The Problem with Cowboys Defense and No Playoff Wins

[rwalters31]

The Problem with Cowboys Defense

This is a story of the Cowboys defense and why it fails in the Play Offs. The Zone defense was meant to operate with a pass rush that gets to the QB quickly. When the QB has more than 2.5 seconds, he can see the holes in the zone and find his receivers (Cowboys and Giants playoff games against Packers). When the pass rush cannot get to the QB quickly then the best option is to press the receivers until the QB has no or little option (second half of Cowboys/Packer Div game). The Falcons had a good pass rush so that Rogers had little time to find an open receiver and you could now see that the Packers where just an average offense when Rogers was contained. So, do you stay with a defensive line that can play with average offenses during the regulator season but has NO chance during playoffs against very good offenses?

The Falcons have the best solution that they got from the SeaHawks that is an attacking defense is the best defense. If you cannot get to the QB quickly then press the receivers. Attack all the time and don’t wait for the opposing offense to attack you.

The Cowboys seem to have a problem with DL generating a good pass rush. This would could be fixed with a very good DT upgrade to put the QBs in a hurry up mode. The other is to upgrade the secondary and LBs to teach the art of pressing receivers/running backs.

If you had a choice what would you do in the Off Season?

 

[Sydla]

The Problem with Cowboys Defense

This is a story of the Cowboys defense and why it fails in the Play Offs. The Zone defense was meant to operate with a pass rush that gets to the QB quickly. When the QB has more than 2.5 seconds, he can see the holes in the zone and find his receivers (Cowboys and Giants playoff games against Packers). When the pass rush cannot get to the QB quickly then the best option is to press the receivers until the QB has no or little option (second half of Cowboys/Packer Div game). The Falcons had a good pass rush so that Rogers had little time to find an open receiver and you could now see that the Packers where just an average offense when Rogers was contained. So, do you stay with a defensive line that can play with average offenses during the regulator season but has NO chance during playoffs against very good offenses?

The Falcons have the best solution that they got from the SeaHawks that is an attacking defense is the best defense. If you cannot get to the QB quickly then press the receivers. Attack all the time and don’t wait for the opposing offense to attack you.

The Cowboys seem to have a problem with DL generating a good pass rush. This would could be fixed with a very good DT upgrade to put the QBs in a hurry up mode. The other is to upgrade the secondary and LBs to teach the art of pressing receivers/running backs.

If you had a choice what would you do in the Off Season?

They need more that good DTs. They need consistent edge rushers. Vic Beasley led the league in sacks. We don't have anyone like that. Beasley was wreaking havoc all game.

 

[ghosttown cowboy]

The difference that I noticed the most is how much faster the front 7 for Atlanta is compared to ours...We are too slow on defense...

 

[viman96]

If you think about it the Falcons are what Dallas would look like with decent defense. They have a strong edge rusher, decent LBs and solid DBs. The Offense carries the load but the defense is good.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

The problem with the Cowboy defense isn't due to the coverage (every team plays a mix).

The problem is sub-par talent at a few spots.

 

[Sydla]

The difference that I noticed the most is how much faster the front 7 for Atlanta is compared to ours...We are too slow on defense...

I think it's partly due to the system. Quinn brought an attacking, up tempo defense to Atlanta. They try to dictate to the offense how play is going to do down.

Dallas plays a more passive, reactive defense under Marinelli.

 

[Eddie]

We can't continue to ignore the DT and DE positions. It's not going to get any better if we continue this trend.

 

[jazzcat22]

They need to stop trying to be cute and do all these hybrid player types that are good at all positions, but not great and one position. They also need to get bigger DE's. Instead of these lightweight speed guys. Yes they need speed to get to the QB....but they are light, so get man handled and bumped off their path. How many times have we said....dang he almost got there....it's like that commercial where the guy is dangling a dollar in front of the lady....

Just line up and play football....get the right players to play that are very good to great at one position. Stop moving them around.
Either T. Crawford is a DE or a DT....period...
Let go of the lunch pail type guys like J. Crawford...yeah, he makes a play here and there, enough to say, look this is why we keep him, only to disappear for the next 4 games...

 

[Ranching]

The bend don't break philosophy on defense is the only way we were able to compete on defense this year because of our talent base. However, we need to draft or sign 2 or 3 players that allows us to play with a relentless attitude. Bend don't break fosters a soft minded defense that does not strike fear in anyone. Playoff football is much more intense than regular season football. Bring in some "bad dudes", "bullies" whatever you wanna call them. We need a bad *** attitude on defense. Swagger!

 

[Bullflop]

We need additions to the front seven and the secondary as well.

Doing that will require a draft effort 2nd to none to accomplish it.

I think it's entirely possible that may require more than one draft.

 

[DeaconMoss]

This defense needs a playmaker at each level. DL, LB, Secondary. Maybe Smith is the LB. So I would guess we should be drafting the other two spots pretty high.

 

[HomeBiscuit]

We also don't have someone named Dan Quinn. He's the reason for that front 7 in Atlanta. He did the same at Seattle and you should've seen the defense he built in Florida with another Easley, Dominique. Sheriff Floyd etc

 

[Gameover]

We can't continue to ignore the DT and DE positions. It's not going to get any better if we continue this trend.

we haven't ignored those spots

Lawrence
Crawford
Gregory
#93
the bum we signed from carolina

 

[Parche]

Ive been a Cowboys fan since 2000, last Aikman's year, thats the year when I start watching and understanding the game.

Since then, I dont recall any SB winning team with a crappy defense. Even Mannings Colts and Brees's Saints were defenses that stepped up their game from prior years.

And Ive seen really mediocre offenses winning it all (was Elvis Grbac the Ravens Qb when they won the sb?) and Dilfer the bucs Qb? Im not sure if they were the Qbs, but Im pretty sure I remember those Ds.

 

[Gameover]

Even Mannings Colts and Brees's Saints were defenses that stepped up their game from prior years.

not true

 

[LandryFan]

They need more that good DTs. They need consistent edge rushers. Vic Beasley led the league in sacks. We don't have anyone like that. Beasley was wreaking havoc all game.

Yep. Scheme can hide a lack of talent to a small degree, but the best option is to upgrade the talent, IMO. We simply need more/better players on D.

 

[Parche]

not true

Im pretty sure I am right, but lemme look the numbers again.

EDIT: Oh, and even if Im not right and those teams didnt have better Ds than years before (which is what Im stating, not that they had top 5 defenses), those two teams are the only ones that I remember having crappy defenses and winning the SB in 16 years... someone remember any other team?

 

[Bullflop]

This defense needs a playmaker at each level. DL, LB, Secondary. Maybe Smith is the LB. So I would guess we should be drafting the other two spots pretty high.

Yet another LB in addition to Smith probably wouldn't be such a bad idea as well. It would, at least, provide depth. In the event that Smith progresses well between now and the draft, a mid round pick or even later might suffice.

Also, a DE (or two), a CB and possibly a safety as well wouldn't be out of the question to solidify a defense that is certainly needy. This is why I'm expecting it to possibly take more than one draft to satisfy our needs. I think there's no question but what at least three additions would be minimally essential to resolve some of our deficiencies.

 

[Ranching]

We need additions to the front seven and the secondary as well.

Doing that will require a draft effort 2nd to none to accomplish it.

I think it's entirely possible that may require more than one draft.

I agree, we need more than one draft, hopefully Jaylon and Tapper pan out. If they do, we can get two drafts in one this year. The addition of one or two free agents would be great. Doesn't have to be "big time" free agents, just steady roll players. Although a couple a "big time" players would be great.

 

[Parche]

not true

I looked on manning`s colts team. They surrendered 22,50 points per game, which isnt that good... but having their Offense, I would take those numbers any day.
Also, I found theyve surrendered 5.33 rushing yards-per-attempt, by far the worst since the merger, and seventh-worst in NFL history, which isnt good either BUT they had 16,2 ppg in PO, which is very good.

The Saints SB winning team had 21,3 ppg, which is again, very manageable for that Offense that they had. In PO they had 19,6 ppg, which is even better.

Overall, I would say I was right, but then again, it can be very debatable.