CFZ The Cowboys Need to Refocus on Sacking the QB

[Pass2Run]

Granted, some teams have figured us out, and they are designing plays to counter the pass rush. Sometimes, teams are using it against us. (I argue, because we're more predictable with Parsons at DE full-time.)

And I know the defensive line is a little banged up, along with the LB crew, and the secondary is missing Brown.

So we've got a lot more things going on out there than some would consider when saying we need more sacks. But I'm going to say just that. We need more sacks. As much as they stepped up to make key plays today, with Kearse and Bland both making game-changing plays, this defense needs to find its identity again.

But, sadly, we have 1 sack over the past 3 games.

In any event, this is what we all wanted. We all wanted to beat the Eagles today.

Well, we beat them.

And I'd argue their backup today was far better than our backup when we played them the first time.

Over at the Eagles message board, all the fans there are hoping to avoid us in the playoffs.

Why do you think that is?

Because we suck so bad?

Get back to sacking the QB, and we have the potential to be unstoppable.

To all those saying this isn't playoff contender, I say we are just as much of a contender as any other team in the league.

And if we aren't, then who has so much better a chance than the Cowboys?

 

[cnuball21]

I think our pass rush in the 2nd half of the season has looked average.

Not sure if we’re running less stunts or opposing Ds have figured how to block us better but it’s nowhere near what it used to be.

 

[Ken]

Granted, some teams have figured us out, and they are designing plays to counter the pass rush. Sometimes, teams are using it against us. (I argue, because we're more predictable with Parsons at DE full-time.)

And I know the defensive line is a little banged up, along with the LB crew and the secondary is missing Brown.

So we've got a lot more things going on out there than some would consider when saying we need more sacks. But I'm going to say just that. We need more sacks. As much as they stepped up to make key plays today, with Kearse and Bland both making game-changing plays, this defense needs to find its identity again.

In any event, this is what we all wanted. We all wanted to beat the Eagles today.

Well, we beat them.

And I'd argue their backup today was far better than our backup when we played them the first time.

Over at the Eagles message board, all the fans there are hoping to avoid us in the playoffs.

Why do you think that is?

Get back to sacking the QB, and we have the potential to be unstoppable.

To all those saying this isn't playoff contender, I say we are just as much of a contender as any other team in the league.

And if we aren't, then who has so much better a chance than the Cowboys?

I like how we matchup with the eagles if we stay healthy and get a few pieces back. Not crazy bout playing in Philly bc it is a tough place to play.

Regardless. ..i hope we get to see this team vs Philly and SF again.

 

[gimmesix]

I think our pass rush in the 2nd half of the season has looked average.

Not sure if we’re running less stunts or opposing Ds have figured how to block us better but it’s nowhere near what it used to be.

I do think we've cut back on stunts because if you are caught in them on running plays, it leaves big gaps in the defense. Frankly, I think we need to bring Parsons up the middle more because it can be effective against the run and pass. We forced Minshew to move a little when we started doing that. Unfortunately, we weren't doing a good job of outside contain when we sent Micah inside.

 

[reddyuta]

pass rush isnt getting there because guys are getting open so quickly-wide open.

 

[cnuball21]

I do think we've cut back on stunts because if you are caught in them on running plays, it leaves big gaps in the defense. Frankly, I think we need to bring Parsons up the middle more because it can be effective against the run and pass. We forced Minshew to move a little when we started doing that. Unfortunately, we weren't doing a good job of outside contain when we sent Micah inside.

Parsons playing full time DE at his size is so stupid.

We’re going to ruin him.

 

[Playmaker3128]

The issue to me is they are doubling Micah and they are getting ball out quick. That means we have to play more press coverage which but didn’t seem quinn is willing to do.

secondly we have to stop the run.. we haven’t been doing it

 

[XXLMike]

We’ve literally hit a wall

 

[Playmaker3128]

Parsons playing full time DE at his size is so stupid.

We’re going to ruin him.

And even the few times he’s playing lb we blitz him every time. Why not let a guy that’s incredibly athletic go sideline to sideline. Cover a bit.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

They are trying. Sacks come and go. There were a lot of pressures that caused errant throws towards the end of the game. The more telling stat is pressures. You're not always gonna get home. Pressures cause turnovers and end drives. IMO we need to focus on stopping the run and better secondary play.

 

[Pass2Run]

I do think we've cut back on stunts because if you are caught in them on running plays, it leaves big gaps in the defense. Frankly, I think we need to bring Parsons up the middle more because it can be effective against the run and pass. We forced Minshew to move a little when we started doing that. Unfortunately, we weren't doing a good job of outside contain when we sent Micah inside.

It's several things. Probably all of what you say. And teams are releasing the ball much faster, which is resulting in INTs and turnovers. And our pass rush is still working to a high degree. I just want to see us connect on the sacks. It's good for the mental aspect and gives the team needed confidence.

I think they'll find it again. And I think some of our guys are playing banged up.

 

[JayFord]

The defense is playing without starters at each level

also the team is exhausted and worn down

it happens

 

[Pass2Run]

And even the few times he’s playing lb we blitz him every time. Why not let a guy that’s incredibly athletic go sideline to sideline. Cover a bit.

Very true. They need to start moving him around again.

Being a hybrid player was the team's best asset. Now he's just a DE, which takes away some of the best things he brings to the table.

Parsons playing full time DE at his size is so stupid.

We’re going to ruin him.

I agree with this.

But I think the injuries are part of their reasoning. For me, if I were in charge, it'd give me more reasons to utilize his skillset at LB about 55% of plays, and DE the other 45 percent.

 

[nathanlt]

I can't believe the thread has made it this long without talking about the lack of holding calls. It was ridiculous how often Parsons was held. Others, too!

I agree about not burning out Parsons at DE. It's great to have him rested for when Dallas really needs that pass rush. I'd argue that Parsons would get more sacks if he weren't lined up at DE.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

The issue to me is they are doubling Micah and they are getting ball out quick. That means we have to play more press coverage which but didn’t seem quinn is willing to do.

secondly we have to stop the run.. we haven’t been doing it

We did this game, but then again Hurts wasn't in, he's 1/3 of their rushing attack most games. And Minshew missed the wide-open throw for a td that Hurts would have been very unlikely to miss. That td would have put us in too big a hole, Imo.

But the playoffs are a different level, teams have to elevate their game, and Dallas got 4 turnovers this game, going to be difficult to up that, though they've done it in the past, albeit a long time ago (Dallas-Denver SB). Point is a team can get more than 4 turnovers in a playoff game, not like it's unheard of.

We'll see...

 

[Pass2Run]

pass rush isnt getting there because guys are getting open so quickly-wide open.

This is my view, too. Cowboys should play tighter coverage and use the safeties to compensate for it, at times.

I can't believe the thread has made it this long without talking about the lack of holding calls. It was ridiculous how often Parsons was held. Others, too!

I agree about not burning out Parsons at DE. It's great to have him rested for when Dallas really needs that pass rush. I'd argue that Parsons would get more sacks if he weren't lined up at DE.

Indeed.

And the T.O. on the last play is indicative of exactly what you're saying.

 

[Whyjerry]

Granted, some teams have figured us out, and they are designing plays to counter the pass rush. Sometimes, teams are using it against us. (I argue, because we're more predictable with Parsons at DE full-time.)

And I know the defensive line is a little banged up, along with the LB crew, and the secondary is missing Brown.

So we've got a lot more things going on out there than some would consider when saying we need more sacks. But I'm going to say just that. We need more sacks. As much as they stepped up to make key plays today, with Kearse and Bland both making game-changing plays, this defense needs to find its identity again.

But, sadly, we have 1 sack over the past 3 games.

In any event, this is what we all wanted. We all wanted to beat the Eagles today.

Well, we beat them.

And I'd argue their backup today was far better than our backup when we played them the first time.

Over at the Eagles message board, all the fans there are hoping to avoid us in the playoffs.

Why do you think that is?

Because we suck so bad?

Get back to sacking the QB, and we have the potential to be unstoppable.

To all those saying this isn't playoff contender, I say we are just as much of a contender as any other team in the league.

And if we aren't, then who has so much better a chance than the Cowboys?

They have needed a lead to tee off on the QB plus Parsons has been figured out and the rest of the DL has slipped. Lawrence is a complete ghost. Last 3 games he has looked awful. Quinn needs to adjust. Talent is there.

 

[Doomsday]

Love to hear why they didn't line MP up against the Eagles' backup RT tackle one single time after the starter went down.

Dan Quinn had some questionable play calls today, to say the least.

 

[xwalker]

Granted, some teams have figured us out, and they are designing plays to counter the pass rush. Sometimes, teams are using it against us. (I argue, because we're more predictable with Parsons at DE full-time.)

And I know the defensive line is a little banged up, along with the LB crew, and the secondary is missing Brown.

So we've got a lot more things going on out there than some would consider when saying we need more sacks. But I'm going to say just that. We need more sacks. As much as they stepped up to make key plays today, with Kearse and Bland both making game-changing plays, this defense needs to find its identity again.

But, sadly, we have 1 sack over the past 3 games.

In any event, this is what we all wanted. We all wanted to beat the Eagles today.

Well, we beat them.

And I'd argue their backup today was far better than our backup when we played them the first time.

Over at the Eagles message board, all the fans there are hoping to avoid us in the playoffs.

Why do you think that is?

Because we suck so bad?

Get back to sacking the QB, and we have the potential to be unstoppable.

To all those saying this isn't playoff contender, I say we are just as much of a contender as any other team in the league.

And if we aren't, then who has so much better a chance than the Cowboys?

I would like to see a mix of LB and DE for Parsons.

It was difficult for offenses when they did not know where he would be from snap to snap. He did play a small number of snaps at LB; although on at least 1 of those Parsons rushed and a DE dropped in coverage.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

I can't believe the thread has made it this long without talking about the lack of holding calls. It was ridiculous how often Parsons was held. Others, too!

I agree about not burning out Parsons at DE. It's great to have him rested for when Dallas really needs that pass rush. I'd argue that Parsons would get more sacks if he weren't lined up at DE.

Oh, definitely, he got his sacks early in the season because they moved him all over the place, once he was put nearly solely at DE teams knew where he'd be coming from. Just like the Cowboys, quit doing something that works and try something else just to be different.

That would be just like Dallas, wouldn't it?