KJJ
You Have an Axe to Grind
- Messages
- 62,197
- Reaction score
- 39,438
I get what you're saying but releasing Ware who was one of our top defensive players and our best pass rusher isn't the way to improve a defense that lacks a pass rush. In 2013 the Cowboys had the 3rd worst defense statistically in NFL history and part of that was due to Ware being ineffective most of the season with an injury and losing Sean Lee later that season. In 2014 the great running game we had that helped control the clock kept the defense off the field an average of 13 fewer plays than in 2013 and that would have kept Ware fresher and may have kept him healthy. There's no doubt in my mind had we had him in 2014 we would have had a much better chance of knocking the Packers off in the playoffs. Even a less than 100% Ware would have had to be accounted for especially with Rodgers limping around with an injury. We could hardly get near him in the second half as he dissected our defense. Despite going 12-4 in 2014 the Cowboys only had 28 sacks compared to 34 sacks in 2013 and that was all due to the departure of Ware.
Not even a fresher defense in 2014 could manage anymore than 28 sacks. As for Gregory he was the BPA after about the 15th or so player taken in the first round and teams continued to pass him up. I heard some experts say that had the Cowboys not taken him he might have lasted into the 3rd round because teams were fearful he had a dependency on pot after testing positive at the combine. The combine is the biggest job interview a player can have so Gregory's positive test was a HUGE red flag that he has a serious issue and that fear has been realized. If the Cowboys still had Ware I don't believe they take the chance on Gregory because DLaw going sackless during the regular season as a rookie and missing half the season with an injury and not doing much when he returned concerned them enough to take the gamble on Gregory that's my opinion.
