowing we would have Marinelli implementing the scheme (and a second year should make a difference overall) the assumption there had to be less injuries, and knowing that we'd be adding even more young bodies into the mix.

 

[waving monkey]

When we were losing the mantra was the win/loss record so it hasn't changed

 

[5Stars]

Ware played hurt all year.

Even worse, the defense was just in total disarray with all the injuries added to a new scheme. Perfect storm.

I've been saying since training camp that the defense would be better this year for sure, mostly based on knowing we would have Marinelli implementing the scheme (and a second year should make a difference overall) the assumption there had to be less injuries, and knowing that we'd be adding even more young bodies into the mix.

I am blowing my own horn here...but from the beginning of training camp, I never doubted that the defense would get worse. It couldn't for hell's sake! But, they are my favorite side of the ball right now.

 

[TwoDeep3]

No they per say were not the problem, them being injured and not playing effectively combined with very large salaries was a problem

/Thread ender

 

[Rick_Deckard]

I'm thrilled with the way the defense has been playing, but the offense converting 3rd downs and holding the ball longer is helping the defense quite a bit.

 

[Carolina Cowboy]

we lost "our best" defensive players--were they the problem?

You know, I've thought about this a lot. There is no doubt, no doubt Ware was and is an elite pass rusher the skills of which will not be duplicated. At the same time, while I don't think for a minute Ware was a / the problem, I'm not sure that this defense would be the same if he were still on the team. There is a dynamic that has been created by Coach Rod via a bunch of "no names" that only care about "de-cleating" any offensive player near them. That goes just a bit beyond God given talent, and developed skill. Whatever it is, it is working and sans Mr. Haley is eerily similar to the defense of the Cowboys circa 1991-1995. JMHO.

Before I get flamed, I love Demarcus and he WILL retire a Dallas Cowboy.

 

[Frozen700]

The defense plays with a mean streak now. They are nasty, and talkative.

Before, Ware had everyone on leashes, telling them to play nice, and not act that way.

 

[gmoney112]

What? No mention of the cast of All-Stars surrounding them?

Drake Nevis? Edgar Jones? Landon Cohen? Marvin Austin? Jarius Wynn?

In Foosball, especially on defense, you're about as strong as your weakest link. In our case, half the chain was made of swiss cheese.

 

[5Stars]

You know, I've thought about this a lot. There is no doubt, no doubt Ware was and is an elite pass rusher the skills of which will not be duplicated. At the same time, while I don't think for a minute Ware was a / the problem, I'm not sure that this defense would be the same if he were still on the team. There is a dynamic that has been created by Coach Rod via a bunch of "no names" that only care about "de-cleating" any offensive player near them. That goes just a bit beyond God given talent, and developed skill. Whatever it is, it is working and sans Mr. Haley is eerily similar to the defense of the Cowboys circa 1991-1995. JMHO.

Before I get flamed, I love Demarcus and he WILL retire a Dallas Cowboy.

That is what is called "pride"....and your post says it all.

 

[5Stars]

The defense plays with a mean streak now. They are nasty, and talkative.

Before, Ware had everyone on leashes, telling them to play nice, and not act that way.

Not now...When the Dallas Cowboys made History like they did last year? Oh, Hell to the no...!

Represent the STAR is what this team is doing. Nameless and faceless, come on down...next man up.