Specialization on Defense?

[Stash]

Based upon what I’ve read, heard, and seen, I’m getting the distinct impression that Dan Quinn is attempting to create a number of special roles and players to fill specific needs.

For instance, since his arrival, we’ve signed and drafted several defensive players with clearly-defined roles. Guys like Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins look to be base ends, signed for run defense. Likewise for drafting Quinton Bohanna, his role is clearly defined and it ain’t pass rush.

I also see a specific role for free agent signee Keanu Neal - nickel linebacker. And particular situations and matchups for a player like Nashon Wright as an outside corner harassing bigger opposing receivers.

There now seem to be specific roles for returning players like Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch as well, at strong and weak side linebacker respectfully.

I’m thinking that this will apply to guys like Gregory and Basham and the two rookie defensive linemen Odighizuwa and Gholston too.

My sense is that there will be a lot of rotation and situational lineups. And while I can certainly see some positives, I can also see potential issues with teams realizing what you’re trying to go and doing their best to stop it. Or worse yet, to use it against you.

I will be interested to see if it does come to fruition and if so, how the defense deals with hurry up and no huddle offensive game plans.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Pretty good observation stash! Anything is better than the helter skelter defense from last year.

I'd like to see the offense get off to a better start in games so the defense can actually play with a lead.

 

[CowboyFrog]

Based upon what I’ve read, heard, and seen, I’m getting the distinct impression that Dan Quinn is attempting to create a number of special roles and players to fill specific needs.

For instance, since his arrival, we’ve signed and drafted several defensive players with clearly-defined roles. Guys like Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins look to be base ends, signed for run defense. Likewise for drafting Quinton Bohanna, his role is clearly defined and it ain’t pass rush.

I also see a specific role for free agent signee Keanu Neal - nickel linebacker. And particular situations and matchups for a player like Nashon Wright as an outside corner harassing bigger opposing receivers.

There now seem to be specific roles for returning players like Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch as well, at strong and weak side linebacker respectfully.

I’m thinking that this will apply to guys like Gregory and Basham and the two rookie defensive linemen Odighizuwa and Gholston too.

My sense is that there will be a lot of rotation and situational lineups. And while I can certainly see some positives, I can also see potential issues with teams realizing what you’re trying to go and doing their best to stop it. Or worse yet, to use it against you.

I will be interested to see if it does come to fruition and if so, how the defense deals with hurry up and no huddle offensive game plans.

This sounds alot like Bellicheat's scheme, I hope sooo!!! if he is willing to move guys around to match up with an offensive game plan im very excited.

 

[Stash]

This sounds alot like Bellicheat's scheme, I hope sooo!!! if he is willing to move guys around to match up with an offensive game plan im very excited.

Thats definitely the impression I’ve gotten and I’m curious to hear whether or not others have that same thought?

 

[JBS]

I don't think so. You could pretty much say the same thing for most teams, even Dallas last year..most guys have one roll and that's all they do

With that said, maybe it is fair to say that D. Quinn has done a much better job of having a vision that we as fans can see relatively clearly..whether or not that translates to success on the field or not remains to be seen

 

[Maxmadden]

In theory it sounds great until the other team catches certain players on the field and go into hurry up offense.

 

[Redball Express]

Based upon what I’ve read, heard, and seen, I’m getting the distinct impression that Dan Quinn is attempting to create a number of special roles and players to fill specific needs.

For instance, since his arrival, we’ve signed and drafted several defensive players with clearly-defined roles. Guys like Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins look to be base ends, signed for run defense. Likewise for drafting Quinton Bohanna, his role is clearly defined and it ain’t pass rush.

I also see a specific role for free agent signee Keanu Neal - nickel linebacker. And particular situations and matchups for a player like Nashon Wright as an outside corner harassing bigger opposing receivers.

There now seem to be specific roles for returning players like Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch as well, at strong and weak side linebacker respectfully.

I’m thinking that this will apply to guys like Gregory and Basham and the two rookie defensive linemen Odighizuwa and Gholston too.

My sense is that there will be a lot of rotation and situational lineups. And while I can certainly see some positives, I can also see potential issues with teams realizing what you’re trying to go and doing their best to stop it. Or worse yet, to use it against you.

I will be interested to see if it does come to fruition and if so, how the defense deals with hurry up and no huddle offensive game plans.

Quinn was scouted in Atlanta pretty well. Hard to assume Quinn changes much. The talent has to improve itself. Can they do that?

 

[CowboyRoy]

Based upon what I’ve read, heard, and seen, I’m getting the distinct impression that Dan Quinn is attempting to create a number of special roles and players to fill specific needs.

For instance, since his arrival, we’ve signed and drafted several defensive players with clearly-defined roles. Guys like Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins look to be base ends, signed for run defense. Likewise for drafting Quinton Bohanna, his role is clearly defined and it ain’t pass rush.

I also see a specific role for free agent signee Keanu Neal - nickel linebacker. And particular situations and matchups for a player like Nashon Wright as an outside corner harassing bigger opposing receivers.

There now seem to be specific roles for returning players like Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch as well, at strong and weak side linebacker respectfully.

I’m thinking that this will apply to guys like Gregory and Basham and the two rookie defensive linemen Odighizuwa and Gholston too.

My sense is that there will be a lot of rotation and situational lineups. And while I can certainly see some positives, I can also see potential issues with teams realizing what you’re trying to go and doing their best to stop it. Or worse yet, to use it against you.

I will be interested to see if it does come to fruition and if so, how the defense deals with hurry up and no huddle offensive game plans.

Im not a big fan of it to be honest. All these specialty types. Just give me great football players that can play the run and the pass.

I think the DC went into this offseason with one huge goal in mind...........................STOP THE RUN.

And all these specialty guys............what's going to happen when the next DC comes in here and all these specialty guys arent right for HIS system?

Parsons, Lawrence, Diggs................these guys are good for ANY system.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I got the exact same idea. He said something about needing different type players to match up against different offenses (spread, option, power, etc.). It sounds like he's copying a moneyball type approach.

Coaches have always done this to some degree, but I haven't heard it put the way he did. I wonder if this is a thing among younger coaches or something.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Pretty good observation stash! Anything is better than the helter skelter defense from last year.

I'd like to see the offense get off to a better start in games so the defense can actually play with a lead.

The defense has to stop someone in order for it to play with a lead.

Cowboys were up 14-7 on the Browns last year in the first quarter. What did that do for the defense with a lead?

 

[Stash]

Quinn was scouted in Atlanta pretty well. Hard to assume Quinn changes much. The talent has to improve itself. Can they do that?

I sure hope so. I think the Neal and Kazee signings will hopefully improve the nickel defense.

 

[CowboyFrog]

In theory it sounds great until the other team catches certain players on the field and go into hurry up offense.

It does take good coaching, if you have a scheme that nuetralizes the offensive teams scheme, they dont change on a whim like that. Now as far as finding a matchup thats getting yards for you..yes I agree but again to me that goes back to prep and coaching for the game. We get to sub if they do there shouldn't be glaring mis macthes all over the defense if the DC and coaches are paying attention.....well unless are players truly are bad in which case none of this matters....

 

[Whyjerry]

Pretty good observation stash! Anything is better than the helter skelter defense from last year.

I'd like to see the offense get off to a better start in games so the defense can actually play with a lead.

I totally agree. I would prefer boring bend don’t break defense vs the clown show from last year.

 

[Redball Express]

I sure hope so. I think the Neal and Kazee signings will hopefully improve the nickel defense.

we need safeties who can cover Yes. Yes.

 

[jazzcat22]

I am not a fan of specialization on defense. Need players that can do it all if needed at their respective positions. None of this versatile crap such as Crawford was, or we were told he was. Turned out he wasn't.
I understand, yes, this guy can play DE and can play DT, if needed. But leave him at DE until injuries makes him needed at DT.

I like that Quinn is addressing the situation and issues on defense. And some specialization is needed. Let's just hope it is not over specialized.

 

[Stash]

we need safeties who can cover Yes. Yes.

Linebackers too, like Neal.

 

[Redball Express]

I totally agree. I would prefer boring bend don’t break defense vs the clown show from last year.

A lead..whats that? Under Garrett we always played within striking distance in the 4th Qt.saw and relied on Dak to win in the 4th Qt.saw which worked well in 2016 but defenses learned how to shut Dak down late in games. Dak and Moore never did figure out how to fix things. Playing with a lead earlier in games would change everything.

 

[Redball Express]

The big thing here is not. resigning Awuzie and some others to open up positions on defense. Do you guys recall then those guys were drafted the team was without any talent in the secondary and threw a number of draft picks at the DBs. We just burned thru that draft plus we let Byron Jones walk too.

In retrospect we made it clear that Jones had outgrown his contract and would not resign him. Seems like a big mistake now to me. We nearly spent a #1 pick on a CB and still looking at fixing the position next year too. What a screwed up thought process. Had we kept him we would have our defense much better built and we would not have to keep using resources every year to fix the secondary. Seems like we do not ever fix stuff..we just make a decision to pay our offensive players make more.

 

[Redball Express]

I think we fixed the LBer positions..on paper..we should be light years improved.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Based upon what I’ve read, heard, and seen, I’m getting the distinct impression that Dan Quinn is attempting to create a number of special roles and players to fill specific needs.

For instance, since his arrival, we’ve signed and drafted several defensive players with clearly-defined roles. Guys like Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins look to be base ends, signed for run defense. Likewise for drafting Quinton Bohanna, his role is clearly defined and it ain’t pass rush.

I also see a specific role for free agent signee Keanu Neal - nickel linebacker. And particular situations and matchups for a player like Nashon Wright as an outside corner harassing bigger opposing receivers.

There now seem to be specific roles for returning players like Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch as well, at strong and weak side linebacker respectfully.

I’m thinking that this will apply to guys like Gregory and Basham and the two rookie defensive linemen Odighizuwa and Gholston too.

My sense is that there will be a lot of rotation and situational lineups. And while I can certainly see some positives, I can also see potential issues with teams realizing what you’re trying to go and doing their best to stop it. Or worse yet, to use it against you.

I will be interested to see if it does come to fruition and if so, how the defense deals with hurry up and no huddle offensive game plans.

We're trying to get by on the cheap with role players, particularly on the non-edge dline. The pressure is on Quinn to scheme the defense into adequacy.