The position that makes me most nervous on Defense

[Woods]

is the back-up ILB to Z Thomas. (I know, not too shabby on the face of it.)

I really hope Carpenter improves his game this off-season. As much as I want Z Thomas to succeed, I'm not sure given the combination of his current concussions and age if he can last the full season and (hopefully) playoffs.

I think this training camp and pre-season is Carp's best shot to really display his skills. And I think the Cowboys will give Carp the opportunity to do so as I'd guess that Z Thomas will be getting a lot of rest this pre-season.

If Carp doesn't pull this off, I'm not sure what the alternative would be. Move Burnett over in case we need a fill-in for Thomas?

 

[speedkilz88]

Burnett and Carpenter both are behind Thomas.

 

[Woods]

Burnett and Carpenter both are behind Thomas.

And Burnett is also behind James, correct?

 

[IndianaCowboyFan]

I can see Thomas out several second halves when the game score is lopsided

 

[theogt]

Most worrisome -- FS in the dime defense.

 

[Monster Heel]

Strong safety.

 

[dallasfaniac]

It worries me having Owens out there trying to batt down hail mary's at the end of half/game. I think I would much rather have a corner out there; luckily we have extras this year.

 

[triplets92]

strong safty hands down

 

[CrazyCowboy]

This is Carps 3rd year and that is when BP says a player should shine

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

The safety spot really does not worry me so much. I feel like Roy will have a come back season with our improved corners. It is MLB that worries me. I was not in favor of getting rid of Akin. I'm not sold on the health of Thomas and really have never been over impressed by Brady James. He does however seem to keep getting tackles.

 

[gimmesix]

And Burnett is also behind James, correct?

Actually, since Carp was moved to the "Mo" spot behind Thomas, I'm not sure who is officially James' backup. So that backup spot worries me more than WILB.

The "Mike" spot takes a more physical linebacker than the "Mo" spot, and I'm not sure we have the right fit in either Burnett (because of his size) or Carp (because he's not real physical). Having played middle linebacker, Thomas could possibly slide over, but his size also doesn't make him ideal for that spot in the 3-4.

 

[popcorn]

to me until someone proves other wise the health and depth at cb is my biggest worry. Mike Jenkins has potential but has never done anything at this level and Pac man welll pac man is pac man who knows??? We were horrible last year, couldnt stop anybody when it counted.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

to me until someone proves other wise the health and depth at cb is my biggest worry. Mike Jenkins has potential but has never done anything at this level and Pac man welll pac man is pac man who knows??? We were horrible last year, couldnt stop anybody when it counted.

This is true but at least there is hope at the depth this year. And it looks pretty darn good.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Actually, since Carp was moved to the "Mo" spot behind Thomas, I'm not sure who is officially James' backup. So that backup spot worries me more than WILB.

The "Mike" spot takes a more physical linebacker than the "Mo" spot, and I'm not sure we have the right fit in either Burnett (because of his size) or Carp (because he's not real physical). Having played middle linebacker, Thomas could possibly slide over, but his size also doesn't make him ideal for that spot in the 3-4.

Yep, I'm sure that's why we were looking at guys like Beau Bell in the draft. Bradie is really the only physical ILB we have, and we'd be in some trouble without him. I was really hoping we'd use a middle rounder or even a late rounder on a "thumper" ILB who could also be physical on special teams, but oh well.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

I don't like Spears as our starter on defense.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

I know we are talking defense here, but on special teams, the coverage units on both punts and kickoffs need to improve.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I'd say strong safety. The starter isn't giving me a whole lot of confidence and obviously we don't have anything proven behind him either.