Cowboys Blog No-name Cowboys on defense? They might be back next season

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By Brandon George / Reporter
bgeorge@dallasnews.com

December 26, 2012 |


Don’t be surprised to see some of the Cowboys’ no-names on defense back next season.

The defense was hit hard by injuries, with five starters lost for the year. But players have come in and learned quickly.

Linebacker Ernie Sims was on his tractor in Georgia when the Cowboys called. Sims was designated as the Cowboys’ defensive play-caller on the field two weeks ago against Pittsburgh.

Three weeks ago at Cincinnati, Sims finished with 10 tackles and a sack.

Also, safeties Eric Frampton and Charlie Peprah have shown enough for the Cowboys to consider bringing them back.

The Cowboys signed Frampton when starting safety Barry Church was lost for the season. Frampton has been a quality special teams player in the league, but Sunday against the Saints he earned his first NFL start in place of Danny McCray. Frampton’s play on special teams alone makes him worthy of consideration for a 2013 roster spot.

Peprah was signed at the same time as Sims and has shown great speed to the football. He started 26 games in five seasons withGreen Bay.

Others could also get a look, including nose tackle Brian Schaefering and defensive backs Sterling Moore and Michael Coe.
 
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Initially I hated the Sims signing. Then I was proven wrong by his play and hoped we'd bring him back next year. But not now, not with all the concussions. He's probably done, IMO.
 
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I've been impressed how well most of the replacement players have played. Ever since Ryan was hired in Dallas we heard that his system is complex and it takes a while for players to learn it.

I'm sure that Ryan has dumbed it down some, but still, the defense doesn't seem confused. There hasn't been an abundance of obvious mental errors. Sure, some of the subpar players get beat physically, but overall I'm impressed.

The other thing I like about this year's team (lately) is the effort. There have been several times over recent years that much of the team simply seemed to give up. It is far easier for me as a fan to stomach a loss when I see intensity and effort.
 

dbair1967

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Not opposed to seeing them get chances to make the team, but none of these no name guys should be counted on as integral parts of the defense.

You can count on Ware, Spencer (assuming he's back), Lee, Carter, Hatcher, Claiborne, Carr, Lissemore & Crawford to be key players on the defense, but not sure about anyone else.
 
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