Norm Hall - Getty Images
The pass rush from the Cowboys defensive-line has not sent most fans jumping for joy.
The Dallas Cowboys 3-4 defense is based on applying pressure and designed around the edge-rushing phenomenon DeMarcus Ware. With Rob Ryan now coaching the unit, there is every reason to believe applying pressure and creating havoc along the line is the intended spearhead for Ryan's organized chaos. Part I was a breakdown of sack ratings, but as they say...you can never have enough pass rush.
Judging the effectiveness of a defense's pass rush requires more than just the tally and dispersion of sacks. The Cowboys rank in the Top 10 in total sacks, but there are more signs of carnage left by a penetrating front-seven. Part II will compare some more detailed stats and thus have fewer teams in the study. In my opinion there are four teams that managed consistent 3-4 pressure from their defense. Oddly enough, one of them runs a 4-3 and the other a hybrid 3-4. Let me explain...
At the heart of the 3-4 design is the attempt to disguise and confuse an offense with a potent pass rush from schemes that utilize a variation of the players in the front-seven pressuring gaps. In this way, the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants use a virtually 50/50 split between the pressure from their linebackers and defensive linemen. In some cases, the distinction between edge-rushing OLB and DE disappears. In fact, plenty of Ryan's schemes rush three or four players from traditionally 4-3 defensive-line positions, Jay Ratliff and Sean Lissemore lining up as defensive tackles with Ware and/or Anthony Spencer as defensive ends.
A great 4-3 defense can create pressure with just the defensive-line. A great 3-4 creates pressure from any combination of their front-seven. In my opinion, along with the Ravens and Giants, two other teams stood out with their 3-4esque pass rush, the Houston Texans and the Washington Redskins.
The Cowboys pass rush must clearly improve before anyone calls it elite...but there is more than one way to solve that problem.
Beware Cowboys Fans: the following collection of statistics is both painful and surprising!
First, a slightly more detailed look at the sack totals including a breakdown of each team's leading rushers.
Statistics from NFL.com
| HOU | NYG | BAL | WAS | DAL | |
| Sacks | 44 | 48 | 48 | 41 | 42 |
| Rank | 6th | 3rd | 3rd | 10th | 7th |
| % DL | 37.5% | 52% | 32% | 44% | 25% |
| % LB | 61% | 46% | 53% | 49% | 68% |
| Rusher 1 | C. Barwin-11.5-OLB | JPP-16.5-OLB | T. Suggs-14-OLB | B.Orakpo-9-OLB | D. Ware-19.5 |
| Rusher 2 | A. Smith-6.5-OLB | Osi U.-9-DE | P. McPhee-6-DL | R.Kerrigan-7.5-OLB | A.Spencer-6-OLB |
| Rusher 3 | B.Reed-6-OLB | J.Tuck-5-DE | P. Kruger-5.5-OLB | S.Bowen-6-DL | J.Hatcher-4.5-DL |
| Rusher 4 | JJ Watt-5.5-DL | D.Tullefson-5-DE | H. Ngata-5-DL | A.Carriker-5.5-DL | V.Butler-3-OLB |
| Rusher 5 | Mario Will.-5-OLB | C.Canty-4-DL | C. Redding-4.5-DL | B.Cofield-3-DL | J.Ratliff-2-DL |
| Rusher 6 | B.Cushing-4-ILB | M.Kiwanuka-3.5-OLB | J.Johnson-2.5-OLB | C.Neild-2-DL | S.Lissemore-2-DL |
| Sacks from 2-6 | 27 | 26.5 | 23.5 | 24 | 17.5 |
Looking at sacks alone, even Atlas would be impressed at Ware's ability to bear the load in ranking the team Top 10 in total sacks. Anthony Spencer and Jason Hatcher rate below par against the other second and third rushers, but worst of all is Dallas' abysmally low sack totals from their front-seven (minus star rusher) compared to the other teams. Even worse, two of the leading rushers, Victor Butler and Sean Lissemore, are only situational players.
One can only be impressed by the Houston Texans. Of their six leading rushers, only one is a backup and he stepped in admirably when Mario Williams went down with an injury. They are also the only team with an inside linebacker ranked among their leading rushers. The Texans may have the best front-seven in football.
Even if Jay Ratliff had found a way to rank his sack totals closer to his ability, Dallas would still be half-a-dozen sacks away from the other impressive pass-rushing defenses. Clearly, the Cowboys must upgrade certain positions to increase their sack totals.
Still, many of us recall the Cowboys creating pressure before opposing quarterbacks found open receivers. Could it really be Ware that single-handedly collapses pockets?
In the quest for more info to debate, the time has come to see how the Cowboys defense ranked in terms of some other pass-rushing stats. While NFL.com is somewhat limited, advancedNFLstats.com keeps commendable track of quarterback hits and tackles for a loss. Both provide additional insight into a team and player's ability to win the battles at the line of scrimmage by applying pressure and collapsing the pocket. Sacks are the sexier statistic, but tackles for a loss can be just as impactful and quarterback hits eventually lead to incompletions, jumpy quarterbacks, sacks and interceptions.
| HOU | NYG | BAL | WAS | DAL | Averages | |||||||
| QB Hits | TFL | QB Hits | TFL | QB Hits | TFL | QB Hits | TFL | QB Hits | TFL | QB Hits | TFL | |
| Primary Rusher | 27 | 12 | 29 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 12 | 6 | 28 | 26 | 23.6 | 17.4 |
| #2 Rusher | 16 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 9 | 15 | 12 | 12.4 | 8.6 |
| Top 3 | 59 | 35 | 50 | 37 | 45 | 36 | 35 | 20 | 53 | 43 | 48.4 | 34.2 |
| Rushers 2-6 | 62 | 42 | 45 | 44 | 46 | 32 | 38 | 23 | 43 | 33 | 46.8 | 34.8 |
| Total | 89 | 54 | 74 | 67 | 68 | 52 | 50 | 29 | 71 | 59 | 70.4 | 52.2 |
Wait...but the sack totals said...does that mean...?
While the Cowboys pass rushers are subpar in terms of sacks, their ability to create pressure does appear to be legitimate. The Cowboys are above average in virtually every category. Amongst these dominant pass-rushing teams, even Almost Anthony ranks as one of the best #2 rushers in terms of quarterback hits and tackles for a loss. Even the Top 3 totals - Ware, Spencer, and Hatcher - rank above average. Only when comparing each team's pressure without their key pass-rusher does Dallas fall slightly short of the average. It would seem the Cowboys, even with two role-players in the ranks of their best rushers, actually have a solid front-seven in terms of quarterback hits and tackles for a loss.
Not to repeat myself, but maybe Anthony Spencer isn't the biggest problem with the Cowboys ability to force sacks. Indeed, he may not even be the second highest priority. The Cowboys need to find greater depth in their pass-rushing ranks, especially at one specific position. Having a rotation where some of your team's best pass-rushers are scheme-specific part-time players is clearly less reliable and consistent. It would appear one great way for Ryan to improve the pass rush is to get a dominant defensive-end to play opposite Hatcher. Sean Lissemore has certainly earned more snaps, and though he may still be a situational player it's tough to deny him the credit he deserves and even consideration for a starting role. Consider the following:
Jay Ratliff had six QB Hits and finally got back on track with eight tackles for a loss. With far fewer snaps (and double teams), Lissemore had five Hits and four TFL.
Now, the Cowboys front-seven has been lacking in sacks, yet totals tons of hits against quarterbacks and plenty of tackles for a loss. Could there be something other than a dominant end or replacement for Spencer that could improve the Cowboys pass rush and sack numbers considerably in 2012?
6 recs | 118 comments
Primero
G_SWAG - January 12, 2012 via mobile
So what I'm
getting out of this is that the pass rush wasn’t as bad as it seemed at times, but that the issue was that Ware was the only player that was consistent at sacking the QB. My understanding then is that if they can generate more consistent pressure from other areas, mainly the DL, and improve the coverage in the secondary, the pass rush would be much improved. Is that it, or do I need my second cup of coffee and a re-read of the article?
IronCowboy - January 12, 2012
ANOTHY SPENCER GIVES UP ON PLAYS
OMG JUST FIRE HIM ALREADY HE SUCKS
WE NEED TO FINISH 0-16 NEXT YEAR SO WE CAN GET MOAR BUTTER PIX
Damnsammit - January 12, 2012
Mmmmmmmm...
Butter pix…
sirjason22 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Those are banned in seventeen states.
Tom Ryle - January 12, 2012
is your caps key stuck?
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
All signs point to a more dominant NT needed
Yes, Ratliff draws a lot of double teams but w need a guy who will occasionally beat they double team and condense the pocket. Too many times this year (mainly against the Giants), Eli just stepped away from outside pressure and delivered the ball. Sign the biggest NT, sign physical corner and draft SS Barron.
thegloryyears - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Glory when I first got to this blog.....
I was pining for a true nt. People couldn’t rip me fast enough. LOL. All I heard was how great Rat was yadda yadda yadda. Most contended that his quickness was the mismatch this d needed…..I say b.s.. He is older and wears down quicker. How fans don’t see this I have no idea.
Why does every one think he still has elite ability ? Maybe his ability has been beaten out of him. As a nt he is smaller guy. Too many fans here let fandom get in the way of logic.
Should he be appreciated ? Sure. He has given his heart and soul to this team. He would have been better served to play de in the 3-4 or dt in a 4-3. I think he has been misused in his career and you will a precipitous fall off next season. The 3-4 in Dallas has forever been round hole square peg syndrome.
football mensa - January 12, 2012
To further my point look at the .....
Texans. They draft Watt and Reed. Two rookies. They step right in and play really well. Dallas still trudging along trying to find real 3-4 players. Dallas has been trying for 8 years now. It’s amazing ot me they keep banging their head on the wall.
All the Texans need now is a nt. If they draft Poe that d could be what San Diego was when Wade was there. Remember that d had a huge nt.
football mensa - January 12, 2012
So, let me see if I get this...
We need to draft a NT. Dallas can’t find 3-4 players, unlike the Texans, who drafted too great DE’s for a 3-4 upon the arrival of ex-cowboy coach Wade. The texans have a great 3-4 with under-sized DT’s but we need a huge NT?
matt575 - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Ratliff
Got a good number of QB Hits and TFL for a NT. In my quote, it means you expect more than two sacks from a good NT, and Jay is still good. You will notice Cofield (who had a great seasno) is the only other NT that makes this list.
Now, I do agree on the need for a big NT to take over for Jay in certain situations, and Brent’s injury set that back a bit. But I think Ryan is doing an interesting job using Ray and another DL as DT’s in his schemes and trying to take advantage of Jay’s pass-rushing ability (a rarity for NT that could help create mismatches). I think a dominant DE helps Jay play even better as NT, but there is reason to worry. Burst and relentless motor are his best qualities and those hit most by age.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
Jammal Williams type of player would enhance Rat's ability.
Williams was a huge beast who dominated the interior line. Rat get’s worn down in the run game. His best asset at this point in his career is pass rushing.
Jerry won’t draft a huge nt. He still believes Rat is elite.
That said I am now going to pine for Michael Brockers. De. Even over DeCastro.
football mensa - January 12, 2012
We agree, but...
Jay Ratliff, in my opinion, should not be played like a primary NT…and Ryan doesn’t. Jay plays like a 4-3 DT often in Ryan’s schemes.
Now, I too would like a powerful NT on the team, and RYan again uses interesting fronts to get LIssemore and/or Coleman and/or PRice playing as part of a 2-DL front and then flexes a 3rd DE with Spencer or Ware putting their hand on the ground.
If the Cowboys get a versatile everydown stud DE, then Ratliff can have a cohort in the 2DL lines and even in the base to take away a few double teams or open things up for the LBs.
Any new NT will split time with Rat, but I think a full-time DE can help Ryan maximize everyone’s value in his schemes.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
brockers at #14 is a full round reach
matt575 - January 13, 2012 via mobile
+ a billioin
I was just thinking, imagine a rotation of the tenacity of Ratliff and Lissemore rotating at DE with a massive monster like Poe in the middle. Hatcher and Spears (or DE addition) rotate on other side and the defense can go look at a safety or offensive line. Scandrick should slide in for Newman. Hmmm, can Newman play FS? To many Madden years, lol. I’d definitely try Ratliff at DE with Lissemore too. Poe and Josh-Brent for NT. I’m convinced until proven wrong that Spencer will improve and Demarcus would easily smash the sack total.
CodeNamedG - January 12, 2012
That's exactly what I was thinking.
If Rat were playing DE, his sack total would improve, IMO. We bash the D, but it’s the secondary’s fault for the most part, IMO.
If we sign a FA NT or draft one, move Rat to DE and rotate Spears and Lissy at DE to keep Rat and Hatcher fresh, I think we’d really improve the interior DL.
Draft DeCastro, an OLB, CBs, and S in April. Dominant O and improved D=contender.
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
Well, since no one has said it yet.
The ending is clearly a plug for Part III: “OMG WE HAVE NO SECONDARY!”
Because, logically, if the secondary covers for .5 seconds longer, every QB hit necessarily becomes either a sack or a throw into coverage (followed, of course, with a QB hit).
If someone can inform me of a program that plays video and shows tenths of a second nicely, I’ll be able to work on the stat-creating I started last offseason. The idea was that, if I recorded the time elapsed between the snap and sacks, and the snap and the release for a completion, and credited the sack time to the players rushing, or the completion time to the players covering, I would have a total “value” for each player’s pass rushing and coverage ability.
The idea is that, if Ware is rushing, who ought to have a high value as a pass-rusher, even if he doesn’t register a hit, pressure, or sack, the simple act of him rushing will decrease the time it takes for someone else to sack the quarterback. The principal is widely believed that the more people you send, the faster you’ll get to the quarterback, I just believe that who you send is equally important. Only recording data for sacks eliminates guess-work or possible homer bias.
For completions, then, they represent a failure by the secondary. If I record the time it took for the quarterback to release a successful pass, and average it among those in coverage, I will arrive at a coverage value for each individual player. This will account for zone defenses, where the whole unit either succeeds or fails. I’m curious to see how valuable Newman, Ball, and Elam were, primarily.
So, I can find the game film, but I need a program that shows tenths of a second.
CotySaxman - January 12, 2012
That is ambitious.
I wish I had an answer for you on the timing, because I think you are on to something, and i am dying to find out what you could come up with.
Tom Ryle - January 12, 2012
I thought of it last offseason.
And I worked half of a game out…but it was from last year. I just hope the sample size of 48 sacks is enough for this year.
CotySaxman - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Not a software suggestion, but an observation about video...
Most SMTC video runs at 24 frames per second. This is not a very efficient method, but you could count the still video frames between the snap and either the hit, release, and/or catch, and measure the elapsed time that way (70 frames < 3 seconds; 75 frames > 3 seconds; etc.).
You can calibrate your video software by recording a fragment of a basketball game, or any other event where a time counter is superimposed over the action. I mentioned basketball, because they have almost universally gone to a tenth-second display during the final minute of a period. That would give you greater accuracy at measuring frames per second.
Hockey would also work, because most hockey games are played in basketball arenas and use the same equipment.
If you wanted more accuracy, wait for the Olympics and record some of their footage where they are displaying time in hundredths of a second in some events.
hookerhome - January 12, 2012
Thanks for the suggestion.
I believe Windows shows fps in the info when I highlight the video. First I’ve gotta acquire the videos. I’m disappointed vlc doesn’t offer tenths, though it does offer single frame advancement.
CotySaxman - January 13, 2012 via mobile
He's right,
our secondary except for Jenkins is flawed. For the most part they couldn’t cover my grandmother for 3 seconds.
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
This info is actually very surprising. This tells me we need to improve this secondary much more than a pass rush.
If we cover for another 1/2 second we get more sacks. We r obviously getting pressure. If we could get an upgrade at DE in FA then upgrade CB and S it would help our pass coverage and QB pressure. Of course all of this was against below average competition with our easy schedule this past yr.
Dynamicduo - January 12, 2012 via mobile
I think there's room for improvement everywhere on this defense.
We need another pass rusher and a much improved cb, as well as a solid safety. All 3 are very important to this team. I’m anxious to see what moves we make.
Dynamicduo - January 12, 2012 via mobile
pressures are subjective
pure judgement. And what is pressure to one QB is not to another. So the pressure stat is suspect.
And if THAT stat is thrown out, then our D’s problems become more visible.
We need another pass rusher that opposing O’s fear. Giants have 3; most every other top D has at least 2. WE HAVE ONE.
burmafrd1944 - January 12, 2012
Good point,
just look at our own QB who seems to do better with pressure. Except of course when your follow-through bangs your hand on the guy’s helmet. My interpretation of this article is a little different. I believe Spencer is actually encouraged to stay at home more and protect vs the run, whereas Ware is turned loose to get to the QB any way possible. This strategy only works if the secondary is doing its job, and I just don’t see too many of our DBs in the same zip code with the receivers far too often.
Silverblue - January 12, 2012
This uses QB HIts, not pressures
AdvancedNFLstats.com does a commendable job tallying QB HIts and Tackles for a loss. Less subjective than QB pressures, though they seem to run higher totals than ESPN stuff tackles because they seem to give credit to assisted TFL.
QB Hits are times the player actually hit the quarterback. Yes, some QBs are better at getting rid of teh ball than others, but a QB Hit means the ball was released right before contact…meaning a bit better coverage would have resulted in some hits becoming sacks or other beneficial plays.
The problem is not having a breakdown between QB Hits – and completions, versus incompletions, vs. throwing the ball away.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
I remember reading an article after the first Giants game that Dallas had to rush 5+ guys to get pressure on Eli
and when they rushed less than 5, they got next to know pressure. Rushing so many left holes in the field that Manning was able to exploit. And when Dallas was rushing 5+ guys, they were only getting pressure and not able to get sacks. Now, I have no facts or footage to back this up, but throughout the season, I felt that this was the issue. It struck me that Rob Ryan always seemed to be in a position where if he rushed with less than 5 guys, then there would never be pressure on the QB and the QB could stand their and wait for a WR to get free & when we rushed with 5+ guy, there would be huge holes in the middle of the field that the QB could exploit because even with 5 guys, Dallas couldn’t get there fast enough. This makes me feel that not only do we need to upgrade our secondary, but also our d-line (DE/NT/DE).
Grimlock83 - January 12, 2012
I think that is exxagerated
During the game Collinsworth said something to that effect, but then only had two clips to show Eli with over 4 seconds and both times the Cowboys rushed only 3. Now, to get legitimate pressure Ryan was sending 4 or 5, but it didn’t seem (to me) like pressure occurred only when Ryan blitzed an extra rusher.
Besides, six people in coverage should usually be good enough to cover better than the Cowboys were even when they had seven people in coverage.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
What I read was on ESPN and I think it was by Tim MacMahon, so, it take as you will, but
whoever it was had re-watched the game film. The tallies he came up with was something like out of the 10 times Dallas rushed with 5+ guys, they got pressure of Eli 7 times. They rushed with 4 guys 7 times and got pressure on Eli 2 of those times. Now, I’m going off memory here. I tried to find the article, but as of yet haven’t found again, so my numbers may be a bit off.
Grimlock83 - January 12, 2012
Would bringing in
a big, powerful Nt and thus moving Ratliff to end be the equivalent (or better) than getting a high-end free agent DE?
IronCowboy - January 12, 2012
potentially
But by that logic, it would also be losing a pro bowl NT to free agency and spending one of your draft picks on an unproven replacement
TheLondonCowboy - January 12, 2012
Free Agency
Why would we be losing a pro bowl NT to free agency in that logic?… All draft picks are unproven replacement so that is really saying much more than pointing out the possible talent drop potential. The situation is that we already at a deficiency to some degree at the position so a different approach (a big, powerful Nt) maybe the answer in this case. I’ve been thinking so since the beginning of the 3-4 defense but that’s just me.
CodeNamedG - January 12, 2012
The 'Boys are fine if...
Romo has much better protection and the team will be able to score lot more. Nobody talks much about Colts defense, Patriots defense, Saints defense because they all have good qbs and good OL and can score TDs. So we may stop arguing about ‘Almost Anthony’, find a good solid offensive line, we will be in SB’s many years to come!
sbnles - January 12, 2012
Patriots and Colts bad defense
Colts won only one SB for a reason…their defense.
The Pats won’t win the SB this season for a reason…their defense.
The Saints do have a good defense with Greg Williams as coach.
Romo was Top 10 in yards, avg., TDs, INT rate…the offense could be better, but how much more? The team will have a better chance of winning if they don’t have to score over 30points every game and can slow down the opposing offense.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
He forgot to include the Packers
Rohpuri - January 12, 2012
We lost 3 games where we held the other team to 20 or less.
The Dallas offense only scored 30 points or more 5 times. In 3 of those games, the other team scored 7, 7, and 15. Then there was the Lions game. So that leaves 1 game where the offense played great and the D failed. I think it’s sort of crazy that everyone suggests that we were lighting teams up every game that we lost and only our D allowed other teams to win. Romo had a great year, but so did Ware. It takes more than one guy killing it, though. If the offense could get a couple more first downs per game, it would make the D instantly better.
The Saints D is average at best – 24th in yards allowed, 13th in points. They only allow half a point less per game than the Cowboys, and 25 yards per game more. If that makes them a good D, then ours must also be considered good. We forced more turnovers than them, too.
Baked Potato Soup - January 13, 2012
This.
With a better OL we would of beat the cards, jets, patriots.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
Saints defense
Has not allowed a team in the final 5 weeks to score over 20 points.
The allowed only two teams all season to score more than 2 times.
You can judge only by the stats, but the Saints defense did play better than the Cowboys
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
Correction - Two times all season allowed teams to score over 30
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
They allowed 3, we allowed 4.
And one of those was due to our offense giving the other team 14 points.
Baked Potato Soup - January 14, 2012
But here's the thing about the Saints
They have one of the hest offensive lines in the league; they lead the NFL in coverting 3rd downs at 50+% as well as leading the league at converting over 40% of their 3rd and longs. They were able to sustain drives, rack up yards, and points (mainly TDs). They were able to light up the score board early and then grind the game out late with their RB Quartett of Ingram, Thomas, Sproles, Ivory.
Did you watch the Saints Lions game last week?
Drew Brees had all the time in the world to sit in the pocket and pick apart the Lions defense. Jahri Evans and Car Nicks completely shut down Suh and Fairley, rendering them irrelevant save for an early 1st half sack.
The Saints defense didn’t register a sack on Stafford, and the two INTs Stafford threw were bad throws by him. Had he thrown those balls against Dallas either the Lions receiver would catch it, or the Dallas DV would drop the INT.
The Saints also had a better avg time of possession than Dallas:
-Saints ranked 3rd at 32:03 avg top for the season; in their last 3 games their avg top was 32:12, in their final game of the season, they had the ball for 35:08; at home their avg top was 31:52; on the road their avg top was 32:16
-Dallas was 8th in the NFL (actually ahead of GB, BAL, NE, NYG, CIN, DEN) with avg top of 31:07; in their last 3 games it was 31:58; in their final game it was 25:27; at home it was 31:35; on the road it was 30:40
I’ll say this, the longer the Cowboys offense has the ball, the better their chances of winning. The defense doesn’t have the ability to force turnovers in bunches like the Packers and Ravens defenses; and the Cowboys return game rarely breaks a big play to provide them a relatively short field. The Cowboys offensive line needs to improve so the offense can sustain drives, put up more points and keep it’s own defense off the field.
It’s going to take 2 or 3 off seasons to build a the defense back up, too many holes, not enough draft picks and cap room. While in this offseason the offense can be transformed into elite status with upgrades at G/C. I think it’s fair to say the offensive line needs to have the first pick allocated to them.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Saints and Packers
Both their defenses have had an off year, but both have been better than the Cowboys in recent years… debatably this season as well.
I agree on how much the Saints offense helps their defnese and we both agree that the Cowboys off. wasn’t elite this year.
However, Brees has a lot to do with that O-line looking so great. Don’t get me wrong, they play well, but a lot of those off. stats are reasons Brees is a better QB than Romo. Reads defenses and gets rid of the ball faster.
I also agree we can improve our O-line play. Where we disagree is how to invest the team’s resources. I think the team because better by fixing some blatant holes in the defense and trusting in the development of their young o-line, vs. getting DeCastro admitting the def sucks, and improving it less. YEs, I think the team is better turning an average defense into a good one, vs. a really good offense into an elite one – though that could still happen without DeCastro
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
Yeah and how much is that the Saints Offense putting pressure on the opposing Offense
Forcing them out of their game plain and in the state of mind we have to score now and fast, and the confidence your defense must get form your offense being upstoppable. They can play with more of an aggressive style creating big plays.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
The Saints offensive line
allows that offense to do what it does
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
no i agree
thebigham - January 13, 2012
My bad
It’s hard to keep track whose conversing with who on these comments sometimes.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Is A. Spencer your cousin or something? Your man-crush on him is getting unhealthy at this point.
Throw out all the stats you want. most of his are from the beginning of the season. I saw QBs throw with out pressure at critical times. we all saw the pass tush dissappear at critical times. Many of us saw Spencer quit in several games. It is time to move on from Spencer. The big problem with your stats is they assume the pass rush was consistent all season. It was not. It was #1 until teams got enough film to figure out what RR was doing. Then it bottomed out and was awful. Try showing stats from the last eight games. Remember we finished 1-5. That’s what needs to be fixed. Including stats from the first half of the season is fools gold. teams will have plenty of film at the start of next season. We will need talent to make up for it.
just4fun - January 12, 2012 via Android app
Simply Not True
Per ESPN stats – split
Cowboys sacks by month:
Sept – 13
Oct – 8
Nov – 9
Dec – 10
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
I was referring to spencer. 3 of his sacks were in Sept then only 1 per month after. including 1 in Nov. and 1 in Dec/Jan
just4fun - January 12, 2012 via Android app
furthermore
Just one of spencers sacks came against a division foe. That would be in week 3 against the lowly redskins. Just one sack came against a playoff team, that would be in week 2 against the niners. The other sacks were against non-playoff teams with poor offenses (Jets, seahawks, dolphins and cardinals) After week three he had no sacks against division opponents or playoff teams or even a team with a good offense. Even the sacks against the division foe and playoff team was against Rex Grossman and Alex Smith. Neither qb is considered to be anything close to elite or even probowl quality.
This team needs sacks against Eli and Vick. Against playoff caliber teams, and qbs. You don’t drafted in the first round to sack Rex Grossman and Kevin Kolb. If Spencer’s contract wasn’t up, I wouldn’t say cut him, but he’s a free agent, and it’s time to develop some one better and harder working.
just4fun - January 12, 2012
Do you have family in the Eagles' front office?
Because surely encouraging a team to abandon one of the best players on its defense is sabotage. Stop looking for an easy answer. Think for yourself instead of repeating the words of fans that you think are smarter than you.
CotySaxman - January 12, 2012 via mobile
was anybody talking to you?
just4fun - January 12, 2012 via Android app
I think he's mocking Kegbearer. He's agreeing with you.
Rohpuri - January 12, 2012
hard to catch sarcasm in print
just4fun - January 12, 2012
Spencer is one of the best players on this team? Wow did you even watch the games? Even Kegbearer wouldn't say that
just4fun - January 12, 2012 via Android app
Well, let's take a look, then.
2011 Cowboys defense:
Jason Hatcher
Jay Ratliff
Kenyon Coleman
DeMarcus Ware
Bradie James
Sean Lee
Anthony Spencer
Mike Jenkins
Gerald Sensabaugh
Abram Elam
Terence Newman
Now, how do they rank amongst themselves?
Ware
Lee
Ratliff
Spencer
Jenkins
Hatcher
Sensabaugh
Coleman
Elam
Newman
James
So, therefore, I believe he is the 4th best player on this defense. He generates more cumulative pressure and more sacks than anyone aside from Ware. He is our second best pass rusher.
Now, if you want to improve as a pass-rushing team, does it make sense to get rid of your second-best pass rusher, and not one of your terrible pass rushers? Seems to be a rather ridiculous argument. Perhaps if you were arguing to let Spencer walk and use the money to sign a top Guard and Center pairing to go with DeCastro in the draft, I could believe you. Instead, you think you’re going to make the pass rush better by removing its second-most-important component. Wonderful idea.
Here’s an idea for you. We need to improve our corners. Let’s keep everyone except Scandrick. He’s our second-best corner, so clearly cutting him will help us get better in coverage. Keep Newman, Ball, and Walker. Keeping ineffective players is key. And this is exactly the type of argument you make against Spencer. Doesn’t sound so smart when it isn’t popular, does it?
And lastly, if you want to have a private conversation/argument with Kegbearer, send him an email. I just can’t resist responding to ignorance.
CotySaxman - January 13, 2012
Which terrible pass rushers do you suggest we replace?
I think the problem with Spencer right now is the unknown regarding the price to retain him. For a reasonable price, sure keep him.
Baked Potato Soup - January 13, 2012
We can agree on that.
The first to replace is Coleman, in my opinion. Bradie James, as well. Beyond that, a solid rotation guy to go with Lissemore would be nice.
It’s a short list, really, because we have a decent, if unbalanced, pass rush. Guys are getting there, Ware just gets there faster. And, usually, receivers get open even before then. Finding Elam’s replacement will help. Newman is too expensive, but if we kept him around for a pay cut, he might be able to perform at the level he did at the start of the season, after spending the summer with Woicik.
Few may recall, but Newman was touted as pro-bowl bound early in the year. Ryan said some corners were playing injured that weren’t on the report. Newman was likely one of them. You don’t lose speed midseason without getting hurt.
CotySaxman - January 13, 2012
The Cowboys know they have a problem.
Moving Rat to DE is under consideration. One can only assume that Ryan, being the defensive Guru he is, must be floating the topic. I’m guessing they have a plugger in mind, be it Brent or someone else. There isn’t really anything in FA, unless you consider Paul Soliai an option, but he has done nothing in his career. I’d rather go with Brent. The problem is too many times our 3 and 4 man rush was flat stoned at the snap.
This is one of those times where the very phrase, “Cowboys 3-man rush” is an oxy-moron. When we’re not blitzing we really need someone to get to the QB, and no one is. I agree with the premise of generating true pressure with just your defensive line, at least, some of the time, so how do we accomplish this?
You have Dontari Poe coming in at around the Cowboys 2nd round pick. We also need a guard, pass rusher, and db, so drafting a DT high doesn’t make a lot of sense. Alameda Ta’amu might be there in the 3rd, but is he an instant starter? My guess at the D-line next season would include a regular rotation of:
RE Rat/Lissemore
DT Brent/Draft pick
LE Hatcher/Spears
If we go pass rusher in the first round, it will probably be an OLB, simply due to a lack of 5 technique DE’s in the draft. We still don’t know how seriously the Cowboys are considering moving Rat to DE, but I’d guess it hinges on who they pick up in FA/draft. Somehow we have to get to the QB when we’re not blitzing.
If we could get Ingram or Upshaw in the draft, I could see us using a lot of 2-man DL’s, with Ware and Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw as a pass rushing nightmare. I really like the pressure Denver is getting with Dumerville and Miller.
Nice write-up KB. Your cup is always half full.
White Wolf - January 12, 2012
HAHA Cheers
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
Like Tyron last draft,
I’d like to see us commit to a top talent true NT at the 1st chance we get (Poe). It was critical to solidify the most important position on the offensive line for the future now I think it should be the same for our defensive line. NT is the most important position in the defensive line and possibly the defense depending. We have a pro bowl DE in a NT position… We need a massive NT to setup the LBs for success
CodeNamedG - January 12, 2012
I look at the #s
And what they tell me, after a little interpretation, is:
the best pash rush is one that comes from every direction. Thus, the sacks should be more evenly distributed. From Houston, they have 5 w/ more than 5 sacks (and one of those 5 got hurt). The only one w/ less than 5 plays LOLB – a position where it’s more difficult to get sacks due to the QB seeing you coming AND the fact that LOLBs drop back into coverage more often than DT/DEs. And, given that Wade was just the Cowboys DC (how fitting), it seems as if the scheme is OK, and the players are the problem.
The #s also say that teams that run the 3-4 scheme primarily, the ROLB gets the preponderence of the sacks (but not necessarily pressure). Ware had 19.5. The combo of Barwin and Mario had 16.5. JPP had 16.5. Suggs had 14. The ROLB position is crucial in obtaining sacks and the person/team of people at that position need to be good. Conversely, the highest sack total from the LOLB position is Kerrigan w/ 7.5. Smith is there w/ 6.5 and our own Spencer had 6 – which proves he’s not as bad as everyone seems to think (in terms of sacks).
The major difference in sack totals comes from the D line. Tuck and Osi are D linemen, same a Watt (rookie), McPhee, Tullefson, Ngata . . . they all have 4 or more sacks (a few have more than 6). The highest sack total from a D linemen of Dallas’ is 4.5 and that’s Hatcher (who I feel is fairly underrated).
Also, what ISN’T mentioned in the article is the secondary. The Texans secondary is MUCH better than most of the others w/ Manning playing centerfield and Joseph lined up in man vs. the opponents #1 WR. As the QB goes through progressions and sees guys being covered, it takes longer to find someone to throw to. That 1/2 to full second of time is crucial in getting sacks.
So, the obvious is what we’ve all been saying all along – improve the secondary. However, the Dallas OLBs (both of them) are fine – the D LINE needs attention. Either move Rat to DE and give a traditional big body the NT position or draft a better DE than Spears.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 12, 2012
Well said
You will also notice against better passing teams we got fewer sacks…likely because our secondary was getting torched quicker.
The cowboys can improve their pass rush in a few ways. The most significant two appear to be upgrade the secondary and the d-line
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
Nice input
Spencer will always be the goat here cause ware is a god. Now why would you even ask for a 12 sack season from Spencer when we have ware who will lead the league almost every year. You build off ware and I believe that’s what has been done. Another reason which I was told this today from another defensive line coach in a division 1 college school that the olb opposite your blind side backer doesn’t get as many sacks and totals more tackles and tackles for losses is because most knowledgeable coaches don’t want to scare off the game. In terms of a hunter which he is. Can’t kill a deer if he sees ya coming. And this is mostly true. So if you consistently send your left backer and your right backer and qb sees left side rushing he is gonna dump off no sack good pressure now don’t send left just right and chances become alot higher that you come away with a sack cause qb can’t react as fast to something not in his face Hence the word blind side.
Sado44 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
I'll counter by saying Harrison and Woodley are the best 3-4 OLB duo at getting sacks in the NFL
Both were injured this year, however, both typically average double digits, and I’m not mistaken, both got 9 this season.
Rohpuri - January 12, 2012
They were also ineffective in the playoffs...
when their dominant DLinemen got hurt
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
They were inneffective
Because Denver is the lone team trying to run the option as a base offense in the NFL. The option takes the aggressive mentality of a defense and uses it against them. Did you notice how Harrison kept falling on his rear end as he misread whether or not Tebow kept the ball?
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
That is certainly one reason
But losing your three stud D-Linemen takes a big toll. And misdirections, screens, and counters and other plays other than just the college option can do that to a pass rush.
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
This maybe alittle true
But very rarely does Spencer bit on fakes and he catches alot of screens in the back field he is very smart when recognizing plays in his side of the formation. Unlike both Harrison and woodly they rush great but read plays like a 3 year old. I’ve watched the Steelers play for years cause I love lebua style of defense he is an amazingly knowledgeable defensive guru.
Sado44 - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Something else to keep in mind.
We only played two games against a playoff team (both against the Giants) in the last eleven games. Four of those teams had good to great passing offenses (the two games against the Eagles and Giants) yet, we did not make the playoffs. This despite being 7-4 at one point. The failing was clearly on the defense (except for the second Eagles game when Romo got hurt and Garrett pulled some of the injured starters). So, yeah, the pass rush appears to have been good all year, but against poor to average offenses, your pass rush can look better than it was. Stl, Sea, Arz, Bfl, Wsh, Mia, and ew Tpa can skew your stats. It’s not fair to compare teams that did not play such an easy schedule. You have to look at the so called measuring stick games. Against the Giants and Philly, our defense didn’t perform adequately, esp. in terms of pass rush. and although there were 4 sacks against Philly in the first meeting, the score clearly indicates it wasn’t a disruption at all.
Putting your head in the sand and singing a merry tune will not improve the defense.
just4fun - January 12, 2012
Vs. San Fran
Playoff team with a few losses, one to the Cowboys, and they were sacked quite a few times and have a good o-line.
You will notice Dal had fewer sacks against better QBs…because they are better QBs and the secondary got torched quicker so less pressure as a result.
Not saying the pass rush can’t imnprove…it’s a matter of how to most significantly improve it in one offseason. To me that appears to be with better secondary and a d-line addition for now (if Spencer is re-signed)
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
Well the primary disagreement is with Spencer. He's just not that valuable a piece.
I think Victor Butler is every bit as good as Spencer. Brian Broadus has said the same thing on Galloway and company. Butler always seems to get the pressure in the critical situation in the small time that he gets. Do you recall why we had that 12 point lead late against the Giants? It’s was Lee’s interception…….. caused by none other that Victor Butler who hit Manning as he threw.
just4fun - January 12, 2012
I agree
But I think Butler is significantly worse against the run. It all depends on how much attention Spencer gets in FA. I don’t think we need to get into a bidding war over Spencer. We do, however, need to upgrade the position in regards to pass rush while not significantly weakening it against the run.
I really think this is a case where we can see improvement from any position outside of WILB and WOLB. Better play at ANY position on the defense will increase pressure.
ary201 - January 12, 2012
But this is what you have to look at here.
When butler comes in what does he do. He rushes he doest have the same job as Spencer. He doesn’t have to get first step and engage hold watch for run then if no run watch te and RB OK now I rush. I know what people are saying here he quits on plays but like I said before I’m not 100% sure I believe that for the simple fact he is still playing and Garrett has made it clear that won’t cut it. And I’ve seen rob bench players in oak and Cleveland for effort alone….. we don’t see what they see we don’t have the films they do. And I don’t care about the quote either it was a copout quote putting the blame for a horrible season on what the media already made known wade lost his team. Everyone gave up Jenkins pulled off tackles and let people score. Did he man up and say he was wrong no. Ratliff stopped chasing once the backs got past him to behonest with you last year ware and believe it or not ball who tied his ass off just couldn’t get it done are the only two on that defense that never stopped last year. Spencer is the only one man enough to own up to his mistakes last year. And I’ve watched all the tapes too this year and hardly any mental mistakes and good effort until plays are out of reach this year. But its OK I’m biased cause this is personal but as I told whitewolf I’m not beyond saying what I see.
Sado44 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Not to belabor the point but..........
we were 1-5 in the six games against playoff teams. We got to 8-8 beating up on bad teams. It’s the truth, it means we need a massive influx of talent. But at least we have a coaching staff that seems to be addressing the problems with young players, and better coaching (bye bye to campo and houck). It’s heading in the right direction. Don’t fool yourself in to thinking we are a couple of DBs away from a superbowl.
just4fun - January 12, 2012
things happen fast in this league.
Just a couple years ago (maybe even last year) it was common knowledge that the Texans have a terrible secondary, but now it’s considered a strength.
ary201 - January 12, 2012
CB Jonathan Joseph
Great FA pickup for Houston. He would upgrade any secondary considerably.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
and Daniel Manning, that's half the secondary.
I’m sure if we traded elam and newman for Joseph and Manning ours would be much better also
just4fun - January 12, 2012
Six? I only counted five games against playoff teams.
W – 49ers
L – Lions
L – Patriots
L – Giants
L – Giants
The other playoff teams:
Cowboys didn’t play any other games against playoff teams.
Your point is made, though. Cowboys were 1-4 against teams that made the playoffs, and 7-4 against teams that, like the Cowboys, failed to make the playoffs. Your point – Cowboys weren’t good enough to “belong” in the playoffs.
hookerhome - January 12, 2012
sure enough, my mistake
just4fun - January 12, 2012
Only 1 win against a team not in the top 12 of the draft.
Ouch.
Baked Potato Soup - January 13, 2012
When you consider the QBs that were playing
The five games against 10 QBs Staffordx1, Vickx2, Bradyx1, Manningx2 we were 0-6. Those are the types of QBs you have to beat to go deep in the playoffs. I don’t consider Alex Smith anything close to a top ten QB, IMHO he is an average QB with a great defense and great RB.
just4fun - January 12, 2012
should be top 10 QBs
just4fun - January 12, 2012
Great article, Keg.
I like taking a more nuanced look at things than just trying to find one thing to fix the problems. I also think the front seven is actually not in bad shape, just not as well developed as it should be. The secondary is a mess, but from things like Stephen Jones’ comments lately, that seems to be a top priority for the team.
Tom Ryle - January 12, 2012
Ok TR, I gotta ask
Could you please quantify the term “not in bad shape” in reference to the D line? Is that with respect to run defense, pass rushing, total defense, age, IQ, shoe size, what?
I’m sure you’re watching the games as we all are. I’m sure you read the article as we all did. And I’m sure you can see our D line poses less of a threat to QBs than does Houston, Bmore, the Giants and Redskins.
You may know but I doubt other do – but what were the names of the secondary players on the Giants team that beat the Patriots in the Superbowl? Most people can’t name 2 of them. But everyone seems to remember Strahan and Osi and Tuck…
Tyrone Jenkins - January 12, 2012
I posted this on a fanpost by Chia regarding upgrading the pass rush.
No doubt that we have an important decision regarding Spencer
Paring up Spencer and Ware isn’t the end of the world if that’s what Jerry
decides to do. My bigger concern is the lack of pressure coming from the
NT and DE’s and the need to upgrade the CB’s.
I think we can all agree that our division foes will be better next year and there’s no better
way to measure yourself than when you go against those opponents. They know your players better than any other opponents do. More importantly, those games have a bigger
impact on whether you make the playoffs or not.
I think the bigger question is what do we do with our undersized NT that’s another year older? How can we best utilize his talent at this stage in his career to create pressure?
I went ahead and decided to check out statistically against our division foes on how Ratliff has done since he’s been the constant NT in our 3-4 since he’s been in the league.
Year-Games-Tackles-Asst.-Sacks-FF
2006—-4————-4————-2———-2——-0
2007—-4————-8————-2———-2——-0
2008—-6————16————5———-3——-0
2009—-5————11————5———-4——-1
2010—-6————10————2———-1——-1
2011—-6————12————2———-0——-0
Statistically I see a drop off, which supports my eye test watching games. Your absolutely
correct in that we need to draft pass rushers and we’ve neglected that for far too long. Getting a better version of Spencer could help out the pass rush, but we could do worse than him there. Better interior pass rushers coupled with better CB’s would go a long way to fixing this defense. We cannot allow the opposing QB to sit in a clean pocket with no pressure from the interior.
Hearing that we are considering moving Rat to DE makes a lot of sense. I like Rattlif, but he isn’t getting the constant push we need. We need better talent along the DL. It’s at least comforting to know that our coaches know we need more from up front as well.
T Zig - January 12, 2012
Amen brother
Amen
Tyrone Jenkins - January 12, 2012
How many times (percentage wise) in passing situations do we collapse the pocket?
The shortest route to the QB is straight up the middle, forcing the QB to go either right or left and int the waiting arms of our outside pass rushers.
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
This is true but
The easiest to block is straight up too that’s why tackles are harder to find than a center tackles go back and sideways centers go straight back.or forward easier to get leverage plant and hold along with a guard doing the same.
Sado44 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
I have never seen so much love for a mediocre player
average 5.5 sacks a year opposite one of the best all time and that is good enough?
I am not talking about Anthony Spencer anymore, I am done
he is an average player with no upside to his game
he has refused to learn any pass rushing moves, his bull rush is weak and he has virtually no speed as a pass rusher
its January and I am already sick to death talking about Spencer
time to move on
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Ok, my dude, chill
Although, I will just throw out that most likely, Spencer will still be wearing the Star next year
accidental innuendo - January 12, 2012
Could still draft Ingram though
But I think they keep Spencer
accidental innuendo - January 12, 2012
Chia, I don't get it
How in the WORLD is Spencer average? How?
Name 5 other OLBs that play on the side facing the QB that average more than 6 sacks a year? I’ll give you Ryan Kerrigan even though he hasn’t been in the league. Clay Matthews is one, but he’s a freak on the level of Ware. But, I dare you or anyone else to name 3 more that average 6 sacks a year while playing the LOLB position.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not, in NO way, saying Spencer is good or that Dallas needs to keep him, but Spencer is having the same kind of career that Greg Ellis had.
And for the LOVE of all things football, why in the world would there be reason to believe that ANY OLB coming out in the draft (Ingram, Upshaw, Curry, anyone) would be better than Spencer? Keep in mind, Spencer had the SAME HYPE about him the year he was drafted. Nobody is figuring any OLB in this draft to be a game changing FORCE or even better than decent.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 12, 2012
Oh Clay Matthews is a freak alrite
a “freak” who’s on that good juice lol
DarkKnight88 - January 12, 2012
Looked like it this year didnt it
What did he get like 5 sacks. Guess what lets take clay into play here what happens to green bays defense worst secondary they’ve had in how long and what happens to clays sacks this goes hand in hand.
Sado44 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
he is average
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Lamarr Woodley
Rohpuri - January 12, 2012
Look at my post above, about WHEN the sacks occurred.
Only one against division opponents. Only one against a playoff team. None against good QBs.
just4fun - January 12, 2012
Wrong!
We had like six sacks vs. the 49ers…you know, that highly seated playoff team.
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
Didn't the Cowboys sack Tom Brady a few times?
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Yup
3 in fact. Not sure where these 1 sack vs. playoff team #s are coming from.
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
Thank you Tyrone for talking sense about these OLB prospects in the draft.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
You also have to remember Spencer doesn't rush the passer every play.
He’s in coverage quite a bit, not defending him, just stating facts.
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
Chia can iask you a question
Now the number 3 team in sack total has 48 that’s 6 more sacks than we have but those teams got double what we did from there line. So how many sacks is acceptable to you. We have a serious d line issue they generate no pressure and can’t get to the qb. Move Ratliff let him excellent as a de maybe he get two more sacks a year hatcher will grow with hopes anyways give him two more sacks a year and a good strong wide bodied nt maybe he get two sacks a year that’s 8 more sacks a year with just our line play. How many sacks is acceptable for you. Why do we need Spencer to get what 8 10 sacks is that OK. When is it going to be acceptable. We aren’t hurting in sacks if our line gets what other lines we compare our stats do get. Spencer still above all other lolb in stats not sacks and top 5 in sacks right maybe just maybe there is a reason limbers don’t get double digit sacks maybe just maybe you are asking for a pony for Christmas when you already have a thoroughbred.
Sado44 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
yeah we need a NT, five techs, OLB, and secondary
wow, just wow
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
The Defense needs 2-3 drafts and fa cycles
Before it can become a top 5 defense.
The offense with just 3 moves this offseason:
1) Sign Carl Nicks
2) Draft David DeCastro
3) Draft a C, either the guy from Ohio St or Georgia
can be transformed from good to great.
As far as the defense is concerned, I’d do the following:
1) Sign Finnegan, Carr, or Porter
2) Draft Markelle Martin at FS
3) Draft a corner
4) Move Rat to DE
5) Get Bruce Carter ready to be opening day starter at ILB position vacated by Bradie James.
That’s the best we can hope for this off season.
Address DE/DL next off season.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Ro i would say if those 1st two options of urs happens
on the offense i believe it becomes elite, just plug in killer k or move kosier over to C & bam that line can become a nightmare for defenses, wow i’d be ecstatic if that happened.
DarkKnight88 - January 13, 2012
Assuming the Cowboys keep Spence
And move away from OLB, CB or G in the first round, are there any top rated DTs or DEs in the Cowboys’ range?
To be honest, ANY first-round pick on Defense will make a huge +ve difference to the Cowboys — assuming Jerrry doesn’t whiff…ummm….
accidental innuendo - January 12, 2012
As of right now, I don't think there are any DTs or DEs in the first that fall around 14.
For DEs, there is Devon Stills, but everything I see projects him to go before Dallas drafts.
In terms of DTs that could make good NTs, the top one I have seen rated is Dontari Poe who looks to be a late 1st round draft, so, he’d be a bit of a reach at 14. Then there is Alameda Ta’amu. He looks like he could be a solid NT, but is projected to go in the second round. Dallas might be able to pick him up there.
I have also heard that Michael Brooks is declaring for the draft but haven’t been able to find anything talking about how he compares and where he is projected to go, but he might change how things stand.
Grimlock83 - January 12, 2012
i been saying it for the longest get a stud DE !!!!!!
JJ bring us one !!!!!!
Cailias Campbell !!!!!!!!!
This is the missing part of this team D… Along with 2 quality corners..
lostar2009 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
What happens
When you have atleast one de and a nt that have to be accounted for and double teamed along with ware who takes two that’s 6 one three that leaves a te left to block and a RB left to.block and no dumpoff right even then you have a RB on a de or olb and that’s the thoughts on a blitz sending 5 guys leaves one guy unblocked and no Saftey valve for the qb. Doesn’t work this way for us cause we have rat who is doubles and other than that its ware we need another guaranteed double team to produce the stats everyone wants consistently.
Sado44 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
stat gap
What matters is Qb time-to-throw. That Stat doesn’t show up in sacks & Qb hits or tfls.
jdg4660 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Stephen Bowen
Too bad we couldn’t have kept him. An info on how many QB hits, TFL, pressures he got this year? I’d be really curious to know that.
Cowboys Dominance - January 13, 2012
Reply about Bowen below this one
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
Stephen Bown
Had 6 sacks per NFL.com and per advancedNFLstats.com had 11 QB hits and 5 TFL.
While JJ Watt and SMith did better in Houston, of the 3-4 DE it places Canty 3rd in theses stats.
It may surprise peole that Hatcher was not far off the mark. 4.5 sacks, 10 QB hits and 5 TFL
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
My complaint about Spencer
We traded our 2nd Rd pick to the Eagles so we could take him inthe first round of the 2007 draft (pick 26).
This is Anthony Spencer’s career totals:
256 tackles (5 yrs) 21.5 sacks, 1 INT, 9 FFs.
We could have just stayed put with the 36 pick in the 2nd rd, we could’ve still had him or LaMarr Woodley. Instead we decided to
pay 1st RD $ to Spencer.
The Steelers took Woodley at #46 in the 2nd Rd, and this is the production they’ve gotten from him: 225 tackles, 48 sacks, 4 INTs, 7 FFs.
Woodley plays the same LOLB spot as Spencer, and has out produced him, at a cheaper price to boot. I should also point out that Woodley was the more decorated player in College as well.
To add insult to injury: Philly used the 36th pick in the draft and took Kevin Kolb. Although Kolb hasn’t really done much in his career, the Eagles made out like bandits here: not only did they get back a 2nd round pick, but they also got former 2008 1st RD pick Domique Rodgers-Cromartie as well.
So when I look back on Anthony Spencer, I have to consider his being drafted as a bust.
That being said, now the team is stuck. It can’t afford to get in a bidding war for him despite the fact he’s second on the team in sacks.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
furthermore
There were more draft picks involved in the Anthony Spencer trade:
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
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