Thoughts about fixing the run game-looking more to next season

[Cowboyny]

We have heard that this defense has been built to play with a lead and stop the pass. Problem is, unless you have the greatest show on turf Rams offense, there will be games that the offense does struggle that the defense is going to have to be able to defend both the run and the passing game. Since Dan Quinn has arrived, we have had this discussion about the defense inability to consistently defend the run:

-Personnel is a big part of the issue. Playing with a smaller/quicker front with hybrid LB/Safeties behind them causes mismatches defending the run. Playing this style, you must beat blockers to a spot or get engulfed by blockers. Adding a player like Hankins has helped, but it's not enough.

-Scheme has done this defense no favors. Not only does Quinn like to use those hybrid defenders, but he calls a ton of twists/stunts that open up huge rushing lanes. Yes, they help getting to the QB, but they kill your run defense.

Some ideas how to fix in the future:

-Adding bigger personnel from the defensive line and the linebacker positions. Finding a legitimate mike linebacker, might be the biggest priority need. Lve's career might be over and he was more of a weakside linebacker. Find a true mike linebacker that excels with taking on and shedding blockers.

-Perhaps employing more of a 3-4 front on early downs. The 3-4 alignment was originally devised to do a better job stopping the run. Get big lineman who can occupy blockers and allow your quick players to attack the football.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Oh yes we have to get bigger, that's even if Quinn is here next year. We can't rely on Overshown being the guy, we MUST get depth, surely a vet in here

 

[blueblood70]

We have heard that this defense has been built to play with a lead and stop the pass. Problem is, unless you have the greatest show on turf Rams offense, there will be games that the offense does struggle that the defense is going to have to be able to defend both the run and the passing game. Since Dan Quinn has arrived, we have had this discussion about the defense inability to consistently defend the run:

-Personnel is a big part of the issue. Playing with a smaller/quicker front with hybrid LB/Safeties behind them causes mismatches defending the run. Playing this style, you must beat blockers to a spot or get engulfed by blockers. Adding a player like Hankins has helped, but it's not enough.

-Scheme has done this defense no favors. Not only does Quinn like to use those hybrid defenders, but he calls a ton of twists/stunts that open up huge rushing lanes. Yes, they help getting to the QB, but they kill your run defense.

Some ideas how to fix in the future:

-Adding bigger personnel from the defensive line and the linebacker positions. Finding a legitimate mike linebacker, might be the biggest priority need. Lve's career might be over and he was more of a weakside linebacker. Find a true mike linebacker that excels with taking on and shedding blockers.

-Perhaps employing more of a 3-4 front on early downs. The 3-4 alignment was originally devised to do a better job stopping the run. Get big lineman who can occupy blockers and allow your quick players to attack the football.

Well as much as I want to appreciate your post and don't have time to fully get involved with this conversation that would be Dan Quinn issue... Guys want him around here help they're wanting to force Mike McCarthy out make Dan Quinn the head coach look this is his defenses this is what you have to live with this is how he built the defense and if it was a true blueprint and every team could do it then why haven't they done it this is what people are worried about yeah couple games a year we have a problem stopping the run but he built his team for teams that are more modern offenses and as much as we need to fix it I think last week it's kind of hard to judge this team when a bunch of them had the stomach flu they just played two tough games in a row against Seattle and Eagles they had injuries before the game and during the game they had a bunch of things snowball with penalties really oddball game and you lose something like this..

But if you'd like a tougher team built to stop the run you probably could have to change defensive coordinators and completely switch your philosophy.. He doesn't use the nose tackles in a two or three linebacker set very often with traditional linebackers we have them on our team Clark and Evans are big traditional middle linebackers but they probably are only on the field together 50% of the time as well as nose tackles they like to run this type of defense....

So I don't think things are gonna change I mean I am with you on the fact that I think that should be a priority in the first round if there is a guy like Fred Warner or even Bobby Wagner a really good downhill linebacker a true middle linebacker that also has range you gotta go get him... But I don't know if that's gonna fix everything because Dan Quinn seems like he's OK with calling a defense like this and as long as his players are making tackles and giving maximum effort they can stop the run enough..

I mean if you go back and look at the 49ers game in the playoffs they did at least keep a handle on Christian McCaffrey in that run game the game was close you know I think this is more about maximum effort being healthy gang tackling I I just don't think they had the energy for it Sunday against the bills but who knows

 

[kskboys]

1. Need LOS dominating DT's. Why? Because that gives you more players elsewhere to shore up leaks.
2. Need good LB's. Not asking for great, just solid guys like Bradie James. At this point, I'm not sure we have a starting quality LB on the roster. Maybe Overshown. Desperately need improvement.

Want to succeed in the playoffs, first stop the run. That has been our achillees heel forever. At least we tried w/ Mazi, but that isn't looking so good right now. Maybe he'll come around.

 

[Creeper]

If I was in charge, I would look to sign a couple of big DTs to go with Mazi and Osa. I don't know that we need Golston, and I don't think Gallimore is good enough. In the draft I would look for a big rangy MLB who can flow to both sides of the field, with great recognition skills. He needs to be smart and a thumper. If he looks like an arm tackler, then I want someone else.

Next year the Cowboys should be thinking about replacing Bell with Overshown, if he comes back looking like he did in preseason. Clark would be depth.

Where the Cowboys will be drafting, probably around 25, they can find a top LB, or S. But if you put Greenlaw type LB on the Cowboys the run defense will improve a lot.

The problem is the Cowboys are in a limiting CAP situation. They can get a big save by extending Dak but they will still be limited because of the number of key free agents of their own. Of course we can let them go but you still need players to take their spots.

 

[DuncanIso]

It’s a pass defense.

Built to play with a lead and pressure the QB.

When our O fails, the D gets worn out.

Our best bet is to draft an elite RB.

 

[kiheikiwi]

Here's a name for you all. Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Yup, that Jeremiah Trotter. His son is coming out and is a middle line backer around 240 ish pounds and same attitude as his dad.
Expected to go late first/early second, so would take a big commitment. But talk about a attitude adjustment here !
Overshois an Olber. We need a thumper with an attitude - like this guy .....

 

[tomokawan]

We have heard that this defense has been built to play with a lead and stop the pass. Problem is, unless you have the greatest show on turf Rams offense, there will be games that the offense does struggle that the defense is going to have to be able to defend both the run and the passing game. Since Dan Quinn has arrived, we have had this discussion about the defense inability to consistently defend the run:

-Personnel is a big part of the issue. Playing with a smaller/quicker front with hybrid LB/Safeties behind them causes mismatches defending the run. Playing this style, you must beat blockers to a spot or get engulfed by blockers. Adding a player like Hankins has helped, but it's not enough.

-Scheme has done this defense no favors. Not only does Quinn like to use those hybrid defenders, but he calls a ton of twists/stunts that open up huge rushing lanes. Yes, they help getting to the QB, but they kill your run defense.

Some ideas how to fix in the future:

-Adding bigger personnel from the defensive line and the linebacker positions. Finding a legitimate mike linebacker, might be the biggest priority need. Lve's career might be over and he was more of a weakside linebacker. Find a true mike linebacker that excels with taking on and shedding blockers.

-Perhaps employing more of a 3-4 front on early downs. The 3-4 alignment was originally devised to do a better job stopping the run. Get big lineman who can occupy blockers and allow your quick players to attack the football.

Said since 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Over and over, but it never gets fixed.

 

[baltcowboy]

We have heard that this defense has been built to play with a lead and stop the pass. Problem is, unless you have the greatest show on turf Rams offense, there will be games that the offense does struggle that the defense is going to have to be able to defend both the run and the passing game. Since Dan Quinn has arrived, we have had this discussion about the defense inability to consistently defend the run:

-Personnel is a big part of the issue. Playing with a smaller/quicker front with hybrid LB/Safeties behind them causes mismatches defending the run. Playing this style, you must beat blockers to a spot or get engulfed by blockers. Adding a player like Hankins has helped, but it's not enough.

-Scheme has done this defense no favors. Not only does Quinn like to use those hybrid defenders, but he calls a ton of twists/stunts that open up huge rushing lanes. Yes, they help getting to the QB, but they kill your run defense.

Some ideas how to fix in the future:

-Adding bigger personnel from the defensive line and the linebacker positions. Finding a legitimate mike linebacker, might be the biggest priority need. Lve's career might be over and he was more of a weakside linebacker. Find a true mike linebacker that excels with taking on and shedding blockers.

-Perhaps employing more of a 3-4 front on early downs. The 3-4 alignment was originally devised to do a better job stopping the run. Get big lineman who can occupy blockers and allow your quick players to attack the football.

We need a big defensive end, and big 6’5 defensive tackle, replace Kearse with Bell/Overshown, Micha needs to return to linebacker in the base defense, and move Mazi to 3 tech.

 

[RS12]

It’s a pass defense.

Built to play with a lead and pressure the QB.

When our O fails, the D gets worn out.

Our best bet is to draft an elite RB.

You are not wrong. This entire team is built to play from ahead both sides of the ball. They need a quick knockout or play from ahead several scores to win games. I dont think they draft a RB high since they only have five picks at the moment but I do believe with Biadacz a looming FA they will focus O Line and maybe sign a few defensive FAs. Strengthening the O Line helps the run game, pass game, and keeps the defense off the field

 

[Cowboyny]

Oh yes we have to get bigger, that's even if Quinn is here next year. We can't rely on Overshown being the guy, we MUST get depth, surely a vet in here

He is another hybrid type who fits better inside the nickel.

 

[Cowboyny]

Well as much as I want to appreciate your post and don't have time to fully get involved with this conversation that would be Dan Quinn issue... Guys want him around here help they're wanting to force Mike McCarthy out make Dan Quinn the head coach look this is his defenses this is what you have to live with this is how he built the defense and if it was a true blueprint and every team could do it then why haven't they done it this is what people are worried about yeah couple games a year we have a problem stopping the run but he built his team for teams that are more modern offenses and as much as we need to fix it I think last week it's kind of hard to judge this team when a bunch of them had the stomach flu they just played two tough games in a row against Seattle and Eagles they had injuries before the game and during the game they had a bunch of things snowball with penalties really oddball game and you lose something like this..

But if you'd like a tougher team built to stop the run you probably could have to change defensive coordinators and completely switch your philosophy.. He doesn't use the nose tackles in a two or three linebacker set very often with traditional linebackers we have them on our team Clark and Evans are big traditional middle linebackers but they probably are only on the field together 50% of the time as well as nose tackles they like to run this type of defense....

So I don't think things are gonna change I mean I am with you on the fact that I think that should be a priority in the first round if there is a guy like Fred Warner or even Bobby Wagner a really good downhill linebacker a true middle linebacker that also has range you gotta go get him... But I don't know if that's gonna fix everything because Dan Quinn seems like he's OK with calling a defense like this and as long as his players are making tackles and giving maximum effort they can stop the run enough..

I mean if you go back and look at the 49ers game in the playoffs they did at least keep a handle on Christian McCaffrey in that run game the game was close you know I think this is more about maximum effort being healthy gang tackling I I just don't think they had the energy for it Sunday against the bills but who knows

Agree, Dan Quinn is going to continue to run out that undersized group that excels against the pass. If we really want changes, another DC needs to replace him.

 

[TwistedL0g1k]

It’s a pass defense.

Built to play with a lead and pressure the QB.

When our O fails, the D gets worn out.

Our best bet is to draft an elite RB.

You are right about the type of defense Dallas has. There's no way to execute a major makeover of the defense in one off-season.

A better running game would help for sure. This means improvement on the OL, and better depth at RB. Using a first round pick on a RB makes no sense, but it's not necessary. Great RB's can be found in rounds 2-3. Tony Pollard has been playing well, but Dallas should have drafted his heir apparent in the last draft. The OL just has to be better. Dallas has been lucky so far this season with OL injuries. Dak was under extreme pressure all game long against the Bills.

 

[Cowboyny]

1. Need LOS dominating DT's. Why? Because that gives you more players elsewhere to shore up leaks.
2. Need good LB's. Not asking for great, just solid guys like Bradie James. At this point, I'm not sure we have a starting quality LB on the roster. Maybe Overshown. Desperately need improvement.

Want to succeed in the playoffs, first stop the run. That has been our achillees heel forever. At least we tried w/ Mazi, but that isn't looking so good right now. Maybe he'll come around.

You are right, we don't new a bunch of star, but rather quality role players. These type of players are easy to find and won't break the bank.

 

[Cowboyny]

If I was in charge, I would look to sign a couple of big DTs to go with Mazi and Osa. I don't know that we need Golston, and I don't think Gallimore is good enough. In the draft I would look for a big rangy MLB who can flow to both sides of the field, with great recognition skills. He needs to be smart and a thumper. If he looks like an arm tackler, then I want someone else.

Next year the Cowboys should be thinking about replacing Bell with Overshown, if he comes back looking like he did in preseason. Clark would be depth.

Where the Cowboys will be drafting, probably around 25, they can find a top LB, or S. But if you put Greenlaw type LB on the Cowboys the run defense will improve a lot.

The problem is the Cowboys are in a limiting CAP situation. They can get a big save by extending Dak but they will still be limited because of the number of key free agents of their own. Of course we can let them go but you still need players to take their spots.

As I said in another response, don't need star type of players, more quality role players who can be effective on obvious run situations. In my opinion, we have been gashed more off the edge then within the interior, I'm moving Parsons off the ball and putting a stout edge defender in his place. Parsons still will be able to move around and rush the passer, but flowing to the football, rather then taking on big Tackles.

 

[Cowboyny]

It’s a pass defense.

Built to play with a lead and pressure the QB.

When our O fails, the D gets worn out.

Our best bet is to draft an elite RB.

That's the other major weakness on this team. Possess the football more, it helps out a defense.

 

[eromeopolk]

We have heard that this defense has been built to play with a lead and stop the pass. Problem is, unless you have the greatest show on turf Rams offense, there will be games that the offense does struggle that the defense is going to have to be able to defend both the run and the passing game. Since Dan Quinn has arrived, we have had this discussion about the defense inability to consistently defend the run:

-Personnel is a big part of the issue. Playing with a smaller/quicker front with hybrid LB/Safeties behind them causes mismatches defending the run. Playing this style, you must beat blockers to a spot or get engulfed by blockers. Adding a player like Hankins has helped, but it's not enough.

-Scheme has done this defense no favors. Not only does Quinn like to use those hybrid defenders, but he calls a ton of twists/stunts that open up huge rushing lanes. Yes, they help getting to the QB, but they kill your run defense.

Some ideas how to fix in the future:

-Adding bigger personnel from the defensive line and the linebacker positions. Finding a legitimate mike linebacker, might be the biggest priority need. Lve's career might be over and he was more of a weakside linebacker. Find a true mike linebacker that excels with taking on and shedding blockers.

-Perhaps employing more of a 3-4 front on early downs. The 3-4 alignment was originally devised to do a better job stopping the run. Get big lineman who can occupy blockers and allow your quick players to attack the football.

The 4-3 defense was designed to stop the run (see Landry vs Lambardi and Johnson vs Switzer).

Every Cowboys Defense by Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson, and Bill Parcells was built to stop the run to rush the pass. The offense was told score 20 because the defense was going to hold the opponent under 20 points.

Anything else is just Jerry Dumbo GM Jones and Arlington Jonesboys stupid.

What position was the first pick in Dallas Cowboys history? What positions did the Cowboys chose no.1 overall (Hint only one was an offensive position)?

 

[Cowboyny]

Here's a name for you all. Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Yup, that Jeremiah Trotter. His son is coming out and is a middle line backer around 240 ish pounds and same attitude as his dad.
Expected to go late first/early second, so would take a big commitment. But talk about a attitude adjustment here !
Overshois an Olber. We need a thumper with an attitude - like this guy .....

Certainly know all about him, most believe he is a 2nd rd prospect at this stage.

 

[Cowboyny]

Said since 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Over and over, but it never gets fixed.

Since Wade Phillips left, our run defense has been garbage.

 

[Cowboyny]

We need a big defensive end, and big 6’5 defensive tackle, replace Kearse with Bell/Overshown, Micha needs to return to linebacker in the base defense, and move Mazi to 3 tech.

Agree on the need for a big DE and moving Parsons off the ball, but believe Mazi will eventually become that 1T or NT for this team.