Dallas Cowboys Discussion

[Trogdor]

Originally Posted by bigbluedefense

It's interesting that Spencer got that kind of review. Maybe I wasn't looking for him, but I didn't notice Spencer at all in that game.

Ultimately, his job is to pressure the qb. I don't think he's shown enough to warrant an extension. I'd rather draft a guy opposite Ware and see if you can get more production from that position.

No offense but if you didn't notice Spencer on the field you weren't watching the game. If you glance at the box score sure Spencer looks like a bust but watch the game and if you need to focus on him and you will see him forcing pretty much every single run on the outside back into the middle. He also got almost as much "splash plays per snap" as Ware and was second highest on the team in that regard.

Sturm wrote a nice piece on it as a whole.

http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/09...7&feedID=10194

Q-Time D/D/Yd Player Play
1-6:33 2/8/D29 Lee Strip
1-6:33 2/8/D29 Church Fumble Recovery
2-14:55 1/10/D41 Sensabaugh Pressure
2-14:44 1/10/D41 Ware Sack
2-13:36 3/13/D45 Spencer Pressure
2-10:25 1/G/D1 Spencer Run Stop
2-9:55 2/G/D3 Spears Run Stuff
2-9:55 2/G/D3 Brent Run Stuff
2-5:11 1/10/N16 Carter Tackle No Gain
2-0:48 2/10/N30 Ware Sack
3-6:31 2/5/D50 Spencer Tackle No Gain
4-14:55 2/5/N23 Ware Pressure
4-14:48 1/10/N38 Carter Tackle No Gain
4-13:22 3/4/N44 Hatcher Sack
4-5:14 2/1/N30 Carr Pass Broken Up

So, now, I wish to keep the standings on a week-by-week basis with the numbers below:

Player Splashes Snaps Snaps Per Splash
1. Ware 3 51 17
1. Spencer 3 55 18.3
3. Hatcher 2 43 21.5
3. Carter 2 30 15
5. Lee 1 56 56
5. Sensabaugh 1 56 56
5. Carr 1 54 54
5. Brent 1 23 23
5. Spears 1 18 18

DeMarcus Ware did plenty of damage as a pass rusher, whereas his often criticized counterpart, Anthony Spencer had just as many splash plays in my estimation. But, he did it against the run and that isn't noticed as much. But, it mattered on that goal-line stand.

Another one from Archer:

** Anthony Spencer didn’t have a sack but he was active. If you’re looking for why Jason Hatcher was able to drop Eli Manning in the fourth quarter, give Spencer some credit for the pressure that sent Manning that way.

Anthony Spencer was pretty good in this game. He had a few plays where he didn’t get a sack, but he forced a bad throw which is just as good as a sack if you ask me.

One more oldie by goodie from BtB:

No edge rusher has made more tackles over the past three years than the Cowboys’ Anthony Spencer. The Dallas defender gets criticized for failing to deliver big sack numbers opposite DeMarcus Ware, but a closer look reveals Spencer does bring pressure, and is an extremely active and effective player against the run.

Over the past three seasons he has notched 162 solo tackles and 23 assists and earned a +35.2 PFF grade for his work in the run game. Spencer may never be the player Dallas fans want him to be, but it would be a mistake to write him off as inadequate; he is a solid performer in all areas of the game.

Even if you dislike "splash plays" or "solid against the run" type of players he was one of the top rated (PFF) "strong-side". I use the term loosely since one schemes have their best rusher on the strong-side so perhaps "2nd best rusher would be better. Have to reiterate though watch the tape again and you'll see Spencer without any trouble.

[bigbluedefense]

I just wasn't looking for him. There's so many things to pay attention to on each play, you can't focus on everybody. I've just grown accustomed to not looking his way so he fell off my radar. That's all.

[LonghornsLegend]

Originally Posted by bigbluedefense

It's interesting that Spencer got that kind of review. Maybe I wasn't looking for him, but I didn't notice Spencer at all in that game.

Ultimately, his job is to pressure the qb. I don't think he's shown enough to warrant an extension. I'd rather draft a guy opposite Ware and see if you can get more production from that position.

I think Jerry knows that also, which is why it hasn't happened yet and never will. The franchise tag was a good transition to buy us more time there and Victor Butler is really unheralded. I just don't even think it's Spencers' job to try and get 12 sacks honestly, maybe it is but that just isn't his game. He's really strong, doesn't get washed up in running lanes, holds his ground really well, you can obviously do much better but he at least doesn't suck.


He doesn't jump out off the page at you, but I would love to have a guy like Woodley over there who was a threat for 12 sacks that made you double team him. Even if we lost some in run support. Butler is a better pass rusher, if we take a guy in the 2nd round or so to rotate with him next year we'll be fine.


It doesn't bother me though because we actually have some 3-4 Ends that get after the QB really well.

[D-Unit]

KYLE WILBERZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz!!!!

Da Future!

[Macarthur]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

There's no reason to be concerned about Seattle. If they were an NFC East opponent they'd go winless in the division. We're gonna trounce them and it might get ugly... really ugly. Russell Wilson will be lying on his ass (if he passes) or have his face in the grass (if he runs) all game long. Dude's gonna have a dirty jersey. I don't see them scoring a single TD. Rob Ryan is gonna confuse the hell out of Wilson's mind.

Lynch doesn't bother me. He has back spasms and our front 7 is great against the run.

Their defense might be good, I'll give them credit there. ...but they won't slow us down more than we will slow them down.

Here's the thing. All I've heard this week is about the 12th Man in Seattle and how hard it is to play there.

Since they got rid of Hassleback, they are exactly 15-17 at home. I'm sure it's loud, but it comes down to having guys that can play and I think we're the better team. The defenses may be close, but we clearly have the advantage at QB and WR.

[bigbluedefense]

Originally Posted by LonghornsLegend

I think Jerry knows that also, which is why it hasn't happened yet and never will. The franchise tag was a good transition to buy us more time there and Victor Butler is really unheralded. I just don't even think it's Spencers' job to try and get 12 sacks honestly, maybe it is but that just isn't his game. He's really strong, doesn't get washed up in running lanes, holds his ground really well, you can obviously do much better but he at least doesn't suck.


He doesn't jump out off the page at you, but I would love to have a guy like Woodley over there who was a threat for 12 sacks that made you double team him. Even if we lost some in run support. Butler is a better pass rusher, if we take a guy in the 2nd round or so to rotate with him next year we'll be fine.


It doesn't bother me though because we actually have some 3-4 Ends that get after the QB really well.

I like Butler a lot. I don't believe in pass rush specialists anymore. To me, pass rush specialists should be on the field all 3 downs. Run stuffing specialists are the guys who should be situation imo.

[Witten4HOF]

Originally Posted by bigbluedefense

I like Butler a lot. I don't believe in pass rush specialists anymore. To me, pass rush specialists should be on the field all 3 downs. Run stuffing specialists are the guys who should be situation imo.

I agree, Butler would be covered up nicely by Coleman/ Spears who are both stout against the run and keep lineman from getting up field at the linebackers. That being said I think that Rob Ryan's plan is to use a heavy rotation at LB and we will see different combinations throughout the season. In short yardage situations Spencer is the most effective sealing the edge of the bunch outside of Ware.

[Witten4HOF]

Lissemore just signed a three year extension on his contract through 2016. 3.1 min guaranteed with a 2 mil bonus. Interesting to see if he eventually takes over at 5-tech or if he is being groomed to be a 1 gap NT in the mold of Ratliff.

[LonghornsLegend]

I just want to keep Josh Brent, for a long time. That's an amazing steal of a 7th rounder and I want to keep that depth on the D-line. We need some bigs up there to keep Lee and Carter clean.

[leroyisgod]

I like the Lissemore signing a lot. Get him resigned now before he truly makes a name for himself out there.

[Witten4HOF]

Originally Posted by leroyisgod

I like the Lissemore signing a lot. Get him resigned now before he truly makes a name for himself out there.

It would have been Stephen Bowen all over again, still bummed over that

[Trogdor]

Originally Posted by Witten4HOF

Lissemore just signed a three year extension on his contract through 2016. 3.1 min guaranteed with a 2 mil bonus. Interesting to see if he eventually takes over at 5-tech or if he is being groomed to be a 1 gap NT in the mold of Ratliff.

IMHO and from what was said during training camp he has REALLY impressed at 5-tech and they foresee him opposite Hatcher but was unimpressive at NT. I think provided he progresses he'll be starting next season and we'll be moving on from both Spears and Coleman.

Hatcher, Ratliff, Lisse, Crawford, Brent, Geathers, Bass, O.M.G. If you notice the mold though all of the younger guys are boys who can move their feet. Aside from Brent we have active DEs that can get after the QB. Problem with that approach is you tend to lose some value against the run which leads to needing biggest LBs. For that reason alone I would not be shocked with a long term extension for Spencer. We've essentially moved the edge responsibilities from the 5-tech to our SOLB.

[E-Man]

Originally Posted by Witten4HOF

It would have been Stephen Bowen all over again, still bummed over that

That's exactly who I was going to mention. lol Lissemore definitely has a future. I'm glad they got him locked up now while they could. This is probably Coleman's last year, and it wouldn't shock me to see Lissemore take over the starting spot by the end of the year.

[LonghornsLegend]

Anybody see the Chicago offensive line tonight? Makes me realize that while O-line is a huge weakness, we certainly aren't bottom 5 in the league at all. Some teams have terrible lines out there, the Giants have a worse line and the Eagles without Jason Peters do as well. Which is why I said cut out the penalties, we played really solid.

[dezsucks (Bob)]

Originally Posted by LonghornsLegend

Anybody see the Chicago offensive line tonight? Makes me realize that while O-line is a huge weakness, we certainly aren't bottom 5 in the league at all. Some teams have terrible lines out there, the Giants have a worse line and the Eagles without Jason Peters do as well. Which is why I said cut out the penalties, we played really solid.

Good point.

[Macarthur]

Been reading the info on Seattle websites and they seem to think we're going to blitz like crazy. I actually think the opposite. I'm sure we will blitz, but I bet Ryan starts out with lots of zone and try to cover everyone up. See if the rookie can actually make some throws and maintain your rush lanes so he can't scramble too much.

[dezsucks (Bob)]

Originally Posted by Macarthur

Been reading the info on Seattle websites and they seem to think we're going to blitz like crazy. I actually think the opposite. I'm sure we will blitz, but I bet Ryan starts out with lots of zone and try to cover everyone up. See if the rookie can actually make some throws and maintain your rush lanes so he can't scramble too much.

I think you blitz first two series and then stop. Just to keep them on edge and avoid the QB getting into a grove.

[D-Unit]

High ankle sprain for Forte... Weak pass protection for Cutler...

That MNF game against the Bears is looking more and more like an easy win.

[asdf1223]

Originally Posted by Macarthur

Been reading the info on Seattle websites and they seem to think we're going to blitz like crazy. I actually think the opposite. I'm sure we will blitz, but I bet Ryan starts out with lots of zone and try to cover everyone up. See if the rookie can actually make some throws and maintain your rush lanes so he can't scramble too much.

It was mainly due to the OL's issues in Pass pro and the success AZ had with the strategy. Our WRs struggle to separate so I'm sure you can put Carr and Claiborne one and one.

[M.O.T.H.]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

High ankle sprain for Forte... Weak pass protection for Cutler...

That MNF game against the Bears is looking more and more like an easy win.

Michael Bush is no slouch...but given our pass rush and physical corner play on Marshall and Alshon...we match up well, for sure.

[Witten4HOF]

I think the D will show as many presnap looks as possible in an attempt to confuse Wilson. I'd like to see man on the outside and a mix of 5 man pressures to challenge the protection. Lee and Carter will be the keys to the defense both in run defense and Contain on QB scrambles.

As a whole the defense needs to stay disciplined and force Wilson to make third down conversions. The front seven needs to make sure tackles and Carr/Wilson better be ready to play tough against their big WR's.

[pocketaces]

Whats your guys score prediction? Im thinking 23-13, 24-17, something like that

[leroyisgod]

31-13, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's more of a low scoring game like 17-9

[E-Man]

I'm thinking 28-10 for the Cowboys. Early big plays from the receiving core, the defense gets a couple of turnovers, and the running game puts it on ice in the 4th quarter.

[bigbluedefense]

Is the game at Dallas or Seattle?