Nice breakdown of the defense

[TD-33]

1st team, 1st series.

Kegful of Insight: Preseason Week 1 - Dallas Cowboys Defense

In the inaugural "Kegful of Insight" I want to take a detailed play-by-play account of the defensive alignments and schemes of the Cowboys starters on the opening drive of the game. The Denver Broncos drove down the field far too easily, and though they were held to a field goal, few are happy with the results.
Let's take a close look to see if things are as gloomy as they first appear...

 

[Woods]

Very interesting read.

This article really highlighted Igor's poor play on that 1st defensive series.

That said, I'm not sure what's up with Igor. I know he should be able to anchor better than that.

 

[theogt]

3rd and 6 - Pass (Def 1-5-5)

DEN in shotgun 3-WR set with the tight end also in the slot, and Ryan brings out a one down-lineman scheme (looked like Brent but tough to tell) with five linebackers and five defensive backs. The defense created tons of pressure. Ware was actually matched up and beat the right tackle and Orlando Scandrick was untouched on a slot corner blitz from the blind side. Orton would have been leveled if coverage didn't break down immediately. Gerald Sensabaugh blows his assignment and the slot receiver is left uncovered due to the corner blitz. Abram Elam playing deep safety (taking a bad angle by the looks of it) pushes the receiver out of bounds after 29 yard gain.

Went back and watched this. Holy crap what was Sensabaugh thinking? It's like he didn't even see the guy.

 

[Eskimo]

I agree with his analysis that Igor was dreadful. I hope we cut him soon and work on getting the others ready. Hatcher and Lissemore looked okay to me and Coleman should be able to play a bunch of snaps for use.

Geathers has prototypical size for the position and seems to have a bit of quickness. Hopefully we've found ourselves a rotational guy from our bottom of the roster churning late last year (ditto for Parnell at OT).

 

[pugilist]

good lord, Igor is hot garbage

 

[wconn1979]

Its hard to argue with that, if Igor doesnt perform better in the next game it may be the end for him.

 

[ROUSH8692]

Went back and watched this. Holy crap what was Sensabaugh thinking? It's like he didn't even see the guy.

Yup, and that play would have ended the drive too. They shouldve scored a TD on that drive. We got quite lucky they only scored 3. Scandrick wouldve had a nice sack if Sensy wouldve just covered.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

1st and Goal from the 3 - Run (Goal Line Def)

DEN is in the heavy set again but this time DAL has four down-linemen, and a fifth, Kenyon Coleman, but who doesn't have his hand on the ground. Tough to tell who the other linemen are, but Spears is the left defensive end and gets into the backfield (untouched) to stop the run for a loss. Oh, happy days! No wait, penalty makes if 1st and goal from about the 1-yard line.


On this play there are 14 defensive players on the field. I know, i counted them.

 

[ROUSH8692]

good lord, Igor is hot garbage

I don't know how he gets pushed back all the time, he is arguably the most muscular guy on the team.

 

[Woods]

I agree with his analysis that Igor was dreadful. I hope we cut him soon and work on getting the others ready. Hatcher and Lissemore looked okay to me and Coleman should be able to play a bunch of snaps for use.

Geathers has prototypical size for the position and seems to have a bit of quickness. Hopefully we've found ourselves a rotational guy from our bottom of the roster churning late last year (ditto for Parnell at OT).

Have to admit, I don't remember Igor ever being that bad on run downs. I wouldn't be surprised if RR/JG cut him if he performs like that versus SD as well.

Geathers is definitely an interesting prospect. He's got a massive frame and very good size/weight. Looks ideal for a 34 end.

 

[Doomsday]

I don't know how he gets pushed back all the time, he is arguably the most muscular guy on the team.

Everything I read said he was one of the strongest guys on the team, yet he consistently gets pushed around. He cant rush the passer, if he cant push the pocket on running downs either then he has ZERO value to this team. I saw enough of him getting pushed 5 yards backwards last season to last a life time.

 

[JBell]

I'm still in shock that there were some people defending Igor after getting bodied vs. Denver.

Some people are just now seeing it, but he was getting punked throughout a lot of last year's games as well.

 

[Nexx]

Everything I read said he was one of the strongest guys on the team, yet he consistently gets pushed around. He cant rush the passer, if he cant push the pocket on running downs either then he has ZERO value to this team. I saw enough of him getting pushed 5 yards backwards last season to last a life time.

maybe he just top heavy.

 

[Woods]

I have re-watched that first series about 4 times, and in one play the Denver OL literally slammed Igor to the ground. It was brutal.

 

[BAT]

Geathers is definitely an interesting prospect. He's got a massive frame and very good size/weight. Looks ideal for a 34 end.

Plus Geathers is familiar with Rob Ryan's scheme. He has all the physical tools, just needs consistency. I hope he finds a way to flip the switch and keep it flipped.

 

[gimmesix]

I don't know how he gets pushed back all the time, he is arguably the most muscular guy on the team.

Power's more about leverage than muscle. Olshansky was letting the Broncos get under him and essentially carry him down the field. He plays high (in his stance) and overcomes that sometimes because he's strong.

 

[gimmesix]

Went back and watched this. Holy crap what was Sensabaugh thinking? It's like he didn't even see the guy.

It appeared to me there was confusion before the play, which resulted in Sensabugh making the wrong initial move and then trying to recover.

Ware said there were some communication issues because the players had gotten used to hearing each other clearly in practice, but couldn't in the game because of the fans. I think Sensabaugh was just on a different page because of it.

 

[visionary]

my conspiracy theory is that igor is playing poorly so he will get released and go join WP in houston

 

[Hostile]

The sad thing is, Denver got the guy who wanted to come here who would have been a great upgrade over Igor, Ty Warren.

 

[dwmyers]

The sad thing is, Denver got the guy who wanted to come here who would have been a great upgrade over Igor, Ty Warren.

Wasn't Ty released because he failed a physical?