We rank 6th in total defense

[JoeBoBBY]

We rank last in the NFC in the win-loss columns. only one game above the Browns for the worst record in the NFL.

 

[Derinyar]

The defense is probably a midpack defense when you look as a total. It gives up yards quite well but frequently limits touch downs. It hasn't forced turn overs with any regularity. I think part of the biggest issues with the defense are based on the offensive inconsistencies. It really is a team sport isn't it?

When teams have to pass we have managed to generate some pass rush. We've had several balls bounce off of DBs hands and it seems like every defensive player has stickem on their hands when we're on offense. Its just a crap storm of a year honestly.

 

[JoeBoBBY]

The defense is probably a midpack defense when you look as a total. It gives up yards quite well but frequently limits touch downs. It hasn't forced turn overs with any regularity. I think part of the biggest issues with the defense are based on the offensive inconsistencies. It really is a team sport isn't it?

When teams have to pass we have managed to generate some pass rush. We've had several balls bounce off of DBs hands and it seems like every defensive player has stickem on their hands when we're on offense. Its just a crap storm of a year honestly.

Actually, this is a normal year for the Dallas Cowboys. This Defense is playing exatcly how we should expect them to play...

Hey, If Romo doesnt get hurt were a 9-7 ball club!

 

[Aven8]

Originally I thought we would be 9-2 had we had Romo, but I do not believe that now. This offense is flawed. We have no dynamic play makers outside of Dez and we do a horrible job of scheming to get guys open, and stubborness of getting the Escobars, and Whiteheads on the field.our RB's are pedestrian also. You have Street who is in his 3rd year and started half the season and has what 5 catches maybe?

The whole thing needs to be scrapped and Romo couldn't save this mess IMO. He might win us the East but that's not saying much.

 

[superonyx]

It's called having no viable option at QB behind Romo, who's very rusty and continually breaking down.

Sounds like the excuse Jerry will use to save Jason Garrett from firing.
It's interesting how this excuse isn't needed when Landry Jones, Hasselback, Manziel, ect can win games this year yet our boys Weeden and Cassell couldn't get a single victory so far.

I though it was bad when Weeden went 5-15 as a starter in Cleveland....until he led a JG offense with superior talent in Dallas.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

The total defense stat is useless to me when it doesn't factor in turnovers and that's what football is about. You can have a terrible defense but if you can't get pressures, sacks or turnovers then your defense is useless.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Sounds like the excuse Jerry will use to save Jason Garrett from firing.
It's interesting how this excuse isn't needed when Landry Jones, Hasselback, Manziel, ect can win games this year yet our boys Weeden and Cassell couldn't get a single victory so far.

I though it was bad when Weeden went 5-15 as a starter in Cleveland....until he led a JG offense with superior talent in Dallas.

Hasselbeck, Landry Jones and Manziel have all looked terrible this year. And Weeden didn't have anyone the caliber of Josh Gordon in his offense. HIs best running back was Darren McFadden and receiver was Cole Beasley.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Yup our defense is good but not shutdown great. Eventually it will crack and break if left exposed. Our biggest issue now is scroing points. To be honest it will be hard for our D to create turnovers by blitzing or playing aggressive if we never have a lead. Until then Rod will continue to play it safe and you can't blame him.

our 4th quarter defense has been bad.

 

[dallasfan4lizife]

We're 29th in offensive scoring. Clearly our elementary offense is the problem. It has been for some time. Sad that it's taking most on here 7 years to realize this.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

In total defense. That's not bad. Take away a few pick sixes and a 100yard return we'd be higher in scoring d too.

I'd say offense is our weakness.

I don't think this defense is as good as its rankings. teams knowing our offensive limitations, specially when both room & dez were out and it took Dez a few games to get back into shape, had conservative game plans. they didn't need to get aggressive, just hack away at the defense and it will crack and they will score enough points.

the QB pressure hasn't been there all year. as a result no turn overs. our LB crew leaves a lot to be desired. and the DTs are awful. our 3rd down defense is pathetic. teams convert 3rd downs at ease and keep drives alive.

outside of the first philly game our defense has not been dominant by any stretch of imagination.

so is the offense a weakness? yes, with weeden and Cassell reminds me of Brad Johnson. the failure has been in finding a viable back up QB options in the off season.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

We're 29th in offensive scoring. Clearly our elementary offense is the problem. It has been for some time. Sad that it's taking most on here 7 years to realize this.

? we have had multiple top 5, top 10 rankings. although I still want more out of offense, the blame goes to the GM, for not finding a viable back up QB option.

 

[superonyx]

Hasselbeck, Landry Jones and Manziel have all looked terrible this year. And Weeden didn't have anyone the caliber of Josh Gordon in his offense. HIs best running back was Darren McFadden and receiver was Cole Beasley.

They may have looked terrible but they have a higher winning percentage than either Weeden or Cassell.
That's my point...the backup QB isn't a justifiable excuse for our lack of offense...weak teams with weak QB's have won more this year than we have. Weeden and Cassell's winning percentages have taken a dive with this team. Obviously it's the entire system causing us to rank 29th in scoring...much more than just blaming Cassell or Weeden.

 

[superonyx]

? we have had multiple top 5, top 10 rankings. although I still want more out of offense, the blame goes to the GM, for not finding a viable back up QB option.

The stats are for losers...the only stat that makes a difference to winning or losing is scoring offense and scoring defense. The rest of the stats are just for fantasy football.

I wouldn't care if we ranked last in total yards on offense and defense if we led the league in scoring offense and defense then we wouldn't be talking about the stupid draft right now.

 

[DABOYZ]

The fact is this years team isn't very good with or without Romo thanks to coaching. Look no further then our first game against the G-men. We didn't win that game, the Giants gave it to us. The offense is vanilla which causes our QB's to check down more often than not. Romo is not a check down type of QB and does what he can to extend plays. Unfortunately, his style of play along with our play calling is the reason he has been hurt twice this year. Cassell and Weeden are not mobile QB's and both managed to play in games without taking the beating Romo does. Sometimes throwing the ball away is the best option. This team not only needs a good backup QB it needs to find Romo's replacement now. He won't make it through another year if he doesn't change his style of play.

 

[LatinMind]

It's called having no viable option at QB behind Romo, who's very rusty and continually breaking down.

That even puts more pressure on the defense

 

[Zekeats]

This defense can't consistently force turnovers.

This defense hasn't played with a lead much either

 

[JW82]

In total defense. That's not bad. Take away a few pick sixes and a 100yard return we'd be higher in scoring d too.

I'd say offense is our weakness.

You understand this is a mirage right? Teams could score 30 on us every week if they needed to. They are 0 for the season in stops when it matters. Teams play as conservative as possible against us knowing we pose no threat to score points. Thats fools gold man.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

They may have looked terrible but they have a higher winning percentage than either Weeden or Cassell.
That's my point...the backup QB isn't a justifiable excuse for our lack of offense...weak teams with weak QB's have won more this year than we have. Weeden and Cassell's winning percentages have taken a dive with this team. Obviously it's the entire system causing us to rank 29th in scoring...much more than just blaming Cassell or Weeden.

Oh well I agree with that. Our offense that people loved last year form Linehand isn't very good and never has been. It all looks good when players execute. But its getting by strictly on its talent and that's not going to cut it every week.

 

[pacy]

We rank last in the NFC in the win-loss columns. only one game above the Browns for the worst record in the NFL.

Who would have thought about that before the season.

 

[percyhoward]

This defense is giving up more points to opposing offenses than it did last year -- it's just facing fewer drives. Our offense leads the league in time of average possession by huge margin. There is more TOP separating 1st and 2nd place than there is separating 2nd place from 10th place.

Time of average possession
Offense
1. Dallas 3:20
2. Atlanta 3:02
3. San Diego 2:56
4. Minnesota 2:54
5. Cincinnati 2:53
6. Washington 2:53
7. Chicago 2:52
8. Arizona 2:49
9. Seattle 2:49
10. Detroit 2:46

If you look at points allowed per drive, our defense is basically performing at last year's level, just without all the takeaways.

Dallas Defense
Points allowed per drive
2015 1.96 (17th)
2014 1.89 (16th)

Dallas Defense
Takeaways per drive
2015 .062 (32nd)
2014 .172 (1st)

The offense looks like this...
Dallas Offense
points per drive
2015 1.73 (24th)
2014 2.62 (2nd)

...because of this:
Dallas Offense
team pass rating
2015 82.2 (26th)
2014 110.9 (1st)