NBCDFW: Sacks, Apparently, Were Inevitable

[WoodysGirl]

BY Scott Crisp // 6 hours ago

"We're going to have to figure out how to get back there again, and once we start I'm pretty sure it'll be rolling."

Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears had that to offer when asked about the team's seeming inability to get to the quarterback after week two; at this point, after games at Tampa Bay and against New York, the local media seemed miffed slightly by the team's sack total which was exactly zero--and following a season that saw Dallas lead the league in this regard with 59.

It was unforeseeable, and vaguely alarming; but players, and Spears in particular, offered up some form of the aforementioned statement tirelessly. Once it begins, it will not stop. So far, it seems they hit the nail on the head. Week three would see three sacks, by Dallas, and, like clockwork, they began to pile up.

After the team's win over Atlanta, during which they got to Matt Ryan four times, the total stands at 14--not particularly remarkable for this group in general, but all things considered, kind of impressive.

Which might explain the knowing smile on Spears' face on Wednesday, when he was asked about the sudden wave of unadulterated QB harassment.

"Offenses have got to revert back to what they do," Spears said, grinning. "Obviously, you've got to account for guys, and you've got to account for '94' and you've got to account for Ratliff, but if those two guys make you change your whole game plan, then you lose the identity of your offense. Now teams are getting back to doing what they were doing.

"When we were playing these first games, I mean, you guys saw--quarterbacks throwing the ball out of bounds on the third step, 'cause they don't want to take sacks. That's still going to happen, but at the end of the day, you've got to run your offense, you've got to try to be the team that you are. Usually, when you've got a five or a seven step drop, if you're not getting rid of it, '94' or '90' are going to be there."

http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Sacks-Apparently-Were-Inevitable-67017817.html

 

[WarDaddy]

I watched this interview and after listening to Spears I'm always left with the same impression. This guy really knows how to articulate his thoughts well.

He will be a great addition to any network's broadcast, pre or post-game show when his playing days are over.

I'm actually looking forward to it.

 

[CowboyMike]

And it's a great example that he understands what his role is. He knows his job is to eat up space, push the pocket, and clear the way for the pass rushers. Every once in a while, like this last Sunday, he'll find himself a clear lane and get the sack.

Spears does his job very well, and I hope we keep him.

 

[TD-33]

Showing my age but... every time I see a Spears interview the guy sounds just like (and hell even resembles a little)
LL Cool J. :laugh2:

 

[TheCount]

I've never been too down on spears, I appreciate what he does for us and maybe his draft position was too high for his roll, but he's been a starter here basically his entire career.

I hope he doesn't end up following Canty's lead, I don't want to lose him but we can't pay him that kind of money.

 

[adbutcher]

I've never been too down on spears, I appreciate what he does for us and maybe his draft position was too high for his roll, but he's been a starter here basically his entire career.

I hope he doesn't end up following Canty's lead, I don't want to lose him but we can't pay him that kind of money.

Did you appreciate Russell Maryland? I don't care where Spears was drafted, for what we have always asked him to do, he always did it well. I still remember the echoes of fans wanting to run him out of town. He is a good player, one of the more unheralded players on the team that in a lot of ways is the glue of the defensive line. I hope we have an opportunity to keep him for a deal similar to what we paid Igor.

 

[Hook'em#11]

I just hope Spears realizes his role and how it works in Dallas. I hope no one pushes his ego and makes him think HE is the reason why 94 and 90 get their sacks and such.

 

[adbutcher]

I just hope Spears realizes his role and how it works in Dallas. I hope no one pushes his ego and makes him think HE is the reason why 94 and 90 get their sacks and such.

 

[Next_years_Champs]

Did you appreciate Russell Maryland? I don't care where Spears was drafted, for what we have always asked him to do, he always did it well. I still remember the echoes of fans wanting to run him out of town. He is a good player, one of the more unheralded players on the team that in a lot of ways is the glue of the defensive line. I hope we have an opportunity to keep him for a deal similar to what we paid Igor.

I've always considered Maryland a significantly underrated player when the Cowboys D rose to #1 status in 92 and 93. His penetration was vital in disrupting the offensive blocking schemes, I remember watching games where the fullback would spend essentially the entire game having to block Russell and never even got out of the backfield. I also agree with the OP Marcus Spears is a well spoken and thoughtful man, I like him and agree he preforms his role well.

 

[Doomsday101]

Good to see we have climbed up to 14 team sacks which ties us with the Ravens.

 

[tunahelper]

I just hope Spears realizes his role and how it works in Dallas. I hope no one pushes his ego and makes him think HE is the reason why 94 and 90 get their sacks and such.

Sounds similar to the Canty warnings we heard.

 

[cowboyz]

i think some team will give spears more than a bargain basement igor deal, and cowboys will let him walk.

this team can't afford to pay him too much. and needs to be able to replace guys like him through the draft.

he's a good player, but not good enough for an average contract.

 

[adbutcher]

i think some team will give spears more than a bargain basement igor deal, and cowboys will let him walk.

this team can't afford to pay him too much. and needs to be able to replace guys like him through the draft.

he's a good player, but not good enough for an average contract.

This makes sense to you?

 

[Smith22]

Good to see we have climbed up to 14 team sacks which ties us with the Ravens.

Ravens fans are pissed right now that their pass rush has dropped off (Ryan & Scott gone) and their corners are getting abused. They are 3-3 and facing the Broncos and Bungles next.

 

[Doomsday101]

Ravens fans are pissed right now that their pass rush has dropped off (Ryan & Scott gone) and their corners are getting abused. They are 3-3 and facing the Broncos and Bungles next.

And I'm happy that ours is picking up from where we were. We started off slow and have been picking up the pace

 

[Smith22]

And I'm happy that ours is picking up from where we were. We started off slow and have been picking up the pace

Agreed. With games against the Skins, Eagles and Seahawks, I imagine the sack total will continue to rise.

 

[Hostile]

Agreed. With games against the Skins, Eagles and Seahawks, I imagine the sack total will continue to rise.

I think we will send Matt Hasselback to the showers early. He's going to think he's a speed bump. I predict 8 sacks.

 

[CowboyMike]

If we keep going at the pace we've had the last three games with sacks, we'll end the season with 61 sacks. Which would beat last season and no doubt lead the league.

 

[adbutcher]

I think we will send Matt Hasselback to the showers early. He's going to think he's a speed bump. I predict 8 sacks.

Yes, he will need a body bag by halftime. Ware should come up huge with at least a trifecta of sacks.

 

[Hook'em#11]

Sounds similar to the Canty warnings we heard.

Pretty much.