I know Cowboys fans have been frustrated as we’ve watched our defense (for years) adopt a “bend but don’t break” style that includes few blitzes, mostly soft two deep zones, and keeping our best players in stationary positions, making them easier to scheme for. It’s frustrating to watch our D game after game, employ the same tired old approaches to stopping opponents.
Sam Darnold famously said last week (after the sad sack Jets carved us up) that our defense did exactly what they expected- in fact he said, “It’s what they do every week.” That quote exemplifies what’s wrong with the habits of this defense- It’s completely predictable.
Here are some simple ways this defense could immediately get better with the same personnel:
- Move DLaw and Robert Quinn around as pass rushers. It’s too easy for our opponents to game plan us defensively when they always line up in the same position. What if DLaw and Quinn lined up in some different spots to throw opposing linemen a curve?
- Create a few max blitz packages that send 7 people, leaving our 4 best cover guys in man coverage. Opponents usually can’t block 7 with 6.
- How about using a different package than the usual 4-3 you’ve shown literally every week for years. How about a 4-2-5 or even a 3-3-5 scheme on occasion, especially in obvious passing situations. This team employs the same simple packages over and over in the most predictable ways.
In short- stop being so predictable and “safe”! Being safe has not made this defense better. When a second year QB without much success says you are easy to prepare for, it should be a siren warning to this coaching staff.
