The Cowboys Just Lost the Best Defensive Player in the NFL

[phildadon86]

What if I told you I could make a case for 2017 being the best defense you've had over the last 4 years? Way better than 2017. Noticeably improved from 2018. Not even 2016 holds a candle to them. You'd say that's kind of ridiculous right? Check this out:

Opponent's Points Per Game

2018: 6th
2017: 13th
2016: 5th
2015: 16th

2017 Doesn't look too great here. Keeping them out of the endzone is the number 1 goal, right? How could anyone come to the conclusion the D was doing their job better than the division round years? Let's go deeper...

Opponent's Yards Per Game

2018: 7th
2017: 8th
2016: 14th
2015: 17th

Wait... what? Everything else lines up, except suddenly 2017 got way better. So you shut teams down from running up and down the field, but allowed them to score at will when they got a chance? Hmm... need 1 more stat to make this a bit clearer...

Opponent's Yards Per Play

2018: 5.4 (13th)
2017: 5.1 (8th)
2016: 5.5 (16th)
2015: 5.6 (19th)

Hold the phone! 0.3 yards per play that 2017 has over 2018 is MORE than the 0.2 that 2018 has over your abysmal 2015. That's a huge discrepancy. For context, that 0.3 ypp 2017 has over 2018 is exactly what they are apart from the single best D in the league that year (would jump from 8 to 1).

So how is it possible a team can give up the 8th fewest yards per play, but still end up 13th in yards per game? Conversely, how is it a team in 2016 can give up the 16th most yards per game but only allowed the 5th most points? That's nuts! What is the connecting tissue here? What happened in 2017 that didn't happen in 2016 or 2018? One more stat...

Average Drive on Offense

2018: Time 2:59 (2nd) Plays 6.27 (2nd)
2017: Time 2:50 (5th) Plays 6:09 (5th)
2016: Time 2:57 (2nd) Plays 6.04 (5th)
2015: Time 2.54 (2nd) Plays 5.82 (12th)

If you haven't put it together by now, 2017 is the year Zeke missed games. Your Time of possession is better with Zeke in, your plays per drive is better, your points allowed is much better regardless of how your defense is playing. Giving up 5.1 ypp in 2017? doesn't matter, if Zeke isn't in the opponent will get enough drives to put up points. Giving up 5.5 ypp in 2016? Doesn't matter, with Zeke setting Cowboy rookie records, your scoring defense was the best you've had in decades.

Khalil Mack doesn't make the opponent's points per game jump nearly 10 rankings. Neither does Aaron Donald, both have played on D's that lost them Football games because the offense wasn't there. Zeke has only ever played on stellar D's, and that's no accident. He is the single most valuable defensive force in the national football league. Tony Pollard could run for 120 yards against NYG, but they're likely going to have an advantage in the time of possession because of Saquon. Now with those extra drives maybe Eli throws picks and you're good. But maybe he doesn't. You won't be missing Zeke on offense nearly as much as you'll be missing him on defense.

How did we lose him when a deal is imminent?

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

How did we lose him when a deal is imminent?

How is a deal imminent when all sources say talks have fallen apart?

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

How is a deal imminent when all sources say talks have fallen apart?

Latest news is they've made progress again. Of course that can change in an instant as it has on the past.

 

[ESisback]

By talks falling apart the monday before game 1, odds are high (but not guaranteed) he will not be in the lineup vs NYG.

Eagle fans are always obsessed with ANYTHING with potential to weaken the Cowboys!

 

[phildadon86]

How is a deal imminent when all sources say talks have fallen apart?

Talks fell apart? The last thing Robinson said was at 4 am about how they are closer on guaranteed and all that needs to change is the language of the deal. Go troll the Eagles board man

 

[Future]

YPG allowed with Zeke 2017: 295

YPG allowed without Zeke 2017: 356

You're trying to use a 6 game sample size to circumvent a point made over 4 years of games. Perhaps if half those game weren't against Oakland, Washington, NYG, 3 teams that finished bottom 7 in offensive efficiency that year, then there might be something to it. Or maybe your point is you need to play half your games against bottom 7 teams in order to match what Zeke gives you? Does that support your argument or mine?

Umm, you were using a 6-game sample, because that's the number of games he missed in 2017.

Your point is totally bogus. The biggest difference between 2015 and 2016 is having an actual NFL quarterback, and being dominant on 3rd down. Attributing that all to Zeke is dumb.

 

[blueblood70]

What if I told you I could make a case for 2017 being the best defense you've had over the last 4 years? Way better than 2017. Noticeably improved from 2018. Not even 2016 holds a candle to them. You'd say that's kind of ridiculous right? Check this out:

Opponent's Points Per Game

2018: 6th
2017: 13th
2016: 5th
2015: 16th

2017 Doesn't look too great here. Keeping them out of the endzone is the number 1 goal, right? How could anyone come to the conclusion the D was doing their job better than the division round years? Let's go deeper...

Opponent's Yards Per Game

2018: 7th
2017: 8th
2016: 14th
2015: 17th

Wait... what? Everything else lines up, except suddenly 2017 got way better. So you shut teams down from running up and down the field, but allowed them to score at will when they got a chance? Hmm... need 1 more stat to make this a bit clearer...

Opponent's Yards Per Play

2018: 5.4 (13th)
2017: 5.1 (8th)
2016: 5.5 (16th)
2015: 5.6 (19th)

Hold the phone! 0.3 yards per play that 2017 has over 2018 is MORE than the 0.2 that 2018 has over your abysmal 2015. That's a huge discrepancy. For context, that 0.3 ypp 2017 has over 2018 is exactly what they are apart from the single best D in the league that year (would jump from 8 to 1).

So how is it possible a team can give up the 8th fewest yards per play, but still end up 13th in yards per game? Conversely, how is it a team in 2016 can give up the 16th most yards per game but only allowed the 5th most points? That's nuts! What is the connecting tissue here? What happened in 2017 that didn't happen in 2016 or 2018? One more stat...

Average Drive on Offense

2018: Time 2:59 (2nd) Plays 6.27 (2nd)
2017: Time 2:50 (5th) Plays 6:09 (5th)
2016: Time 2:57 (2nd) Plays 6.04 (5th)
2015: Time 2.54 (2nd) Plays 5.82 (12th)

If you haven't put it together by now, 2017 is the year Zeke missed games. Your Time of possession is better with Zeke in, your plays per drive is better, your points allowed is much better regardless of how your defense is playing. Giving up 5.1 ypp in 2017? doesn't matter, if Zeke isn't in the opponent will get enough drives to put up points. Giving up 5.5 ypp in 2016? Doesn't matter, with Zeke setting Cowboy rookie records, your scoring defense was the best you've had in decades.

Khalil Mack doesn't make the opponent's points per game jump nearly 10 rankings. Neither does Aaron Donald, both have played on D's that lost them Football games because the offense wasn't there. Zeke has only ever played on stellar D's, and that's no accident. He is the single most valuable defensive force in the national football league. Tony Pollard could run for 120 yards against NYG, but they're likely going to have an advantage in the time of possession because of Saquon. Now with those extra drives maybe Eli throws picks and you're good. But maybe he doesn't. You won't be missing Zeke on offense nearly as much as you'll be missing him on defense.

we lost who?? somebody get hurt? did I miss something? oh I see you are talking how EE helps OWN TOP and keeps the D off the field?, yes I agree it adds to his value, catching, blocking, running, and grinding out drives that tire the others teams D are all big factors on why zeke should get paid..

 

[silvrNblue]

Totally agree just not one that costs so much that we cant afford to pay other talent and because of his multiple off field issues risk him not being on the field after he has been paid the fortune

BINGO! One would have to be a blithering idiot to go out on the cash cow limb to pay a guy who in all respects has shown he is not mature enough to handle the small % he is paid now. What good will having THE highest paid RB do us, IF he is suspended for more of his boneheaded off field antics? I for one would NOT go out on that limb with this kid. He hasn't shown the common sense to stay out of trouble and off the front pages of every NFL paper to be due that. Like every other cowboy fan, I want to see him running in our back field, just not carrying 100 money bags with him.

 

[phildadon86]

How is a deal imminent when all sources say talks have fallen apart?

Fallen apart eh eagles fan?

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

Umm, you were using a 6-game sample, because that's the number of games he missed in 2017.

Your point is totally bogus. The biggest difference between 2015 and 2016 is having an actual NFL quarterback, and being dominant on 3rd down. Attributing that all to Zeke is dumb.

And what was the big difference between 2016 and 2017? Magic?

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

Fallen apart eh eagles fan?

LIterally says theres still issues. They only have 5 days, when those issues couldnt be ironed out in the last 30. I'm not saying it wont happen. But as of today, it hasnt happened, you're arguing semantics based on rumors. Zeke is not signed, that is the only fact here.

 

[xwalker]

What if I told you I could make a case for 2017 being the best defense you've had over the last 4 years? Way better than 2017. Noticeably improved from 2018. Not even 2016 holds a candle to them. You'd say that's kind of ridiculous right? Check this out:

Opponent's Points Per Game

2018: 6th
2017: 13th
2016: 5th
2015: 16th

2017 Doesn't look too great here. Keeping them out of the endzone is the number 1 goal, right? How could anyone come to the conclusion the D was doing their job better than the division round years? Let's go deeper...

Opponent's Yards Per Game

2018: 7th
2017: 8th
2016: 14th
2015: 17th

Wait... what? Everything else lines up, except suddenly 2017 got way better. So you shut teams down from running up and down the field, but allowed them to score at will when they got a chance? Hmm... need 1 more stat to make this a bit clearer...

Opponent's Yards Per Play

2018: 5.4 (13th)
2017: 5.1 (8th)
2016: 5.5 (16th)
2015: 5.6 (19th)

Hold the phone! 0.3 yards per play that 2017 has over 2018 is MORE than the 0.2 that 2018 has over your abysmal 2015. That's a huge discrepancy. For context, that 0.3 ypp 2017 has over 2018 is exactly what they are apart from the single best D in the league that year (would jump from 8 to 1).

So how is it possible a team can give up the 8th fewest yards per play, but still end up 13th in yards per game? Conversely, how is it a team in 2016 can give up the 16th most yards per game but only allowed the 5th most points? That's nuts! What is the connecting tissue here? What happened in 2017 that didn't happen in 2016 or 2018? One more stat...

Average Drive on Offense

2018: Time 2:59 (2nd) Plays 6.27 (2nd)
2017: Time 2:50 (5th) Plays 6:09 (5th)
2016: Time 2:57 (2nd) Plays 6.04 (5th)
2015: Time 2.54 (2nd) Plays 5.82 (12th)

If you haven't put it together by now, 2017 is the year Zeke missed games. Your Time of possession is better with Zeke in, your plays per drive is better, your points allowed is much better regardless of how your defense is playing. Giving up 5.1 ypp in 2017? doesn't matter, if Zeke isn't in the opponent will get enough drives to put up points. Giving up 5.5 ypp in 2016? Doesn't matter, with Zeke setting Cowboy rookie records, your scoring defense was the best you've had in decades.

Khalil Mack doesn't make the opponent's points per game jump nearly 10 rankings. Neither does Aaron Donald, both have played on D's that lost them Football games because the offense wasn't there. Zeke has only ever played on stellar D's, and that's no accident. He is the single most valuable defensive force in the national football league. Tony Pollard could run for 120 yards against NYG, but they're likely going to have an advantage in the time of possession because of Saquon. Now with those extra drives maybe Eli throws picks and you're good. But maybe he doesn't. You won't be missing Zeke on offense nearly as much as you'll be missing him on defense.

I give you credit for making your case analytically.

You are better poster than many that claim to be Cowboys fans, which is sad for us; although, some that claim to be Cowboys fans to collect likes are actually Eagles fans and live up there in the Philly home area.

 

[zrinkill]

Can some mod put this troll thread where it belongs

 

[Ranching]

What if I told you I could make a case for 2017 being the best defense you've had over the last 4 years? Way better than 2017. Noticeably improved from 2018. Not even 2016 holds a candle to them. You'd say that's kind of ridiculous right? Check this out:

Opponent's Points Per Game

2018: 6th
2017: 13th
2016: 5th
2015: 16th

2017 Doesn't look too great here. Keeping them out of the endzone is the number 1 goal, right? How could anyone come to the conclusion the D was doing their job better than the division round years? Let's go deeper...

Opponent's Yards Per Game

2018: 7th
2017: 8th
2016: 14th
2015: 17th

Wait... what? Everything else lines up, except suddenly 2017 got way better. So you shut teams down from running up and down the field, but allowed them to score at will when they got a chance? Hmm... need 1 more stat to make this a bit clearer...

Opponent's Yards Per Play

2018: 5.4 (13th)
2017: 5.1 (8th)
2016: 5.5 (16th)
2015: 5.6 (19th)

Hold the phone! 0.3 yards per play that 2017 has over 2018 is MORE than the 0.2 that 2018 has over your abysmal 2015. That's a huge discrepancy. For context, that 0.3 ypp 2017 has over 2018 is exactly what they are apart from the single best D in the league that year (would jump from 8 to 1).

So how is it possible a team can give up the 8th fewest yards per play, but still end up 13th in yards per game? Conversely, how is it a team in 2016 can give up the 16th most yards per game but only allowed the 5th most points? That's nuts! What is the connecting tissue here? What happened in 2017 that didn't happen in 2016 or 2018? One more stat...

Average Drive on Offense

2018: Time 2:59 (2nd) Plays 6.27 (2nd)
2017: Time 2:50 (5th) Plays 6:09 (5th)
2016: Time 2:57 (2nd) Plays 6.04 (5th)
2015: Time 2.54 (2nd) Plays 5.82 (12th)

If you haven't put it together by now, 2017 is the year Zeke missed games. Your Time of possession is better with Zeke in, your plays per drive is better, your points allowed is much better regardless of how your defense is playing. Giving up 5.1 ypp in 2017? doesn't matter, if Zeke isn't in the opponent will get enough drives to put up points. Giving up 5.5 ypp in 2016? Doesn't matter, with Zeke setting Cowboy rookie records, your scoring defense was the best you've had in decades.

Khalil Mack doesn't make the opponent's points per game jump nearly 10 rankings. Neither does Aaron Donald, both have played on D's that lost them Football games because the offense wasn't there. Zeke has only ever played on stellar D's, and that's no accident. He is the single most valuable defensive force in the national football league. Tony Pollard could run for 120 yards against NYG, but they're likely going to have an advantage in the time of possession because of Saquon. Now with those extra drives maybe Eli throws picks and you're good. But maybe he doesn't. You won't be missing Zeke on offense nearly as much as you'll be missing him on defense.

Even I dont drink this early in the morning!!

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

What if I told you I could make a case for 2017 being the best defense you've had over the last 4 years? Way better than 2017. Noticeably improved from 2018. Not even 2016 holds a candle to them. You'd say that's kind of ridiculous right? Check this out:

Opponent's Points Per Game

2018: 6th
2017: 13th
2016: 5th
2015: 16th

2017 Doesn't look too great here. Keeping them out of the endzone is the number 1 goal, right? How could anyone come to the conclusion the D was doing their job better than the division round years? Let's go deeper...

Opponent's Yards Per Game

2018: 7th
2017: 8th
2016: 14th
2015: 17th

Wait... what? Everything else lines up, except suddenly 2017 got way better. So you shut teams down from running up and down the field, but allowed them to score at will when they got a chance? Hmm... need 1 more stat to make this a bit clearer...

Opponent's Yards Per Play

2018: 5.4 (13th)
2017: 5.1 (8th)
2016: 5.5 (16th)
2015: 5.6 (19th)

Hold the phone! 0.3 yards per play that 2017 has over 2018 is MORE than the 0.2 that 2018 has over your abysmal 2015. That's a huge discrepancy. For context, that 0.3 ypp 2017 has over 2018 is exactly what they are apart from the single best D in the league that year (would jump from 8 to 1).

So how is it possible a team can give up the 8th fewest yards per play, but still end up 13th in yards per game? Conversely, how is it a team in 2016 can give up the 16th most yards per game but only allowed the 5th most points? That's nuts! What is the connecting tissue here? What happened in 2017 that didn't happen in 2016 or 2018? One more stat...

Average Drive on Offense

2018: Time 2:59 (2nd) Plays 6.27 (2nd)
2017: Time 2:50 (5th) Plays 6:09 (5th)
2016: Time 2:57 (2nd) Plays 6.04 (5th)
2015: Time 2.54 (2nd) Plays 5.82 (12th)

If you haven't put it together by now, 2017 is the year Zeke missed games. Your Time of possession is better with Zeke in, your plays per drive is better, your points allowed is much better regardless of how your defense is playing. Giving up 5.1 ypp in 2017? doesn't matter, if Zeke isn't in the opponent will get enough drives to put up points. Giving up 5.5 ypp in 2016? Doesn't matter, with Zeke setting Cowboy rookie records, your scoring defense was the best you've had in decades.

Khalil Mack doesn't make the opponent's points per game jump nearly 10 rankings. Neither does Aaron Donald, both have played on D's that lost them Football games because the offense wasn't there. Zeke has only ever played on stellar D's, and that's no accident. He is the single most valuable defensive force in the national football league. Tony Pollard could run for 120 yards against NYG, but they're likely going to have an advantage in the time of possession because of Saquon. Now with those extra drives maybe Eli throws picks and you're good. But maybe he doesn't. You won't be missing Zeke on offense nearly as much as you'll be missing him on defense.

You seem terribly confused. First, you argue that our best defense in recent years was the 2017 version. Next you point out that 2017 was the year Zeke missed games. Finally, you conclude that Zeke is vital to fielding our best defense?

LOL. Eagles fans logic, I suppose.

 

[xwalker]

LMAO

In 2017:

Points Against w/out Zeke - 22.17
Points Against with Zeke (not including Philly week 17) - 22.1

Games with most points against:

Broncos, 42 - Zeke
Rams , 35 - Zeke
Eagles, 37, No Zeke
Packers, 35 - Zeke
Chargers, 28 - No Zeke
Falcons, 27 - No Zeke

Yea, Zeke is what makes the defense.

Good counter!

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

You seem terribly confused. First, you argue that our best defense in recent years was the 2017 version. Next you point out that 2017 was the year Zeke missed games. Finally, you conclude that Zeke is vital to our fielding our best defense?

LOL. Eagles fans logic, I suppose.

You missed the point, that's why you're confused. 2017 was your best defense as per ypp, the purest stat where you can remove most (not all) altering forces. But they didnt have the best full game stats because they were missing Zeke. Some of the best defenses in NFL history played on teams that won less than 10 games. That's not on the defense.

 

[phildadon86]

LIterally says theres still issues. They only have 5 days, when those issues couldnt be ironed out in the last 30. I'm not saying it wont happen. But as of today, it hasnt happened, you're arguing semantics based on rumors. Zeke is not signed, that is the only fact here.

The fact is you said we lost him, then said talks have fallen apart and are now back peddling because you look like an idiot. Bryan Broaddus literally tweeted to charles robinson saying he heard the same thing. You are grasping at straws truing to stir up the bee hive as an eagles fan.

No where on the internet does it say "talks have fallen apart". The only fact here is that you have no idea what you are talking about. The cowboys havent lost anyone. And you are grasping and back peddling because you sound like a moron.

 

[MCMetal69]

Why are you so "concerned" with Zeke's inevitable signing ? You should be soiling yourself that you've got a 40 year old journeyman backing up your brittle starting QB.......................................................Each season is its own animal ; the real games haven't even started yet and you're already drooling nonsensical codswallop.................................................The Cowboys have an improved D-Line and their LB duo which is the best in the NFL are going to be even better , while their wide receiver corps has also vastly improved ; more/better weapons ='s more points .

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

The fact is you said we lost him, then said talks have fallen apart and are now back peddling because you look like an idiot. Bryan Broaddus literally tweeted to charles robinson saying he heard the same thing. You are grasping at straws truing to stir up the bee hive as an eagles fan.

No where on the internet does it say "talks have fallen apart". The only fact here is that you have no idea what you are talking about. The cowboys havent lost anyone. And you are grasping and back peddling because you sound like a moron.

Is he a Dallas Cowboy or have you lost him? He's not in limbo, he's not signed. You may gain him sooner or later, but right now he's a void on your team, that's indisputable. What I said is accurate.

You don't need to resort to namecalling to make a proper argument, unless you're losing it.