This defense will surprise people

[Galian Beast]

I find it hilarious how many people are talking about just how bad our defense is, definitely laughable.

The prior year the Panthers made the playoffs with a losing record. They had the 21st ranked defense in the NFL. They had Greg Hardy, but he was suspended for the entire year and they did not re-sign him.

They had the 19th ranked offense in the league.

The next year they were the 1st ranked offense in the league and the 6th ranked defense in the league.

Are there a lot of IFs on this defense? Absolutely, there are, but people are ignoring the investments we've made that have yet to bear fruit.

Second year defensive players - Randy Gregory, Byron Jones. Two players with first round grades and while Randy Gregory is suspended for 4 games, I believe once he returns he will have an impact. I think Jones at safety full time will have a large impact.

Returning players - Orlando Scandrick. I think a couple years ago Scandrick was one of our best players on defense. Probably the second best player on defense behind Sean Lee at the time. His return seriously bolsters the secondary.

I fully expect this defense to look different this year especially given the position the offense will put it in. Despite going 4-12, that defense was ranked 16th in the NFL in points... Certainly not as bad as people would suggest, but that is the narrative people are running with.

 

[jchap]

If the offense is back in form then they don't need an elite defense.

My best case scenario is that we are middle of the pack for most of the season and get slightly better than that come playoff time.

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

Once the games start Dalllas fields the best defense in the division over the last two seasons.

They have three solid starters on the line. Two good linebackers. And four capable guys in the secondary. There's a lack of elite players everywhere but the holes are mostly covered. Would have liked to see an additional pass rusher and another safety.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

I so hope they surprise me.

 

[big dog cowboy]

If the offense is back in form

Best hope for the defense.

 

[Ranching]

Claiborne playing for a new contract could be a huge.

 

[JPostSam]

I find it hilarious how many people are talking about just how bad our defense is, definitely laughable.

The prior year the Panthers made the playoffs with a losing record. They had the 21st ranked defense in the NFL. They had Greg Hardy, but he was suspended for the entire year and they did not re-sign him.

They had the 19th ranked offense in the league.

The next year they were the 1st ranked offense in the league and the 6th ranked defense in the league.

Are there a lot of IFs on this defense? Absolutely, there are, but people are ignoring the investments we've made that have yet to bear fruit.

Second year defensive players - Randy Gregory, Byron Jones. Two players with first round grades and while Randy Gregory is suspended for 4 games, I believe once he returns he will have an impact. I think Jones at safety full time will have a large impact.

Returning players - Orlando Scandrick. I think a couple years ago Scandrick was one of our best players on defense. Probably the second best player on defense behind Sean Lee at the time. His return seriously bolsters the secondary.

I fully expect this defense to look different this year especially given the position the offense will put it in. Despite going 4-12, that defense was ranked 16th in the NFL in points... Certainly not as bad as people would suggest, but that is the narrative people are running with.

i agree it will be much improved. there's still a lot of work to do, so i expect the defense to be "good enough" rather than good. but, together with what should be a very high powered offense, i think this team can go far.

 

[DTown214]

I'd definitely buy it

 

[AsthmaField]

I think a couple years ago Scandrick was one of our best players on defense. Probably the second best player on defense behind Sean Lee at the time.

I agree that the defense could be better than the media and fans are making it out to be... but Lee didn't play in 2014. Unless you mean 2013, which to me is three years ago (last year [2015], two years ago [2014], three years ago [2013]).

Anyway, I'm just nit picking. I agree with your OP.

 

[Galian Beast]

I agree that the defense could be better than the media and fans are making it out to be... but Lee didn't play in 2014. Unless you mean 2013, which to me is three years ago (last year [2015], two years ago [2014], three years ago [2013]).

Anyway, I'm just nit picking. I agree with your OP.

I didn't mean they played together, I meant that he was the second best player on the defense who was on the team.

 

[Gameover]

It's surprising to me how many people think it was horrible in 2015.

I gotta question: Why did the Cowboys play Tampa Bay 2 times in 1990?

 

[perrykemp]

If the offense is back in form then they don't need an elite defense.

They won't need an elite defense for what?

Making the playoffs? I agree.

If they want to go beyond just making the playoffs they should aim for at least an average defense (or better).

 

[MRV52]

This defense will be ranked around 12 to 10.

 

[Galian Beast]

It's surprising to me how many people think it was horrible in 2015.

I gotta question: Why did the Cowboys play Tampa Bay 2 times in 1990?

We went 4-12 and we historically have a good offense. By default they blame the defense and picture the 2013 defense, which was one of the worst in cowboys history.

In reality the defense was really good last year, but wasn't able to close out games without the help of the offense. As a result they generally fell apart in the 4th quarter of games.

 

[Maxmadden]

They won't need an elite defense for what?

Making the playoffs? I agree.

If they want to go beyond just making the playoffs they should aim for at least an average defense (or better).

I think his point was that they were already an average defense in 2015 with no offense. The arrow is up.

 

[DallasDomination]

I think it's funny how people think our secondary is going to suck.. after all we have Jenkins coming off a great season, Newman will rebound and start getting interceptions and that guy Scandrick can cover the slot receiver..he has the right kind if drive I like his attitude during interviews.

Oh nvm wrong year.

 

[Maxmadden]

I think it's funny how people think our secondary is going to suck.. after all we have Jenkins coming off a great season, Newman will rebound and start getting interceptions and that guy Scandrick can cover the slot receiver..he has the right kind if drive I like his attitude during interviews.

Oh nvm wrong year.

I think we will have a very solid secondary this year. Not spectacular and void of a superstar, but solid. The symbiotic relationship with the front 7 will have a major effect. Also, I think the offense will help a lot.

 

[AsthmaField]

I didn't mean they played together, I meant that he was the second best player on the defense who was on the team.

Gotcha

 

[Kolemmitt]

If our best CB, Scandrick,and our best overall defender, Lee, can both stay healthy it will be very big.

I am also excited that our two weakest positions over the last few years, FS and the 1-tech have both been upgraded with potentially above average players.

Besides staying healthy, I think the thing that would help us the most is if one of our young RDEs, Mayowa, Tapper, or Gregory can develop into a top-notch pass rusher that demands double teams.

 

[stilltheguru88]

Claiborne playing for a new contract could be a huge.

Lmao you missed last year apparently. When will you guys realize he's a dumb, average player?