BigTexas18
Hall of Famer
Here is part two of our 2 part series as we look at the defense. Not much to say here that wasn't already said in part one. So let's get right to it and dig into the defense over the first 5 games this season.
Luckily, Cowboys fans there is less negative to say about the defense than there was the offense! This 3rd ranked defense is looking to stomp the 49ers into the ground coming out of the bye week. The defense needs to hold strong, and let the offense catch up to get this team back to the winning ways you know and love!
Defense Grade: A
Not many people gave the Cowboys defense a chance coming into the season. We lost quite a few pieces in the offseason, and drafted some young talent. The defense has held strong this season though. It was a rough start over the first two games as they gave up 62 points over the first 2 games, but then tightened up and haven't given up more than 17 over the last 3. Over the last 3 games the defense has given up just 40 points and have won 2 of those games. The defense overall is ranked 3rd in the NFL. Let's see who's stock is up and who's is down.
Stock Rising:
MLB Justin Durant
31 Tak 4 TFL 1 Sack 4 INT 3 Defl 2 TD
The Cowboys carry 7 linebackers on their roster. Durant being 1 of the two veterans. At 31 years old, Durant has not looked to slow down at all. Durant is 3rd on the team in tackles, tied for 2nd in TFL, 1st in INT and 1st in TD's. Durant seems to always be around the ball, which shows how important veteran linebackers are. He has 2 pick 6's in the first 5 games. Him and Lee have been a 2 man wrecking crew. As long as Durant is playing at this level... Running backs beware...MLB Justin Durant
31 Tak 4 TFL 1 Sack 4 INT 3 Defl 2 TD
ROLB Sean Lee
39 Tak 7 TFL 3 Sack 1 INT 3 Defl
Sean Lee, the other veteran linebacker, and the other part of the 2 man wrecking team in the middle, has stock rising as well. Lee has been plagued with injuries his whole career. Last season and this season he has had no problems and it goes to show that this 2nd round linebacker was a STEAL. Lee is first in tackles, 1st in TFL, and tied for 2nd in sacks. Women love him, men want to be him, and quarterbacks fear him. Lee is without a doubt our defensive captain. He leads and motivates this defense to never give up and stay in games. Without him, this defense is completely different. As long as Lee is here in Dallas, he will rally this defense to be one of the best!39 Tak 7 TFL 3 Sack 1 INT 3 Defl
CB Orlando Scandrick
19 Tak 1 TFL 3 INT 1 TD
Scandrick is one of the two cornerbacks on the roster from last year. He is most definitely the veteran of the defensive back group. He has been a tight blanket in coverage this year. With all of the youth on the defensive back team, he is setting a great example of what to be in this league. He is 2nd on the team in INT and 2nd in defensive touchdowns. He had a pick 6 early in the season in the game vs the Giants and has continued to be a threat on defense. Quarterbacks have stopped throwing his direction, which is leading to more turnovers because they are trying to force the ball. If the young DB's take after Scandrick's example. This will be one solid secondary.19 Tak 1 TFL 3 INT 1 TD
Stock Plummeting:
CB Anthony Brown
12 Tak 4 Defl
Anthony Brown is the other cornerback left from last year's roster. He had an outstanding rookie season, but so far this season has not shown any fight at all. He has hardly seemed to be around the ball, no interceptions, and just doesn't seem to have the same fire. The coaching staff is not sure what is going on with Brown, but one thing is for sure.. Rookie Chidobe Awuzie is having a decent rookie start, and if Brown doesn't get it figured out quick, Awuzie could jump him on the depth chart. Brown needs to get it figured out and quick.CB Anthony Brown
12 Tak 4 Defl
LOLB Kyle Wilber
14 Tak .5 Sack 5 Defl 1 FF 1 FR
This defense is built around linebackers. Plain and simple. Kyle Wilber started as the #1 on the left side, but his play has not been cutting it. Plain and simple. The expectation for Cowboys linebackers is heavy, and Wilber has been around long enough to know it. He seems preoccupied when he's on the field. He needs to get his act together quickly, because Jalen Smith is hungry for a starting spot, and the fans want to see him play. Don't be surprised to see Smith in the game in the near future on the left side to see if the Cowboys can create more of a spark on defense!14 Tak .5 Sack 5 Defl 1 FF 1 FR
Luckily, Cowboys fans there is less negative to say about the defense than there was the offense! This 3rd ranked defense is looking to stomp the 49ers into the ground coming out of the bye week. The defense needs to hold strong, and let the offense catch up to get this team back to the winning ways you know and love!
"On this team, we fight for that inch.
On this team we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch.
We claw with our fingernails for that inch.
Because we know, when we add up all those inches
That's going to make the f***ing difference Between Winning And Losing"
On this team we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch.
We claw with our fingernails for that inch.
Because we know, when we add up all those inches
That's going to make the f***ing difference Between Winning And Losing"
Last edited by a moderator: