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Perspective Check - Week 4
by Rafael
When a group of people analyze a subject in depth a verbal shorthand ensues. Not getting enough pressure on the QB after time will be referred to as "we need a 5 technique DE that can pass rush" or "our CB's play to far off and can't press" and "our Safeties have no range, can't cover TEs in the slot or make plays on the ball". All of the shorthand phrases refer to the same base issue, that the team is not getting enough pressure on the QB.
Each approach details a substantively different mindset and can lead a group of people to miss the point in time when a tactical issue no longer reflects the situation on the field.
Raf detailed aspects of this earlier in the week when he posted "Trusting the Backups", however I am talking about the next step. Let's look at the Dallas Safety position and some commonly perceived issues.
Lack of depth
Church is on IR
McCray does't have speed/range needed
We cut FA vet (Poole)
Top S draft pick still injured
(cowboys high draft pick injured is a yearly event)
Sensabaugh can't stay healthy
Safeties are not making "plays"
All of the above items are accurate. However if one put's to much focus on these short-comings they would miss the point that opposing teams offenses have not been able to attack the safety position. The Dallas Cowboys currently have the number 1 defense in the league. They have done this against very good teams. Against teams with tall, rangy wide receivers who can go over the top and savvy tight ends who can run the seam routes.
The biggest concerns this past off season were:
Stop up the middle pressure on the QB
Be able to play press D in the backfield
Get better LB play against the pass
Put more pressure on the QB
Thanks to LB's Bruce and Lemon, CB's Carr, Claiborne & Lewis and the excellent play of the front 7 in general the Cowboys only have one item left to cross off the list and that is the ability to handle the pressure up the middle that teams are bringing every game. Do the Boys need to solve the issue the center of the OLine faces every week? You betcha! Could the Cowboys be in a better position at Safety? Of course. However every team has weaknesses Every team has injuries. Every team has depth concerns at one position or another. Our OLine is progressing. So far our current crop of Safeties have come to play. A Special Teamer becomes a starter this Monday. I am looking forward to what a play-maker like McCray will add to the mix this Monday against Chicago.
by Rafael
When a group of people analyze a subject in depth a verbal shorthand ensues. Not getting enough pressure on the QB after time will be referred to as "we need a 5 technique DE that can pass rush" or "our CB's play to far off and can't press" and "our Safeties have no range, can't cover TEs in the slot or make plays on the ball". All of the shorthand phrases refer to the same base issue, that the team is not getting enough pressure on the QB.
Each approach details a substantively different mindset and can lead a group of people to miss the point in time when a tactical issue no longer reflects the situation on the field.
Raf detailed aspects of this earlier in the week when he posted "Trusting the Backups", however I am talking about the next step. Let's look at the Dallas Safety position and some commonly perceived issues.
Lack of depth
Church is on IR
McCray does't have speed/range needed
We cut FA vet (Poole)
Top S draft pick still injured
(cowboys high draft pick injured is a yearly event)
Sensabaugh can't stay healthy
Safeties are not making "plays"
All of the above items are accurate. However if one put's to much focus on these short-comings they would miss the point that opposing teams offenses have not been able to attack the safety position. The Dallas Cowboys currently have the number 1 defense in the league. They have done this against very good teams. Against teams with tall, rangy wide receivers who can go over the top and savvy tight ends who can run the seam routes.
The biggest concerns this past off season were:
Stop up the middle pressure on the QB
Be able to play press D in the backfield
Get better LB play against the pass
Put more pressure on the QB
Thanks to LB's Bruce and Lemon, CB's Carr, Claiborne & Lewis and the excellent play of the front 7 in general the Cowboys only have one item left to cross off the list and that is the ability to handle the pressure up the middle that teams are bringing every game. Do the Boys need to solve the issue the center of the OLine faces every week? You betcha! Could the Cowboys be in a better position at Safety? Of course. However every team has weaknesses Every team has injuries. Every team has depth concerns at one position or another. Our OLine is progressing. So far our current crop of Safeties have come to play. A Special Teamer becomes a starter this Monday. I am looking forward to what a play-maker like McCray will add to the mix this Monday against Chicago.