It's still pretty much a wait and see and a work in progress - but it’s still also the biggest area of the defense, imo because this unit is going to likely determine if we advance in the playoffs, .. or yet again, get sent home from the playoffs .
You can tell management team is trying to acquire talent to be added to the DL, but it still hasn’t turned out to be enough of a difference maker down the stretch,
The latest improvement attempt will be Quinn, as he is an ex-All pro’er and was once a guy capable of 20 sack season ( once had an astounding 19 sack year with the Rams) .. we traded for him very cheap, but how much of that has to do with his back injury that has given him so much trouble Its been the reason for his decline.
- But remember, Dlaw also had previous back issues before emerging to be one of the most disruptive Des in the NFL the past 2 seasons.
Back problems are so tricky and can either get better .. or get worse. But can lightning strike twice ?
The cowboys staff is apparently gambling heavily on Quinn being rejuvenated to be that pre-injury ex Rams player opposite Dlaw. if we get a 10+ sack player, that will be so huge for this defense.
Especially one that faces the NFC better QBs come playoff time ( Rodgers, Brees, Ryan, Wilson, Goff, Wentz, etc)
The DT’s ? that’s a very worry spot for me too. I’m not sold on Maliek Collins and we really just don’t have a difference maker in the interior.
jury still completely out on Trysten Hill and he even could be a year or so away from that.
- I didn't particular care for how the run defense performed on the road in several games in giving 100+ yd rushing to several team .. vs being so stout at home.
We were already showing leaks and cracks On- the- Road before the big playoff road game exploded. I haven't been able to figure out how much could be Ro's scheme and how much
could have been underachieving performances by the DL.
- The rest of the rotation guys are just serviceable at best, until they show and prove differently – Crawford, Taco, Armstrong, and Jackson (Jelks?)
.. and I’m sorry I’ve been so much in the dark with this Gregory suspension/appeal that it’s become a point where I’m no longer even counting him to be on the roster this year at all.
And I'm starting to have major question about his future here period.
What new players are going to make a better improvement and differences than what we ended with vs Rams ? Quinn ?
.. another guy I am keeping an eye on ? DT Chris Covington. (and I thought he played with Houston Texans rather than Philly)
Yeh it was backups, but I saw a short glimpse of what I am wanting to see from the DTs, someone occupying blockers and penetrating and getting into the backfield.
Though he’s listed around 310 but his frame seems bigger and wider than that.
I’m just not sold on Antuan Woods, he runs too hot and cold inconsistent for our defense. Especially when it comes to On the Road vs at Home.
- Pass rush and turnovers go hand in hand, but there’s still issues in both areas in this defense, imo.