Pass2Run
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 10,870
- Reaction score
- 12,221
I could be wrong, but I think our success or potential for success in the playoffs might come down to our ability to stop the run. We have one of the top-ranked pass defenses in the league. Our propensity to get a lead early on and hold on to it by forcing our opposition into passing situations has boded well for us this year. That strategy has helped us clinch an early spot in the playoffs.
The truth is, we looked like a different team without Hankins in the lineup. I don't think the defense was as confident against the Bills without him. His veteran leadership, humble demeanor and mean streak really helps the chemistry of the Dallas defense.
It looks like we'll be without Tyron Smith. But the biggest positive heading into the playoffs is we'll have our run stopper back for the playoffs.
I don't care how they get it done. I want this team to focus on the run and adjust their scheme and personnel packages to stop the run on early downs. Some might say the one player we can't afford to have out in the playoffs would be Parsons. That may be true. But I'm going to be an odd ball and say the one player we can't afford to have out is actually Hankins. If we can stop the run, and prepare ourselves to adjust to any circumstances, we have the ability to make a run in the playoffs.
This team has plenty of toughness. They have the ability to be tough. They also have the ability to adjust. So, the way I see it, whether we're home or away, our success or failure in the playoffs will come down to our ability to stop the run. That's why I say it's very possible our post-season MVP might end up being Hankins.
That said, I suspect we'll add even more talent to the defensive line in the 2024 draft. I would also like to see us offer Hankins an extension. He fits with this team. And I really appreciate his presence on this team.
The truth is, we looked like a different team without Hankins in the lineup. I don't think the defense was as confident against the Bills without him. His veteran leadership, humble demeanor and mean streak really helps the chemistry of the Dallas defense.
It looks like we'll be without Tyron Smith. But the biggest positive heading into the playoffs is we'll have our run stopper back for the playoffs.
I don't care how they get it done. I want this team to focus on the run and adjust their scheme and personnel packages to stop the run on early downs. Some might say the one player we can't afford to have out in the playoffs would be Parsons. That may be true. But I'm going to be an odd ball and say the one player we can't afford to have out is actually Hankins. If we can stop the run, and prepare ourselves to adjust to any circumstances, we have the ability to make a run in the playoffs.
This team has plenty of toughness. They have the ability to be tough. They also have the ability to adjust. So, the way I see it, whether we're home or away, our success or failure in the playoffs will come down to our ability to stop the run. That's why I say it's very possible our post-season MVP might end up being Hankins.
That said, I suspect we'll add even more talent to the defensive line in the 2024 draft. I would also like to see us offer Hankins an extension. He fits with this team. And I really appreciate his presence on this team.