PFW: TWWHI: Thomas could be difference between good and great defense

[WoodysGirl]

Dallas
July 4, 2008
Thomas could be difference between good and great defense

Zach Thomas
​

There is a growing sense that ILB Zach Thomas will be the biggest addition the Cowboys made this offseason and that he has the capability to elevate a talented defensive unit from being a good one to a great one despite his size and injury limitations. Why? Thomas already has come in and set a tone of professionalism, we are told, and has begun to let his performance on the field and in the film room dictate how important he’s going to be. The Cowboys’ coaches never had a big issue with the play of Akin Ayodele, the man Thomas is replacing, but he wasn’t the big-play threat that the “Jack” LB spot dictates. Thomas’ best skill is avoiding contact from massive linemen, taking smart angles to the ball and being one of the surest tacklers in recent NFL history. Those skills should translate exceptionally well on a unit whose talent rarely is questioned but which sometimes was a little sloppy with technique last season.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/default.htm?mode=nfceast

 

[gimmesix]

The Cowboys’ coaches never had a big issue with the play of Akin Ayodele, the man Thomas is replacing, but he wasn’t the big-play threat that the “Jack” LB spot dictates.

He's a "Mo," although I think if I was Thomas I'd prefer to be called a "Jack."

 

[speedkilz88]

He's a "Mo," although I think if I was Thomas I'd prefer to be called a "Jack."

No they got it right, Bradie is the Mo LB in the defense.

 

[AbeBeta]

I love this acquisition. Regardless of age, when you have a shot at someone with this much fire in his belly, you have to get him.

 

[dueyhemlock]

Not only better play from that position, a healthy Zach's presence will push / influence / command better play from our other inside backers.

When your in the presence of greatness, it'll only makes you want to perform at a greater level.

Just like offensive lineman blocking harder/better for one running back than the other due to passion, desire, harder running style (hypothetically speaking).

 

[Chocolate Lab]

He's a "Mo,"

Exactly... This isn't Parcells' D anymore.

 

[AbeBeta]

Exactly... This isn't Parcells' D anymore.

but, ironically, he's a prototypical Parcells-guy

 

[tomson75]

but, ironically, he's a prototypical Parcells-guy

Maybe in attitude and discipline, but he's a munchkin compared to the Parcell's linebacker mold.

 

[miamicowboy21]

I love this acquisition. Regardless of age, when you have a shot at someone with this much fire in his belly, you have to get him.

Bingo, this guy is going to be so motivated because he has a legit shot. The dolphins wasted thomas and taylor's best years. This is clearly the best move of the offseason.

 

[gimmesix]

No they got it right, Bradie is the Mo LB in the defense.

Nope. Thomas plays the "Mo" in Wade's scheme. James plays the "Mike."

I think Ware is in the "Curly" position, and Ellis in the "Larry," but I could have those reversed. Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck.

 

[tomson75]

Nope. Thomas plays the "Mo" in Wade's scheme. James plays the "Mike."

I think Ware is in the "Curly" position, and Ellis in the "Larry," but I could have those reversed. Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck.

I believe you're right. IIRC, Donnie Edwards played the 'mo' spot in SD....the same position that Ayodele, and now Thomas, inherited.

 

[AbeBeta]

Maybe in attitude and discipline, but he's a munchkin compared to the Parcell's linebacker mold.

so was Dat. and Bill loved him.

 

[Typhus]

Have you ever had a piece of cake, and you thought to yourself, "dang, this cake has a lot of icing".
Thomas was icing on the cake, and Pac...err, Adam Jones, is like double icing.
Thats one fat cake.

 

[speedkilz88]

Nope. Thomas plays the "Mo" in Wade's scheme. James plays the "Mike."

I think Ware is in the "Curly" position, and Ellis in the "Larry," but I could have those reversed. Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck.

I thought mo and mike were the same position just different terminology, I didn't know that Wade used both.

 

[tomson75]

so was Dat. and Bill loved him.

True, but that doesn't make either of them a Parcells 'prototype'. They're exceptions to the rule. Just nitpicking.

 

[peplaw06]

so was Dat. and Bill loved him.

Bill released Thomas after a month on the job. I know his salary had something to do with that, but if Bill was so high on him, with a young team in need of direction, you'd think he'd at least try to give him a chance to hang around.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

True, but that doesn't make either of them a Parcells 'prototype'. They're exceptions to the rule. Just nitpicking.

you *****

 

[speedkilz88]

so was Dat. and Bill loved him.

I also think Bill regretted that decision since Dat couldn't hold up to the punishment and had his career end prematurely.

 

[Pick6TerenceNewman]

I think Thomas is the missing ingredient.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Technique work can certainly be assisted by a vet like Thomas but really that comes down to the coaches. Sloppy technique tells me sloppy coaching and I think that replacing Bowles, Rodgers and Pasquiloni with Campo, Grantham and Herring will be the biggest difference maker.