Cowboyny
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The #1 Goal for every defense in any era is being able to stop the run and make an offense one dimensional! I don't want to hear that today's game is all about stopping the pass. If that was the case Cowboys Defense would be one of the best units in the entire league, their issue isn't defending the pass, but rather being successful on the early downs. It is much harder to defend 3rd and short, where offenses can either run or pass the ball.
Have the Cowboys done enough this offseason to upgrade their run defense:
-Change of scheme should help, Quinn used a ton of stunts/twists that opened up gapping holes to run through.
-The days of Safeties playing LB are now over, they will have legitimate linebackers with size.
-Brought in Eric Kendricks, who has lost a step, but still the better and more healthier player than Lve ever was. Overshown returns and they also added a rookie to the group.
-Outside runs right at Parsons was a major issue, Kneeland could upgrade that immediately, along with Parsons being off the ball against the run.
-Mazi remains a huge questionmark, but they will not be forcing him to be an up the field 3T anymore.
-Can Osa be impactful for a full season?
Although not much personnel upgrades, I do feel the run defense will be improved, just don't know how much. Zimmer's scheme should help, but this team desperately needs to upgrade the DT position. They need that war daddy inside to complete this defense. I believe that is the area to attack in next year's draft!
Rushing Offense
This team hasn't had much success running the football since Travis Frederick got sick. He was a special player who can do it all. When you look back even prior to Zeke's arrival, this offense dominated teams on the ground. Hell, they made Darren McFadden look real good at the end of his career. Murray had a 1,800 yr rushing season. Neither back was considered elite prior to those seasons, but the Cowboy OL was.
What have the Cowboys done to improve their rushing offense?
-They clearly needed to get younger, stronger and more athletic. I do think they accomplished this via the draft, although these players needs developmental time.
-Beebe, the team's projected Center has all the physical traits you seek, but he has to learn the mental side of playing the Center position.
-Guyton has elite athleticism, but he has to learn how to play with more violence and finish better.
-Many are writing off Steele too quickly, he was one of the best run blocking Tackles 2 years ago and came off of major knee surgery. He looked far better late in the season.
-Who is running the football? Many thought Dowdle actually looked better then Pollard for most the season. He is a true lead back, can he stay healthy? No to both the questions. Still believe they need to add a starting running back. What about Zeke and his role? Always has had the nose for the endzone and leaning forward crossing the sticks. As a short yardage type of back he will be just fine, now if they give him too many touches, he will struggle.
Clearly the front office made an effort to overhaul the offensive line in this year's draft. If they can hit on both Guyton/Beebe that will be huge for the future. LT/C are the most important positions along the line. Losing Tyron hurts, but at least they can build continuity with the group. Starting Running Back is an issue, but the hard part has been already addressed up front.
Have the Cowboys done enough this offseason to upgrade their run defense:
-Change of scheme should help, Quinn used a ton of stunts/twists that opened up gapping holes to run through.
-The days of Safeties playing LB are now over, they will have legitimate linebackers with size.
-Brought in Eric Kendricks, who has lost a step, but still the better and more healthier player than Lve ever was. Overshown returns and they also added a rookie to the group.
-Outside runs right at Parsons was a major issue, Kneeland could upgrade that immediately, along with Parsons being off the ball against the run.
-Mazi remains a huge questionmark, but they will not be forcing him to be an up the field 3T anymore.
-Can Osa be impactful for a full season?
Although not much personnel upgrades, I do feel the run defense will be improved, just don't know how much. Zimmer's scheme should help, but this team desperately needs to upgrade the DT position. They need that war daddy inside to complete this defense. I believe that is the area to attack in next year's draft!
Rushing Offense
This team hasn't had much success running the football since Travis Frederick got sick. He was a special player who can do it all. When you look back even prior to Zeke's arrival, this offense dominated teams on the ground. Hell, they made Darren McFadden look real good at the end of his career. Murray had a 1,800 yr rushing season. Neither back was considered elite prior to those seasons, but the Cowboy OL was.
What have the Cowboys done to improve their rushing offense?
-They clearly needed to get younger, stronger and more athletic. I do think they accomplished this via the draft, although these players needs developmental time.
-Beebe, the team's projected Center has all the physical traits you seek, but he has to learn the mental side of playing the Center position.
-Guyton has elite athleticism, but he has to learn how to play with more violence and finish better.
-Many are writing off Steele too quickly, he was one of the best run blocking Tackles 2 years ago and came off of major knee surgery. He looked far better late in the season.
-Who is running the football? Many thought Dowdle actually looked better then Pollard for most the season. He is a true lead back, can he stay healthy? No to both the questions. Still believe they need to add a starting running back. What about Zeke and his role? Always has had the nose for the endzone and leaning forward crossing the sticks. As a short yardage type of back he will be just fine, now if they give him too many touches, he will struggle.
Clearly the front office made an effort to overhaul the offensive line in this year's draft. If they can hit on both Guyton/Beebe that will be huge for the future. LT/C are the most important positions along the line. Losing Tyron hurts, but at least they can build continuity with the group. Starting Running Back is an issue, but the hard part has been already addressed up front.
