We're paying 50 million in salary cap for the worst passing defense in the entire NFL?

[dstovall5]

Offensive Spend: 26 players - $49,807,744
Defensive Spend: 32 players - $49,511,239
Specials Spend: 3 players - $2,095,834
http://overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Cowboys&Year=2013

I was shocked when I seen these numbers. I've seen plenty of posts around here stating how we're this strictly offensive team, yet we have the same amount of salary from offense tied up into our pathetically bad defense. Without originally looking at the numbers, I honestly thought our salary split would be along the lines of a 70/30 split, especially with the way our defense looks. Yet, after looking at the numbers, our defense is getting paid just like our offense. Just they're not performing no where near the level, so what gives?

I understand we've had an unfortunate string of injuries, particularly to the D-Line/Safety position (now LB as well), but that's no excuse for being the worst passing defense in the entire NFL and one of the worst overall defenses. Is it because we're over paying for players defensively (not enough bang for the buck)? Is it because of our current scheme? Is it because of our coaching staff? Is it because of injuries? Even if all these things are true, it still shouldn't make us one of the worst passing defenses historically. It's not like we're dealing with problems other defenses haven't dealt with in the past, yet we're on record setting pace with our passing defense.

Since I know some will mention our offensive problems as well in this thread, this is what I have to say about our current offensive situation. I know our offense isn't exactly meeting expectations either, but at least they're still being productive. Even as much of a disappointment they've been this year, they're still one of the better offenses in the NFL, particularly in the Red Zone in which we're ranked 2nd in TD scoring %.

Our Offense and Defense are both being paid around the same, yet our defense is performing among the worst in the league, why? Feel free to add to the discussion, I'm curious as to what others think about this.

 

[dupree89]

well...without checking each player's salary...I would start with these (3) guys...

Spencer over 10 mill
Ware I think 8 mill
Claiborne...3 or 4 mill.

so there is 21 or 22 mill that either hasnt contributed at all or have been in and out. Thats a good chunk of salary money. Dont confuse this with me defending the defense though...because it has been an embarrassment.

 

[85Cowboy85]

Not only that but we've been among the worst teams in passer rating allowed each of the past 4 years. This is not just a one year blip it's a trend.

2013: Passer Rating Allowed: 92.3 Rank: 23
2012: Passer Rating Allowed: 94.7 Rank: 29
2011: Passer Rating Allowed: 88.4 Rank: 25
2010: Passer Rating Allowed: 92.8 Rank: 29
2009: Passer Rating Allowed: 86.0 Rank: 18
2008: Passer Rating Allowed: 86.2 Rank: 20
2007: Passer Rating Allowed: 76.9 Rank: 8

Here's the team offensive numbers, reminder that this also includes backup qbs:

2013: Passer Rating Allowed: 98.3 Rank: 6
2012: Passer Rating Allowed: 91.3 Rank: 9
2011: Passer Rating Allowed: 100.1 Rank: 4
2010: Passer Rating Allowed: 90.4 Rank: 11
2009: Passer Rating Allowed: 96.2 Rank: 7
2008: Passer Rating Allowed: 84.9 Rank: 13
2007: Passer Rating Allowed: 95.1 Rank: 6

It's clear as day what the problem is. Yet every year it seems like the offense gets 90% of the focus.

If we could even throw a competent pass defense out there with our passing offense we win 10-11 games easily. I hate to be a broken record but this goes back to the GM for being able to field a decent pass defense only once in 7 years.