The Defense Without Smith is Just Average

[rwalters31]

We still did not draft a real pass rusher, so where do we stand? My analysis is that the defensive line is solid but not great. The defensive team seams to be run stop first, then where is the QB. The LBs are solid but not deep. This will be our Achilles heel this year unless Smith is ready. The secondary will get a break with a solid DL. However, it is still not good enough against elite talent. The defense will need the offense to help this year but in the end defense wins championships and we do not have that.

 

[visionary]

I think you meant "it will be our foot drop this year"

 

[jazzcat22]

How about we wait and see how they play first. Is that too much to ask before everyone follows you off the cliff. Well, I won't no matter what. But may push some of you.....

 

[speedkilz88]

Defensive depth is probably strongest at LB

SLB 59 Hitchens, Anthony 14/4 51 Wilber, Kyle 12/4.......48 Harris, Jerrell SF16
MLB 55 McClain, Rolando T/Bal 57 Wilson, Damien 15/4 54 Smith, Jaylon 16/2
WLB 50 Lee, Sean 10/2 .............53 Nzeocha, Mark 15/7.. 52 Gachkar, Andrew U/SD 54 Akunne, Derek SF15

 

[KingintheNorth]

We aspire to be average.

 

[BAT]

Are you blind???? Cowboys have top 10 players at 3 of the 4 DL spots. Top TEN I tell you!!!!

 

[xvendettax914]

We aspire to be average.

Who's we

 

[The Natural]

they're an average unit on paper with Smith

 

[casmith07]

K

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

We still did not draft a real pass rusher, so where do we stand? My analysis is that the defensive line is solid but not great. The defensive team seams to be run stop first, then where is the QB. The LBs are solid but not deep. This will be our Achilles heel this year unless Smith is ready. The secondary will get a break with a solid DL. However, it is still not good enough against elite talent. The defense will need the offense to help this year but in the end defense wins championships and we do not have that.

We have pass rushers. Not stars, but good pass rushers. They are young, just need to grow up and show consistency.

 

[BARRYRAY]

I confess to not watching college football.But if you look at that Nebraska guy hit some qbs-I swear he was Martinizing them as we old folks used to say.That dude can flat out rush the passer--can you say push up the middle.

 

[BARRYRAY]

Check it out

 

[thisiscowboyscountry]

An average defense should be fine this season if the offense is as explosive as we think it could be. We know there are some holes and question marks on the defensive side, but there is enough talent at each level to make plays. Even though we didnt upgrade de with a highly touted rookie or veteran the pass rush may be better with the upgrades at dt. The Cowboys biggest problem last year was our inability to get pressure up the middle and force qbs to move around. With a healthy Crawford, additions of Thorton and Collins this group is much improved and thats not even factoing in Mcclain or irving into the mix. At DE Lawrence looks to be turning the corner with his pass rush abilities and we have a lot of role players opposite him that are each capable of generating sacks and pressure with limited snaps.

At LB Sean Lee is a difference make when healthy, Mcclain at times can be a difference maker, while Hitchens is solid. LB depth is ok, a lot depends on Wilson and the progress he makes. Jaylon Smith if he fully recovers could make this lb core one of the better units in the nfl.

 

[Spectre]

Apparently Smith is already an NFL probowler...
If you ask me, Sean Lee is one of the best LB in the league and there's a good chance Smith doesn't ever reach that level of ability. McClain is quite good, at times, as well. Smith isn't deserving of this kind of praise until he earns it, on the field, at the pro level- which may never happen.
This defense could surprise. The offense is stout and it seems when we have a lackluster bunch on D (like many NFL teams) they rise to the occasion and perform at a high level. The importance of idividual defensive superstars is overrated. They need to be a unit.

 

[Howboutdemcowboys31]

Lee is the only current ELITE player on D, but Scandrick, Crawford, Lawrence, McClain, and Byron are all quality NFL starters. I agree that if the D is average it'll be enough. I think Byron will be elite in the near future.This offense is easily top 3, if not number 1 with health

 

[Risen Star]

We're calling our defense this year "We-fense".

That's pretty much a thread closer.

 

[Risen Star]

Tapper helps the pass rush. So does Collins. Maybe not OMGrightnow but over the long term.

 

[panchucko]

Are you blind???? Cowboys have top 10 players at 3 of the 4 DL spots. Top TEN I tell you!!!!

It can happen, dudes break out all of the time. It's not like all super stars were super before they NFL

 

[BAT]

It can happen, dudes break out all of the time. It's not like all super stars were super before they NFL

Nope they are top 10 right now.

 

[TheCount]

How about we wait and see how they play first. Is that too much to ask before everyone follows you off the cliff. Well, I won't no matter what. But may push some of you.....

PREACH.