Rebuilding the defense the right way

[TexasHillbilly]

Yep.

17 game seasons & salary cap have made continuity not realistic.

You’re going to have injuries & players have to move on in droves every offseason.

Honestly, guys just start getting to know each other and it's time to move on. jmho

 

[phildadon86]

Not surprisingly the 2025 Dallas Cowboys defense is on pace to set a dubious NFL record of most points surrendered in a season. Hopefully this leaky ship finds some way to tackle, pressure the QB and cover receivers better or we are headed to the wrong kind of history.

The much discussed Micah Parsons trade has given us two extra first round picks in the next two drafts which if handled properly, could become the beginning of a defense that can compete again.

Surely I don’t need to remind everyone that having a bad defense means you cannot win in the playoffs even if you make them. You need a good offense of course to make the playoffs. But you also need a great defense if you are serious about competing and winning multiple playoff games. A good offense can take you a little ways. An outstanding defense can get you to win Lombardis.

By the way, look at the defensive rankings the teams in the last 2 SBs - All 4 teams had top 5 NFL defenses.

• SB 58: Eagles (defense ranked # 2) vs chiefs (defense ranked #4)
• SB 57: Chiefs (defense ranked #2) vs niners (defense ranked #3)

Defense matters a ton if you want to win playoff games.

How can we build a great defense? What steps should we take?

1. FIRST BIG STEP: Decide what kind of defense to build and what scheme(s) to build around. THEN STAY WITH IT!!! We’ve had 4 DCs in 6 seasons; 3 in 21 months!
2. STEP TWO: Draft and develop players that FIT that philosophy. Stay with it. When you look at our last 4 DCs, they are all very different in styles. And the defensive players we’ve drafted have been all over the philosophical map! Know what you want.
3. STEP THREE: Hire a DC that fits your philosophy. Give them time to build their defensive schemes and players. Stop changing DCs and schemes every year or two. You cannot build that way.

I know the Cowboys need help at multiple positions. But this defense we have is the least talented I’ve seen since the Campo years. We need to take advantage of the draft capital we have and build a defense around a philosophy we will stick with! And we need a GM to stop playing fantasy football and build a roster that can really compete like we did in the 90s.(Hint: It wasn’t all the Triplets!)

You cannot build a quality defense changing coordinators like underwear. It’s time to build another Doomsday Defense! Let’s do it the right way! Let’s get a plan and stick with it.

In bold.

This FO doesnt know how to do this part. They refused to build a defense around a guy like Parsons and decided to go offense heavy. In a draft that was extremely full of defensive talent.

Jerry doesnt believe in building a defense. He believes in box office. Sizzle but no steak.

The correct way to build this team would be from the trenches backwards. Consider this. The first DT they took in the first round in decades was Mazi Smith.

They dont get it. They wont get it. And they dont want to get it.

 

[TequilaCowboy]

Not surprisingly the 2025 Dallas Cowboys defense is on pace to set a dubious NFL record of most points surrendered in a season. Hopefully this leaky ship finds some way to tackle, pressure the QB and cover receivers better or we are headed to the wrong kind of history.

The much discussed Micah Parsons trade has given us two extra first round picks in the next two drafts which if handled properly, could become the beginning of a defense that can compete again.

Surely I don’t need to remind everyone that having a bad defense means you cannot win in the playoffs even if you make them. You need a good offense of course to make the playoffs. But you also need a great defense if you are serious about competing and winning multiple playoff games. A good offense can take you a little ways. An outstanding defense can get you to win Lombardis.

By the way, look at the defensive rankings the teams in the last 2 SBs - All 4 teams had top 5 NFL defenses.

• SB 58: Eagles (defense ranked # 2) vs chiefs (defense ranked #4)
• SB 57: Chiefs (defense ranked #2) vs niners (defense ranked #3)

Defense matters a ton if you want to win playoff games.

How can we build a great defense? What steps should we take?

1. FIRST BIG STEP: Decide what kind of defense to build and what scheme(s) to build around. THEN STAY WITH IT!!! We’ve had 4 DCs in 6 seasons; 3 in 21 months!
2. STEP TWO: Draft and develop players that FIT that philosophy. Stay with it. When you look at our last 4 DCs, they are all very different in styles. And the defensive players we’ve drafted have been all over the philosophical map! Know what you want.
3. STEP THREE: Hire a DC that fits your philosophy. Give them time to build their defensive schemes and players. Stop changing DCs and schemes every year or two. You cannot build that way.

I know the Cowboys need help at multiple positions. But this defense we have is the least talented I’ve seen since the Campo years. We need to take advantage of the draft capital we have and build a defense around a philosophy we will stick with! And we need a GM to stop playing fantasy football and build a roster that can really compete like we did in the 90s.(Hint: It wasn’t all the Triplets!)

You cannot build a quality defense changing coordinators like underwear. It’s time to build another Doomsday Defense! Let’s do it the right way! Let’s get a plan and stick with it.

After all is said and done, it’s back to what we’ve always said was the crux of the problem. You have Jerry who is supposed to implement this plan and hire qualified coaches to coach.? You run into a rock wall before you even get started. All this sounds great on paper, in reality, it’s just wishful thinking. No real GM, no real HC and no real plan.

 

[Majic]

The correct way to go is the Bill Parcells way. 3-4 all the way.

We won't.

 

[Bobhaze]

In bold.

This FO doesnt know how to do this part. They refused to build a defense around a guy like Parsons and decided to go offense heavy. In a draft that was extremely full of defensive talent.

Jerry doesnt believe in building a defense. He believes in box office. Sizzle but no steak.

The correct way to build this team would be from the trenches backwards. Consider this. The first DT they took in the first round in decades was Mazi Smith.

They dont get it. They wont get it. And they dont want to get it.

Very well said. And what’s worse with JJ and SJ - they actually think they get it.

 

[CowboyFanInLexKy]

In bold.

This FO doesnt know how to do this part. They refused to build a defense around a guy like Parsons and decided to go offense heavy. In a draft that was extremely full of defensive talent.

Jerry doesnt believe in building a defense. He believes in box office. Sizzle but no steak.

The correct way to build this team would be from the trenches backwards. Consider this. The first DT they took in the first round in decades was Mazi Smith.

They dont get it. They wont get it. And they dont want to get it.

Unfortunately sad but true...

 

[Chasing6]

Not surprisingly the 2025 Dallas Cowboys defense is on pace to set a dubious NFL record of most points surrendered in a season. Hopefully this leaky ship finds some way to tackle, pressure the QB and cover receivers better or we are headed to the wrong kind of history.

The much discussed Micah Parsons trade has given us two extra first round picks in the next two drafts which if handled properly, could become the beginning of a defense that can compete again.

Surely I don’t need to remind everyone that having a bad defense means you cannot win in the playoffs even if you make them. You need a good offense of course to make the playoffs. But you also need a great defense if you are serious about competing and winning multiple playoff games. A good offense can take you a little ways. An outstanding defense can get you to win Lombardis.

By the way, look at the defensive rankings the teams in the last 2 SBs - All 4 teams had top 5 NFL defenses.

• SB 58: Eagles (defense ranked # 2) vs chiefs (defense ranked #4)
• SB 57: Chiefs (defense ranked #2) vs niners (defense ranked #3)

Defense matters a ton if you want to win playoff games.

How can we build a great defense? What steps should we take?

1. FIRST BIG STEP: Decide what kind of defense to build and what scheme(s) to build around. THEN STAY WITH IT!!! We’ve had 4 DCs in 6 seasons; 3 in 21 months!
2. STEP TWO: Draft and develop players that FIT that philosophy. Stay with it. When you look at our last 4 DCs, they are all very different in styles. And the defensive players we’ve drafted have been all over the philosophical map! Know what you want.
3. STEP THREE: Hire a DC that fits your philosophy. Give them time to build their defensive schemes and players. Stop changing DCs and schemes every year or two. You cannot build that way.

I know the Cowboys need help at multiple positions. But this defense we have is the least talented I’ve seen since the Campo years. We need to take advantage of the draft capital we have and build a defense around a philosophy we will stick with! And we need a GM to stop playing fantasy football and build a roster that can really compete like we did in the 90s.(Hint: It wasn’t all the Triplets!)

You cannot build a quality defense changing coordinators like underwear. It’s time to build another Doomsday Defense! Let’s do it the right way! Let’s get a plan and stick with it.

You think Jerry is going to sign DC to a five year contract???

 

[Chasing6]

You dont really REBUILD in the NFL. You lose so much of a roster from year to year, you are in a constand state of building.

Just a few short years ago our defense was an explosion waiting to explode. We had the best pash rush in football and created massive TOs. Now, our pass rush is atrocious. BUT, I agree it is time to oad up and I would actually look to trade for some really good defenders right now. We clearly have a championship caliber offense. Dak only has a couple more season of this level left. Then we really start over.

Until teams just figured out they only needed to run the ball.

 

[Bobhaze]

You think Jerry is going to sign DC to a five year contract???

No. But if we had a real GM who knew how to properly build a roster, it wouldn’t matter.

 

[Gameover]

not at all. they had a lot of great players besides just the triplets. Back then though there was no salary cap.

salary cap started in 1993. Why we lost Kenny Norton

Trips carried that team in 1995.

 

[IceStar-D7]

For me it's not a hard build for anybody not on the bottle. Draft a game changing DT. Dallas has not shown they can do this. Next? Take a top-level MLB or trade for one. Next? Draft a great safety for once. 3 picks gone. Next take a pass rusher. Now -you'll have to hit on these draft picks of course. I'd then go on the offensive line and the rest of my picks would be for best defensive players still on the board at any position.

Then hire a great DC. Someone with new ideas and schemes. This IMHO is sort of simple on how to do it. Again!! You have to hit on your picks. Then I'd just bring in a free agent or two-especially at DE. We draft a new DT to go along with the two starers we have now and...I haven't even forgotten about Winfrey who could be the inside pass rusher we need. I think Dallas can have a one-year re-build easily next season. "IF" they, do it right. But the 3 blind mice will blow it as they have for 30 mouse filled years.

 

[IceStar-D7]

No. But if we had a real GM who knew how to properly build a roster, it wouldn’t matter.

Jerry and company has shown they can build a powerhouse offense. But never have shown the ability to do the same with the defense. If they could just figure out how to build a defense-we'd have something. Jerry obviously starts drinking at the defensive picks.

 

[DStar22]

salary cap started in 1993. Why we lost Kenny Norton

Trips carried that team in 1995.

"

When Did the NFL Salary Cap Start?​

The NFL salary cap came to fruition in tandem with the beginning of NFL free agency. In 1992, the NFL was determined to have violated antitrust rules by refusing to grant players the opportunity to become free agents.

The NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) eventually agreed to begin free agency in 1993. The salary cap would take effect for the 1994 season.

 

[Bob-Lillys-War]

1994 .

And that ended the cowboys era .

 

[AKATheRake]

Many coordinators move on after a few years. They become a victim of their own success. Quinn and Glenn are prime examples. And those replacements have their own base defenses and draft players to fit those systems.

Unfortunately, for Dallas, the turnstile of defensive coordinators has led to both scenarios.

It has become a vicious cycle for the Cowboys.

This is why it’s a good thing to get an older DC like Vic Fangio who is up to date with modern offences and can coach different schemes. A Steve Spagnuolo. These guys stick to their side of the ball when they’re with a franchise they’re comfortable coaching for.

 

[ShiningStar]

"

When Did the NFL Salary Cap Start?​

The NFL salary cap came to fruition in tandem with the beginning of NFL free agency. In 1992, the NFL was determined to have violated antitrust rules by refusing to grant players the opportunity to become free agents.

The NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) eventually agreed to begin free agency in 1993. The salary cap would take effect for the 1994 season.

its implemention took place in 1994.

teams were thinking and plotting in 1993.

that happens more times because people arent taught that. dates arent the final answer, like stats.

 

[Cowboyny]

Not surprisingly the 2025 Dallas Cowboys defense is on pace to set a dubious NFL record of most points surrendered in a season. Hopefully this leaky ship finds some way to tackle, pressure the QB and cover receivers better or we are headed to the wrong kind of history.

The much discussed Micah Parsons trade has given us two extra first round picks in the next two drafts which if handled properly, could become the beginning of a defense that can compete again.

Surely I don’t need to remind everyone that having a bad defense means you cannot win in the playoffs even if you make them. You need a good offense of course to make the playoffs. But you also need a great defense if you are serious about competing and winning multiple playoff games. A good offense can take you a little ways. An outstanding defense can get you to win Lombardis.

By the way, look at the defensive rankings the teams in the last 2 SBs - All 4 teams had top 5 NFL defenses.

• SB 58: Eagles (defense ranked # 2) vs chiefs (defense ranked #4)
• SB 57: Chiefs (defense ranked #2) vs niners (defense ranked #3)

Defense matters a ton if you want to win playoff games.

How can we build a great defense? What steps should we take?

1. FIRST BIG STEP: Decide what kind of defense to build and what scheme(s) to build around. THEN STAY WITH IT!!! We’ve had 4 DCs in 6 seasons; 3 in 21 months!
2. STEP TWO: Draft and develop players that FIT that philosophy. Stay with it. When you look at our last 4 DCs, they are all very different in styles. And the defensive players we’ve drafted have been all over the philosophical map! Know what you want.
3. STEP THREE: Hire a DC that fits your philosophy. Give them time to build their defensive schemes and players. Stop changing DCs and schemes every year or two. You cannot build that way.

I know the Cowboys need help at multiple positions. But this defense we have is the least talented I’ve seen since the Campo years. We need to take advantage of the draft capital we have and build a defense around a philosophy we will stick with! And we need a GM to stop playing fantasy football and build a roster that can really compete like we did in the 90s.(Hint: It wasn’t all the Triplets!)

You cannot build a quality defense changing coordinators like underwear. It’s time to build another Doomsday Defense! Let’s do it the right way! Let’s get a plan and stick with it.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[Blast From The Past]

More than 4 games would fair-ish

Perhaps let him stay all season then reevaluate the situation. So far I'll be Cpt. Obvious he stinks.

 

[ArtClink]

Not surprisingly the 2025 Dallas Cowboys defense is on pace to set a dubious NFL record of most points surrendered in a season. Hopefully this leaky ship finds some way to tackle, pressure the QB and cover receivers better or we are headed to the wrong kind of history.

The much discussed Micah Parsons trade has given us two extra first round picks in the next two drafts which if handled properly, could become the beginning of a defense that can compete again.

Surely I don’t need to remind everyone that having a bad defense means you cannot win in the playoffs even if you make them. You need a good offense of course to make the playoffs. But you also need a great defense if you are serious about competing and winning multiple playoff games. A good offense can take you a little ways. An outstanding defense can get you to win Lombardis.

By the way, look at the defensive rankings the teams in the last 2 SBs - All 4 teams had top 5 NFL defenses.

• SB 58: Eagles (defense ranked # 2) vs chiefs (defense ranked #4)
• SB 57: Chiefs (defense ranked #2) vs niners (defense ranked #3)

Defense matters a ton if you want to win playoff games.

How can we build a great defense? What steps should we take?

1. FIRST BIG STEP: Decide what kind of defense to build and what scheme(s) to build around. THEN STAY WITH IT!!! We’ve had 4 DCs in 6 seasons; 3 in 21 months!
2. STEP TWO: Draft and develop players that FIT that philosophy. Stay with it. When you look at our last 4 DCs, they are all very different in styles. And the defensive players we’ve drafted have been all over the philosophical map! Know what you want.
3. STEP THREE: Hire a DC that fits your philosophy. Give them time to build their defensive schemes and players. Stop changing DCs and schemes every year or two. You cannot build that way.

I know the Cowboys need help at multiple positions. But this defense we have is the least talented I’ve seen since the Campo years. We need to take advantage of the draft capital we have and build a defense around a philosophy we will stick with! And we need a GM to stop playing fantasy football and build a roster that can really compete like we did in the 90s.(Hint: It wasn’t all the Triplets!)

You cannot build a quality defense changing coordinators like underwear. It’s time to build another Doomsday Defense! Let’s do it the right way! Let’s get a plan and stick with it.

Excellent points, esp about this team's identity the past five years. Our FO has to stop overspending on the offensive side of the ball, something that seems like a long term issue.

 

[tomokawan]

Not surprisingly the 2025 Dallas Cowboys defense is on pace to set a dubious NFL record of most points surrendered in a season. Hopefully this leaky ship finds some way to tackle, pressure the QB and cover receivers better or we are headed to the wrong kind of history.

The much discussed Micah Parsons trade has given us two extra first round picks in the next two drafts which if handled properly, could become the beginning of a defense that can compete again.

Surely I don’t need to remind everyone that having a bad defense means you cannot win in the playoffs even if you make them. You need a good offense of course to make the playoffs. But you also need a great defense if you are serious about competing and winning multiple playoff games. A good offense can take you a little ways. An outstanding defense can get you to win Lombardis.

By the way, look at the defensive rankings the teams in the last 2 SBs - All 4 teams had top 5 NFL defenses.

• SB 58: Eagles (defense ranked # 2) vs chiefs (defense ranked #4)
• SB 57: Chiefs (defense ranked #2) vs niners (defense ranked #3)

Defense matters a ton if you want to win playoff games.

How can we build a great defense? What steps should we take?

1. FIRST BIG STEP: Decide what kind of defense to build and what scheme(s) to build around. THEN STAY WITH IT!!! We’ve had 4 DCs in 6 seasons; 3 in 21 months!
2. STEP TWO: Draft and develop players that FIT that philosophy. Stay with it. When you look at our last 4 DCs, they are all very different in styles. And the defensive players we’ve drafted have been all over the philosophical map! Know what you want.
3. STEP THREE: Hire a DC that fits your philosophy. Give them time to build their defensive schemes and players. Stop changing DCs and schemes every year or two. You cannot build that way.

I know the Cowboys need help at multiple positions. But this defense we have is the least talented I’ve seen since the Campo years. We need to take advantage of the draft capital we have and build a defense around a philosophy we will stick with! And we need a GM to stop playing fantasy football and build a roster that can really compete like we did in the 90s.(Hint: It wasn’t all the Triplets!)

You cannot build a quality defense changing coordinators like underwear. It’s time to build another Doomsday Defense! Let’s do it the right way! Let’s get a plan and stick with it.

The problem is. If you have a good DC, they will not be with you long. The nature of the beast.