Is R. McClain the key to defensive success?

[xwalker]

At first blush it appears it'll be Hitch and Lee. Just like you saw Bruce sometimes in there ahead of Ro last year.

Though Ro has shown (flashback to Seattle) that he can cover and make plays in the secondary. You don't go top 10 in the NFL draft if teams think you can only play 40% of defensive snaps.

Do we try and rest Lee and play him less? And I have no idea as to the coverage ability of the bevy of guys we signed or Wilson from the draft.

LB will be as interesting as any position to watch in TC.

When RoMc was signed, I reviewed several of his games in Oakland. He was originally a 3 down LB, but was eventually removed from the Nickel. It appeared the reason was not because of coverage problems, but because he got worn down at the end of games. It is hard for a 260 pound LB to run around in coverage and play 100% of the snaps.

The Cowboys started out in Nickel in weeks 12 through 16. Hitchens and RoMc were the Nickel LBs to start those games with Carter on the bench.

 

[ak47kaehu]

A healthy, motivated, and stable minded Ro is the type of player you build your defense around! Yes he is the key!

 

[DallasDW00ds0n]

Watching Ro sniff out a run and popping guys is the best

 

[Toruk_Makto]

When RoMc was signed, I reviewed several of his games in Oakland. He was originally a 3 down LB, but was eventually removed from the Nickel. It appeared the reason was not because of coverage problems, but because he got worn down at the end of games. It is hard for a 260 pound LB to run around in coverage and play 100% of the snaps.

The Cowboys started out in Nickel in weeks 12 through 16. Hitchens and RoMc were the Nickel LBs to start those games with Carter on the bench.

Who do you think starts in the nickel?

 

[AdamJT13]

I don't even think he is the most important linebacker, let alone the key to the defense. I think Sean Lee is a superior player to McCLain when healthy. I think he offers more versatility and his ability to settle into the the WLB role is the single biggest question for the defense.

Exactly.

All that said, the pass rush is the key to the defense this year.

Pass defense is the key. Hopefully our pass rush is better, which should make our pass defense better.

 

[ConstantReboot]

Ro McClain is crucial for this defense. He sets the tone for the entire D. He was surely missed up the middle during the Green Bay game - where Green Bay was fairly successful running the ball.

I can't wait to see how this defense will look like with Ro McClain in the middle and Sean Lee at the weakside.

 

[cowboyschmps3]

No doubt that he's Key

 

[gmoney112]

Ro McClain is crucial for this defense. He sets the tone for the entire D. He was surely missed up the middle during the Green Bay game - where Green Bay was fairly successful running the ball.

I can't wait to see how this defense will look like with Ro McClain in the middle and Sean Lee at the weakside.

It's going to be pure win. Sean Lee is probably the best LB in the NFL in pass defense, and Ro destroys people. It's such a perfect combination that it almost brings a tear to my eye.

As far as the OP, Ro isn't *the* key. He's an etch on the key. I like Ro, but it's impossible to point to one player on an entire defense and give them that label. Just can't do it like that.

*The* key, if there is one, is health. I have little doubt in my mind that this defense, with the presence of the newly acquired pass rushers, and development of others, will emerge as top unit *if* they stay healthy.

 

[slick325]

The Will and 3tech are the keys to this defense. That'll be Sean Lee and TCrawford.

Ro and the DE's are vital pieces though since a hard hitting intimidating LB and a pass rush are always vital.

 

[CyberB0b]

The Will and 3tech are the keys to this defense. That'll be Sean Lee and TCrawford.

Ro and the DE's are vital pieces though since a hard hitting intimidating LB and a pass rush are always vital.

This isn't the same defense that was played in Tampa. Also, if Tyron Crawford is the key to our defense, I think we are in trouble.

 

[waving monkey]

Ro is the play caller his the enforcer

 

[slick325]

This isn't the same defense that was played in Tampa. Also, if Tyron Crawford is the key to our defense, I think we are in trouble.

LOL! Just basing it on the comments from Stephen Jones the other day regarding the DT position.

 

[kiheikiwi]

The one thing I have not seen bought up is the effect Hardy will have on this defense. Some were saying that Ro was dogging it a little last year, taking himself out of games/plays. Hurt a lot. What we have seen from Hardy so far and did not really know about him, is he will not stand for that - i.e. Coleman. Even today, players saying he goes hard out all the time. I can see Hardy whipping all these guys on defense into shape, mad dogging them at camp etc. Before he serves his suspension. He is big enough not to take s--- from anyone including Ro. So I hope they bond and Ro plays up to Hardy's effort. If that comes to pass, they will hurt people !

 

[Corso]

LOL! Just basing it on the comments from Stephen Jones the other day regarding the DT position.

One of the clearest memories of my childhood was Arn Anderson on my television telling me that the 4 Horsemen ruled the wrestling world and would give that "4" sign, but his fingers were so messed up he couldn't extend a single one of them and he, consequently, would give the most curled up "4" fingered sign you could possible give.

Sometimes he would throw up the "4" and it would look like a weak fist.

I lol now thinking about it, but he was such a bad $$$ back in those days for an impressionable kid. Him and Flair's... flare- those Horsemen were the Kings of Kings back on those days.

 

[slick325]

One of the clearest memories of my childhood was Arn Anderson on my television telling me that the 4 Horsemen ruled the wrestling world and would give that "4" sign, but his fingers were so messed up he couldn't extend a single one of them and he, consequently, would give the most curled up "4" fingered sign you could possible give.

Sometimes he would throw up the "4" and it would look like a weak fist.

I lol now thinking about it, but he was such a bad $$$ back in those days for an impressionable kid. Him and Flair's... flare- those Horsemen were the Kings of Kings back on those days.

Funny because I clearly remember that too...loved the original Horsemen. The later versions were okay but nothing beats the original 4 with J.J. Dillon.

 

[dallasdave]

One of the clearest memories of my childhood was Arn Anderson on my television telling me that the 4 Horsemen ruled the wrestling world and would give that "4" sign, but his fingers were so messed up he couldn't extend a single one of them and he, consequently, would give the most curled up "4" fingered sign you could possible give.

Sometimes he would throw up the "4" and it would look like a weak fist.

I lol now thinking about it, but he was such a bad $$$ back in those days for an impressionable kid. Him and Flair's... flare- those Horsemen were the Kings of Kings back on those days.

Whoo !! What's causing all of this? To be the man you have to beat the man. Nature Boys rules.... He the Four Horsemen ruled the WCW

One of the clearest memories of my childhood was Arn Anderson on my television telling me that the 4 Horsemen ruled the wrestling world and would give that "4" sign, but his fingers were so messed up he couldn't extend a single one of them and he, consequently, would give the most curled up "4" fingered sign you could possible give.

Sometimes he would throw up the "4" and it would look like a weak fist.

I lol now thinking about it, but he was such a bad $$$ back in those days for an impressionable kid. Him and Flair's... flare- those Horsemen were the Kings of Kings back on those days.

Whoo !!! To be the man you must beat the man, Rick Flair rules.

 

[Corso]

Funny because I clearly remember that too...loved the original Horsemen. The later versions were okay but nothing beats the original 4 with J.J. Dillon.

That old-school stuff was the best man. Ricky Steamboat and Flair? Ironman matches with Sting? 60 minutes of nothing but onslaught? I miss that stuff. I haven't watched WWE or any other of those guys in many years, but if they ever go back to that old-school style?

I'll be right back.

 

[dallasdave]

Funny because I clearly remember that too...loved the original Horsemen. The later versions were okay but nothing beats the original 4 with J.J. Dillon.

Yeah, the 1st were the best, Arn, Ole, Tully, and the Nature Boy himself. What's causing all this? Whoo!! Whoo!!! Whooo!!!

 

[Corso]

Whoo !! What's causing all of this? To be the man you have to beat the man. Nature Boys rules.... He the Four Hou


Whoo !!! To be the man you must beat the man, Rick Flair rules.

I was ready to jet-set with the big boys at 13. Ric Flair was so bada$$ he didn't need a K in his name.

 

[Corso]

I was ready to jet-set with the big boys at 13. Ric Flair was so bada$$ he didn't need a K in his name.

Now I make the ground shake. "4"