The defense might be really good

[Vintage]

It's easier to find 3-4 OLBs because a minority of teams run a 3-4. That's why Pittsburgh was able to find OLBs year after year in the latter rounds. It has gotten a bit harder since about a quarter or third of the league run a 3-4 now, but it's still easier to find OLBs than DEs just because the criteria isn't as strict and those players aren't as in demand.

Its actually closer to a 50-50 split with 34 versus 43.

 

[Vintage]

Or just re-watch the Super Bowl.

Tom Couglin has won two super bowls recently with the 43.

One scheme versus another isn't superior. Its about tailoring your scheme to the talent you have.

 

[SWG9]

Tom Couglin has won two super bowls recently with the 43.

One scheme versus another isn't superior. Its about tailoring your scheme to the talent you have.

I think you've got it backwards. You're better sticking with one scheme and using it to maximize your drafting and talent acquisition.

Example: the Miami 4-3 that we ran in the 90s. How many quality undersized LBs did Dallas get in the mid rounds that weren't even on other teams draft boards??

The truth is if you run the same scheme year in year out, it's a lot easier to identify players that have specific skills that match what your team needs instead of chasing the same names as everyone else

 

[Szczepanik]

Top 10 Defense. We can have mediocre safety play and still have a top 10 defense as long as the pass rush holds up.

You all seem to forget that last year our entire defense was injured. So stop bashing Rob Ryan, when it was not his fault. You can't turn tin foil into steel no matter how hard you try.

Giants proved a pass rush makes a top defense. So we have a top pass rush assuming Ratliff stays healthy. I believe we have the best LB core all around in the league with SF a close 2nd.

We have 3 more than capable corners and a solid safety in Church that has shown promise.

Our main weakness is our other safety spot.

When Carter, Lee and that pass rush step up the plate ... everyone won't worry about this more than capable secondary we have. Easily top 10.

 

[Fletch]

Or just re-watch the Super Bowl.

No need. It was a high scoring affair on both defenses. Both 3-4's, right?

 

[Risen Star]

No need. It was a high scoring affair on both defenses. Both 3-4's, right?

How did they get there?

Both teams relied on their defenses. Especially the 49ers.

 

[Doc50]

Teams seem to have an ideal for a DE just like they do for every position. The problem is they get a little too carried away looking for these ideals instead of looking to see if they are players or not. Under Jimmy Johnson we thrived with smaller defensive ends. Haley was a converted 3 - 4 OLB. Ware and Spencer are players that will play well and thrive no matter what scheme we use.I personally prefer the 4 - 3 because the DE never drop back in coverage in that system. They have only outside containment on run plays and getting to the QB on passes as their responsibilities. In a 3- 4 the OLB's are usually the best pass rushers and to me it is stupid to have one of them drop into coverage.

Even D-Ware is suspect in pass coverage. I would propose that it takes the absolute best of athletes to:
1) rush the QB
2) contain the run
3) cover the receiver
Therefore, far fewer of these studs are available than the number of great DE's.
Furthermore, the true NT isn't easy to find either. I'd favor the 4-3.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

The Cowboys are a safety away from being a really good defense, provided that safety excels in zone coverage and can close quickly. The linebackers have the potential to be some of the best in the league. Both edge rushers were in the Pro Bowl last season, and there seems to be some decent depth at defensive tackle.

It's about safety play at this point.

 

[Fletch]

How did they get there?

Both teams relied on their defenses. Especially the 49ers.

It's a team game. The offenses played major roles too.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I think you've got it backwards. You're better sticking with one scheme and using it to maximize your drafting and talent acquisition.

Example: the Miami 4-3 that we ran in the 90s. How many quality undersized LBs did Dallas get in the mid rounds that weren't even on other teams draft boards??

The truth is if you run the same scheme year in year out, it's a lot easier to identify players that have specific skills that match what your team needs instead of chasing the same names as everyone else

This.

The Steelers are a perfect example of a team that has an identity on defense as well as offense. Their draft picks, defensively, always seem to fit a certain prototype.

The shift to the 4-3 may make better use of the personnel overall but the Cowboys are a few drafts away from having all the key parts to a top-five defense, especially a safety, as ScipioCowboy states.