The "sky is falling" mentality for our defense has been greatly exaggerated

[D4KADON]

We are number 4 in defense in terms of the most important stat in the game: points allowed: points allowed.

Our defense is only giving up an average of 14.4 points a game. That's pretty darn good!

Additionally, we are numbrer 4 as well in terms of forcing fumbles with 6 in the league(recovered only 3).

Yes, teams have gained a lot of yards, but i'll argue that this defense is slowly getting back into shape. Most of its starters are recovering from a type of injury: Crawford, Jones, Lawrence, Quinn(suspension), Woods, etc. If I remember correctly, the defense didn't get "dominant" until late last year around November/December.

Additionally, our offense has been more dynamic and has been hitting on all cylinders with big plays. Usually when offense like ours scores with big plays, the defense sees the ball more, hence the skewed yardage.

My point: Give them time. They aren't doing THAT bad.

 

[Future]

Yea - the defense has been fine.

I think playing against a decent team will help, because they've looked flat and sluggish. Hard to get up for a team like Miami.

 

[Blackthorn]

I think we are fine as well.However, my concern is greater than the standings for points allowed after 3 weeks. We all know that it takes a complete team to win the Superbowl and I have always stated that "defense wins championships." The lack of sacks and pressures is absolutely a cause of concern.This team is loaded on the O-line and offense.

The team did improve with the addition of Quinn and I hope his ferocious pass-rush is contagious to all members of the defense. This week's game will be a great measuring stick to where the team stands on defense.
Go Dallas!!!

 

[zrinkill]

The only problem I think they have is an almost non existent pass rush.

Do we miss puff the magic dragon that much?

 

[MysteryIceGuro]

14.4 points per game vs. offenses that are ranked in the bottom 25 is not darn good. If they averaged 14.4 points against offenses that only average 4 points per game (Dolphins), then we're gonna have some trouble when we play high powered offenses like the Pats, Rams, Packers, Saints, or even the Eagles if they are healthy by the time we play them!

 

[CATCH17]

They're underachieving.. Thats the point. They set a really high standard last year and so far we havent seen that.

 

[GMO415]

I think we are fine as well.

We'll give up 450 yards but if they only score 12 then it's working.....

 

[pancakeman]

I don’t buy that the successful offense is making it harder on the defense, but otherwise I agree.

 

[D4KADON]

The only problem I think they have is an almost non existent pass rush.

Do we miss puff the magic dragon that much?

Well, they haven't been able to play a complete game with all their guys: Quinn, Woods. I do believe Gregory is damn good, but Quinn gives us the same explosion off the edge. Also the defensive line has been forcing a lot of holding calls and that to me is just as good as a sack. In fact, i've noticed several missed holding calls. I think the rush will get batter as long as there is continuity.

 

[ShiningStar]

The defense stopped two rivals, one who always steps us and plays us hard and sacrifices the next week to try and beat us. No one knows this because the stats dont tell them, only what to think.

The NFL has a rule that many arent aware of. it doesnt care how many yards you have, the SCORE will never dictate your yardage. You can have 3000 yards but if you only have 3 points and your opponent has 28, you still lose.

Some people convinced themselves, if your roster is young, you ll win the SB, thats why you keep saying "youngest roster, YOUNGEST roster" no one has ever hoisted the Lombardi and screamed "Youngest roster got us here"

Convincing yourself of something wil not make it happen.

If you re going to constantly bash something have some facts. the big fact is, Dallas won the games. Thats all a defense has to do, force the other team to have less points.

Does it look like last years defense? no, but the NFL doesnt go by that either.

 

[D4KADON]

The defense stopped two rivals, one who always steps us and plays us hard and sacrifices the next week to try and beat us. No one knows this because the stats dont tell them, only what to think.

The NFL has a rule that many arent aware of. it doesnt care how many yards you have, the SCORE will never dictate your yardage. You can have 3000 yards but if you only have 3 points and your opponent has 28, you still lose.

Some people convinced themselves, if your roster is young, you ll win the SB, thats why you keep saying "youngest roster, YOUNGEST roster" no one has ever hoisted the Lombardi and screamed "Youngest roster got us here"

Convincing yourself of something wil not make it happen.

If you re going to constantly bash something have some facts. the big fact is, Dallas won the games. Thats all a defense has to do, force the other team to have less points.

Does it look like last years defense? no, but the NFL doesnt go by that either.

The rival aspect is important. I've seen the giants absolutely inept the ENTIRE season and explode on us because they know us so damn well. Holding the Giants and Commanders under control is a positive IMO.

 

[reddyuta]

The Rams game is still fresh in everyone's mind,the fear that this Defense will fall apart when faced with a good Offense and a good QB is real.

 

[Aviano90]

The Rams game is still fresh in everyone's mind,the fear that this Defense will fall apart when faced with a good Offense and a good QB is real.

So is 2016 when we were a "top 5 scoring defense" throughout the year and then got torched by a banged up offense in the playoffs.

 

[G2]

Some just can't be happy and need something to cry about.

 

[Rayman70]

all I care about is our redzone D. The Saints will score plenty..they are at home and itching to prove last year was a fluke.This will be a tall task,but if we want respect around the league and in the media, we have to go in here and win. Hold the Saints under 30 and we win. That's all we can hope for. I see us winning 31-27.

 

[Doomsday101]

They're underachieving.. Thats the point. They set a really high standard last year and so far we havent seen that.

I agree they are not playing to the ability but I do think this unit can and will play better ball as they move forward.

 

[Proof]

They're underachieving.. Thats the point. They set a really high standard last year and so far we havent seen that.

this. the sky isn't falling, just expectations aren't being met. they've been carved up by bums, and haven't been able to get to the qb the way we assumed they would. coupled with jaylon and lve looking off and against the teams we've played it's concerning.

 

[camaro69]

14.4 points per game vs. offenses that are ranked in the bottom 25 is not darn good. If they averaged 14.4 points against offenses that only average 4 points per game (Dolphins), then we're gonna have some trouble when we play high powered offenses like the Pats, Rams, Packers, Saints, or even the Eagles if they are healthy by the time we play them!

True - There's a saying good teams find a way to win and bad teams find a way to lose. Bad play calling by the Giants cost them a TD. A fumble in the red zone by the fins cost them. No pass rush gets you beat vs a good QB. So far the best player on this defense is R Quinn - B Jones

 

[CATCH17]

I agree they are not playing to the ability but I do think this unit can and will play better ball as they move forward.

They should play better.. That is what is upsetting.. They have all of the pieces to be a top tier unit but right now we look like an old Mike Zimmer defense. Bend don't break mentality.

I'm also upset with the linebackers.. We just haven't seen them takeover games like they did last year.

Robert Quinn looks like a huge addition and just built perfectly for this defense. He can fly.

 

[ClappingCarrot]

Top corner and key defensive linemen missed most of, if not all of camp.

I'm more worried about these linebackers.