Two Weeks Until the Backtracking Begins

[Kaiser]

The youngest starting defense team in the league. Can only get better. The experience was priceless making the playoffs last season

Especially on the line, DLaw is one of the best players in the NFL, Taco had three sacks in a half yesterday and Maliek Collins has been a force this year. And for depth we have something like 12 players for 10 spots.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Where is the progress in the playoffs? You say 5 years? That includes 2 putrid performances against Rodgers and then flat out embarrassed to the Rams run game. I don't see any progress. It's the same stuff. They play good for a little stretch and revert right back to their true selves, which is below average. They were terrible the final quarter of last season.

It's always "Watch and see" with this defense. They never actually carry their weight when needed.

Where is the progress?

Dallas Cowboys defensive rankings:

2013 - 32
2014 - 19
2015 - 17
2016 - 14
2017 - 8
2018 - 7

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/index.htm

More talented this year than last should mean at least another top 7-8 defense if not higher. Sure there are games where they haven't done so well. That happens to every team at some point in the season. But overall, the progress is there. The days of Romo having to single handedly carring this team are over.

 

[erod]

Is it really that much of a stretch to think we have a top 3 defense?

Wouldn't you like to see them play against starters first?

Preseason means less than nothing.

There's a lot of promise, but remember, down the stretch last year, the defense was pretty weak.

 

[Bobhaze]

Here’s what this defense needs to add to its performance to make it top 3: Turnovers.

This defense was very good at times last year, but they still have lacked the breakout year with TOs. If this D can get a combined 70 sacks and defensive TOs with at least two defensive TDs this year, look out.

Last year, we had a combined sack/TO number of 59. (39 sacks, 20 TOs) The sack numbers aren’t bad but the lack of TOs is what has held us back. Compare that to the Bears last year, who weren’t nearly as good as their record. Why? Because their D got a combined sack/TO total of 86! Their offense wasn’t that great but when you get 36 TOs they don’t have to be.

In 2018, pass defense finished 13th, and our run defense finished 5th (Ironic considering g what the rams did to us in the playoffs) Certainly the pass defense needs to improve, especially in getting some picks!

 

[cowboyblue22]

i think I will wait until the regular season to see what they really are the last time I seen this defense some fat guy was running around and through them

 

[mmohican29]

What’s the backtracking you are talking about?

How about the media maelstrom predicting doom and gloom for this team. How the secondary is weak. How we will be in the outside looking in @ the postseason. How Dak stinks.

All of that going up in flames.

 

[Rockport]

How about the media maelstrom predicting doom and gloom for this team. How the secondary is weak. How we will be in the outside looking in @ the postseason. How Dak stinks.

All of that going up in flames.

I think that’s more from CZ members than the media. Most of the media is showing respect for the Cowboys this year.

 

[PAPPYDOG]

Defense will be Top 10 maybe top 5 for sure,,,,,, our season will depend on how many points per average a game our Offense can put up!
In the end the one with the most points WINS!

 

[nobody]

As long as they not only do their job in the regular season, but don't disappear in the playoffs, it'll be great.

 

[Silver N Blue]

I took them as my fantasy D. I think they will be great when it comes to points allowed. Just need to see those turnovers for them to be elite

Boys and Browns two great picks

 

[CWR]

Wouldn't you like to see them play against starters first?

Preseason means less than nothing.

There's a lot of promise, but remember, down the stretch last year, the defense was pretty weak.

Of course its too early to know anything about this season. We do know that our defense was pretty good last season and we have a lot of young impact players who will likely get better with experience. Im fairly certain the OP is making his prediction based on what he saw last year and the expected progression of the youth, although last night was probably a catalyst for it.

As far as the defense collapsing down the stretch last year, I agree they definitely fell off. Although they did a damn good job holding Seattle down in the wildcard round, which was impressive considering they were the number one rushing team. I think we were fortunate RW didn't throw the ball more that game.

Where do you think the defense will finish this season?

 

[CWR]

i think I will wait until the regular season to see what they really are the last time I seen this defense some fat guy was running around and through them

That fat guy always seems to tear us up. Smh

 

[fansince68]

I think they are definitely better then last year based on maturation and swagger. And the secondary seem better with another year with Richard.

But make no mistake................this defense will depend on Lawrence, Quinn, Jones and how much they come back healthy and at the top level.

These backups like Taco, Armstrong, Hill arent going to make much of a difference this year.

You forgot Zeke. Zeke creates ball control and keeps the "Hotboyz" rested to go after the opposing offense.

 

[Jake]

So you are judging the Defense based on one quarter ?

People are proclaiming them top 3 because they're giddy over a preseason game.

The last time the defense played a real game they got worked.

 

[CowboyRoy]

You forgot Zeke. Zeke creates ball control and keeps the "Hotboyz" rested to go after the opposing offense.

There is no "losers" or whatever stupid name you just said.

And Zeke idiot your hero isnt here is he? Another loser.

 

[Rogerthat12]

Some like them hot!!!! Who am I to judge?

Some do...

 

[fansince68]

There is no "losers" or whatever stupid name you just said.

And Zeke idiot your hero isnt here is he? Another loser.

Oh Zeke is your hero too. I've saved your handle to point out your adulation during the season when you are once again back on Zekes jock with the rest of the Cowboys fans.

 

[ShiningStar]

people be tripping over pre season success.

 

[Maxmadden]

People are proclaiming them top 3 because they're giddy over a preseason game.

The last time the defense played a real game they got worked.

If you have ever played football competitively you should know that sometimes you come out fired up and you are just flat. It happens. you can play the blame game if it makes you feel somehow better.

The whole team was flat that day for whatever reason. The defense will play a key role in anything we do this year just as it did in every Superbowl we have ever won. The kids should have a bad taste in their mouth and hopefully this year they rise to the occasion.

 

[Runwildboys]

What’s the backtracking you are talking about?

I was wondering about that too.