Marinelli Will Continue “Mixing And Matching” To Find The Right D-Line Combo

[Doomsday101]

Make no mistake, I am not suggesting or thinking that Crawford is going to turn into some great DE.

But he's been pretty much a non factor at DT. If he proves to be more effective at DE than DT and helps this team more at DE than DT, it absolutely calls into question what Marinelli was thinking making him an undersized 3 Tech.

He is looking at the quickness off the snap from the 3 tech which he feels Crawford can bring, in the 1 tech you want the big body but in Rod defense quickness is a must. Add to that we are so weak at the DE spots it becomes a lot easier on OL to control the interior.

Right now he is trying to find a combination to improve his defensive front as a whole

 

[LocimusPrime]

Wish someone would put up a link to the Dline thread at the beginning of training camp. I wanna see who really thought these bunch of third tier homies would amount to anything. I remember different theories peeps had:

• Pressure from the DTs would result in more sacks for the DEs. You can get away with junky DEs cause real pressure is from the DT position
• Don't bring in any older vets, the young guys need reps. Don't bring in progress stoopers
• Mayowa is the real deal
• Russell looks great. Stronger, faster. Real difference maker

I'm tired of these guys. Why can't we spend some cash and get some real players.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Wish someone would put up a link to the Dline thread at the beginning of training camp. I wanna see who really thought these bunch of third tier homies would amount to anything. I remember different theories peeps had:

• Pressure from the DTs would result in more sacks for the DEs. You can get away with junky DEs cause real pressure is from the DT position
• Don't bring in any older vets, the young guys need reps. Don't bring in progress stoopers
• Mayowa is the real deal
• Russell looks great. Stronger, faster. Real difference maker

I'm tired of these guys. Why can't we spend some cash and get some real players.

I think bustin on Mayowa this early in the season is harsh.

The guy hasn't played a lot of 4-3 DE in the past.

Between he and Thornton the cap space take up is only about $4 mil... I think expecting Mayowa to come in and be a 3-down fixture is a bit much.

 

[dallasdave]

Wish he would mix in some more blitzes from different areas.

Right, don't let the other QB have enough time to write a book !!!

 

[dallasdave]

Wish someone would put up a link to the Dline thread at the beginning of training camp. I wanna see who really thought these bunch of third tier homies would amount to anything. I remember different theories peeps had:

• Pressure from the DTs would result in more sacks for the DEs. You can get away with junky DEs cause real pressure is from the DT position
• Don't bring in any older vets, the young guys need reps. Don't bring in progress stoopers
• Mayowa is the real deal
• Russell looks great. Stronger, faster. Real difference maker

I'm tired of these guys. Why can't we spend some cash and get some real players.

 

[waving monkey]

If you don't think that Marinleii has a significant say in the players added to his defense,Moore either naive or lying to yourself as an excuse.

Is he lovable loser, who simply takes the garbage given to him and tries to make it work?

Or is he the guy who's just collecting a paycheck and going along to get along?

Neither one paints him in a positive light. He's had significant say over who's been drafted, who's been signed, and who's been resigned.

He's no babe in the woods here.



He had two guys the team used two 2nd and a 3rd round lucks to acquire, and a Pro Bowl pass rusher who's had an 11 and 15- sack season. And Marinelli's results were still poor. Despite a scheme that puts rush above all else.



And how many years ago was that? The game passes everybody by.



Again, Marinelli signed off on all of these guys. He's no victim.

There's never been any "chicken salad" in his entire tenure here. He's lost his 'recipe'.

bs

 

[Stash]

bs

Your typical hit-and-run tag line.

Not smart enough or informed enough to engage in an intelligent debate on the topic so you resort to your typical 'BS' move. That's the real "bs".

 

[Stash]

I think bustin on Mayowa this early in the season is harsh.

The guy hasn't played a lot of 4-3 DE in the past.

Between he and Thornton the cap space take up is only about $4 mil... I think expecting Mayowa to come in and be a 3-down fixture is a bit much.

And yet that's exactly what the Cowboys did. They ignored every other option and decided that this was the way they wanted to go. He was their guy. A hidden gem. And now they're seeing the exact results that many of us feared.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Wish he would mix in some more blitzes from different areas.

Perhaps if coverage continues to show signs of improvement he might feel more comfortable but to be a good blitzing team you need to have good coverage to cover for it.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

And yet that's exactly what the Cowboys did. They ignored every other option and decided that this was the way they wanted to go. He was their guy. A hidden gem. And now they're seeing the exact results that many of us feared.

C'mon now, that ain't true. They had four DEs in the queue and they're hoping to hit on at least one to compliment Lawrence. Hopefully we'll get to see Tapper flash some talent soon, probably won't see Gregory until next season. Russell of course was sent packing. Mayowa still has a shot.

 

[Stash]

C'mon now, that ain't true.

Which part isn't true? They knew about Gregory's suspension in February - before the start of free agency or the draft. They had plenty of time and plenty of options to plan accordingly, they chose not to.

They found out about Lawrence's suspension in April, prior to the draft. They had time to plan accordingly, they chose not to.

They've got three DEs in the queue and they're hoping to hit on at least one to compliment Lawrence. Hopefully we'll get to see Tapper flash some talent soon, probably won't see Gregory until next season.

And who's that? Who's "in the queue"?

Tapper can't even practice, much less play. After missing the vast majority of training camp and every activity since, how long will it take him to even get into game shape? It's not like he was doing much with a broken back. I can't see him being any factor at all until mid season at best, and even then, you have no idea of what you will or won't be getting.

There were other options, the Cowboys were neither blindsided, nor stuck. They had options and they had choices. And this is what they decided to do.

 

[haleyrules]

In Dallas the offense is always the priority. Defense is just a stepson. Jerry loves the sizzle and the highlight reel. Defense is substance over sizzle and Jerry can't relate to that.

 

[chris1995]

Wish someone would put up a link to the Dline thread at the beginning of training camp. I wanna see who really thought these bunch of third tier homies would amount to anything. I remember different theories peeps had:

• Pressure from the DTs would result in more sacks for the DEs. You can get away with junky DEs cause real pressure is from the DT position
• Don't bring in any older vets, the young guys need reps. Don't bring in progress stoopers
• Mayowa is the real deal
• Russell looks great. Stronger, faster. Real difference maker

I'm tired of these guys. Why can't we spend some cash and get some real players.

Time to get a defense that works,

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

If you don't think that Marinleii has a significant say in the players added to his defense,Moore either naive or lying to yourself as an excuse.

Is he lovable loser, who simply takes the garbage given to him and tries to make it work?

Or is he the guy who's just collecting a paycheck and going along to get along?

Neither one paints him in a positive light. He's had significant say over who's been drafted, who's been signed, and who's been resigned.

He's no babe in the woods here.



He had two guys the team used two 2nd and a 3rd round lucks to acquire, and a Pro Bowl pass rusher who's had an 11 and 15- sack season. And Marinelli's results were still poor. Despite a scheme that puts rush above all else.



And how many years ago was that? The game passes everybody by.



Again, Marinelli signed off on all of these guys. He's no victim.

It's a result based business and I get what you are saying to an extent but I have to disagree on some of the characterizations.

Hardy came out like gangbusters and it seemed to me that he melted down after the pics of Holder went viral. Reports were he started drinking and that just isn't on Marinelli. When he wasn't melting down he was a force for us.

Gregory got hurt his rookie season but did light up the preseason. Similarly it's not on RM that he smoked it up when he knew he had a test imminent.

DLaw I have actually liked his progression. He bit as a puppy and improved steadily last year. 2 more games and he will continue that progression.

Then of course you have him taking guys like Selvie and Mincey and making chicken salad out of that crap. This year McClain is playing his best ball and early returns on Collins are positive.

Frankly the only real disappointment I have in the defense beyond the suspensions at this point is Hitchens. He is playing dumb. Jones and Church are giving the best S play we've seen since Woody left and the revival of Mo is just fun to watch.

 

[haleyrules]

Wish someone would put up a link to the Dline thread at the beginning of training camp. I wanna see who really thought these bunch of third tier homies would amount to anything. I remember different theories peeps had:

• Pressure from the DTs would result in more sacks for the DEs. You can get away with junky DEs cause real pressure is from the DT position
• Don't bring in any older vets, the young guys need reps. Don't bring in progress stoopers
• Mayowa is the real deal
• Russell looks great. Stronger, faster. Real difference maker

I'm tired of these guys. Why can't we spend some cash and get some real players.

Amen. I would love to see the club draft some tough nut defensive players high and often in the next draft.

 

[Stash]

It's a result based business and I get what you are saying to an extent but I have to disagree on some of the characterizations.

No problem with that. I think the truth lies somewhere in between extremes anyway.

Hardy came out like gangbusters and it seemed to me that he melted down after the pics of Holder went viral. Reports were he started drinking and that just isn't on Marinelli. When he wasn't melting down he was a force for us.

I don't think anyone involved handled the Hardy Situation well. Not him obviously, not the Joneses, not Garrett, and to some extent, not Marinelli. I think everyone played a hand in that failure, and it's a damn shame for everyone that he's not here playing football and helping this team be better.

Gregory got hurt his rookie season but did light up the preseason. Similarly it's not on RM that he smoked it up when he knew he had a test imminent.

Gregory's off-field issues are obviously his own, but for such a highly-touted pass rusher to accomplish 0 sacks for his rookie year? I think some of that had to go towards Marinelli too. He was given the best pass rusher in the draft and managed 0 sacks.

DLaw I have actually liked his progression. He bit as a puppy and improved steadily last year. 2 more games and he will continue that progression.

I think he's trending upwards, but I'm not sure how much. Even Marinelli said that he gawky benefitted from the attention Hardy received on the other side, so you have to wonder what he'll now be able to do being the center of attention himself?

Then of course you have him taking guys like Selvie and Mincey and making chicken salad out of that crap.

A nice surprise single season from each guy, but no sustained success. And despite their individual good seasons, it speaks loudly to me that a coach emphasizing pass rush above all else can't do better than 25th in the league in sacks. You don't sacrifice everywhere else to end up 25th in the league in sacks.

This year McClain is playing his best ball and early returns on Collins are positive.

Yes, two early bright spots among the disappointments.

Frankly the only real disappointment I have in the defense beyond the suspensions at this point is Hitchens. He is playing dumb. Jones and Church are giving the best S play we've seen since Woody left and the revival of Mo is just fun to watch.

I think Hitchens is in the process of being phased out. I expect a rotation this week with Furant getting the majority of snaps, and Hitchens' plays being further reduced, especially when Nzeocha returns.

But it scares me that the players playing the best in all 3 levels right now - Claiborne, Lee, and Terrell McClain - are all guys who have the worst injury histories on the team.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

No problem with that. I think the truth lies somewhere in between extremes anyway.



I don't think anyone involved handled the Hardy Situation well. Not him obviously, not the Joneses, not Garrett, and to some extent, not Marinelli. I think everyone played a hand in that failure, and it's a damn shame for everyone that he's not here playing football and helping this team be better.



Gregory's off-field issues are obviously his own, but for such a highly-touted pass rusher to accomplish 0 sacks for his rookie year? I think some of that had to go towards Marinelli too. He was given the best pass rusher in the draft and managed 0 sacks.



I think he's trending upwards, but I'm not sure how much. Even Marinelli said that he gawky benefitted from the attention Hardy received on the other side, so you have to wonder what he'll now be able to do being the center of attention himself?



A nice surprise single season from each guy, but no sustained success. And despite their individual good seasons, it speaks loudly to me that a coach emphasizing pass rush above all else can't do better than 25th in the league in sacks. You don't sacrifice everywhere else to end up 25th in the league in sacks.



Yes, two early bright spots among the disappointments.



I think Hitchens is in the process of being phased out. I expect a rotation this week with Furant getting the majority of snaps, and Hitchens' plays being further reduced, especially when Nzeocha returns.

But it scares me that the players playing the best in all 3 levels right now - Claiborne, Lee, and Terrell McClain - are all guys who have the worst injury histories on the team.

I can understand if you are not buying in. I cannot blame you as myself I am in wait and see mode. He emphasizes turnovers and that has been helter skelter going from first to worst. They belie expectations.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

Which part isn't true? They knew about Gregory's suspension in February - before the start of free agency or the draft. They had plenty of time and plenty of options to plan accordingly, they chose not to.

They found out about Lawrence's suspension in April, prior to the draft. They had time to plan accordingly, they chose not to.



And who's that? Who's "in the queue"?

Tapper can't even practice, much less play. After missing the vast majority of training camp and every activity since, how long will it take him to even get into game shape? It's not like he was doing much with a broken back. I can't see him being any factor at all until mid season at best, and even then, you have no idea of what you will or won't be getting.

There were other options, the Cowboys were neither blindsided, nor stuck. They had options and they had choices. And this is what they decided to do.

So you're saying they had no plan because Tapper got hurt? Because Russell didn't pan out? Because Mayowa hasn't played to your expectations in the first two games? Because Gregory isn't here now to satisfy your need for immediate gratification? They've had a plan, they've got people in the queue who are either developing or waiting to play, contrary to your statement that they put all their eggs in the Mayowa basket.

Personally I would have preferred they signed a pass-rusher like they did last year with Hardy, but it appears that their plan is to slow-build this thing with young players and without the use of high dollar FAs... I'm guessing that once they feel the defense is close to being playoff quality they will be willing to spend on a high dollar FA again.

 

[Redball Express]

There's never been any "chicken salad" in his entire tenure here. He's lost his 'recipe'.

He protects his players defensively which is understood considering the amount of absent players.

It is hard to really to criticize when he has had guys like Hardy and Gregory to try to reshape.

Jones has helped the secondary and Scandrick is hurt again.

Marinelli must feel like there is a black cloud over him.

 

[Common Sense]

So you're saying they had no plan because Tapper got hurt? Because Russell didn't pan out? Because Mayowa hasn't played to your expectations in the first two games? Because Gregory isn't here now to satisfy your need for immediate gratification? They've had a plan, they've got people in the queue who are either developing or waiting to play, contrary to your statement that they put all their eggs in the Mayowa basket.

Personally I would have preferred they signed a pass-rusher like they did last year with Hardy, but it appears that their plan is to slow-build this thing with young players and without the use of high dollar FAs.

I don't think anyone is saying that there was "no plan." These free agents didn't show up to practice uninvited. Rather, most people would look at this defense and agree that there was a plan, but it was complete garbage.