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So instead of a 48 point beatdown, it'll only be 42.
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Bob McGinn | On the Packers
Packers' Next Opponent: Cowboys
By Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel
Dec. 10, 2013
Green Bay — The Dallas Cowboys, a different team at home than they are on the road, and the equally desperate Green Bay Packers meet Sunday at Cowboys Stadium.
Dallas is 5-1 at home but just 2-5 on the road, including a 45-28 shellacking from Chicago on Monday night at Soldier Field.
On average, the Cowboys have scored 12.1 more points and given up 2.7 fewer points at home than on the road. If they win their final three games, they would capture the NFC East for the first time since 2009.
"But they've only beaten one team with a winning record, and that's Philly," an executive in personnel said. "Philly is going to win that division, and I don't know if Dallas will win another game. I don't know if they'll even win at Washington."
Defense is the problem. On Oct. 6, Dallas gave up 51 points against Denver. On Nov. 10, New Orleans amassed an NFL-record 40 first downs in a 49-17 trouncing.
"The Dallas Cowboys' defense is absolutely the worst defense maybe in the history of the National Football League before this is over with," another scout said. "When was the last time you saw Jerry Jones speechless? He doesn't know what to say. He's never experienced this before."
Short week or not, two scouts expect the Cowboys to rebound just as they did in beating Washington (31-16) after the Denver game and the New York Giants (24-21) after the New Orleans game.
"The Cowboys will be thawed out by then," an AFC personnel director said. "Even with Matt Flynn's growing comfort level with the offense, I cannot see the Dallas defense playing that poorly for another week.
"I've got it Dallas, 28-10. Ditto with Aaron Rodgers, but the score will be 28-17."
Another scout also picked the Cowboys even if Rodgers gets the green light.
"If Rodgers plays, he'll be rusty, right?" the scout said. "I don't think he gets right back to firing the ball.
"I'm looking for Dallas to have a bounce-back this week. I'd say 31-24 with Flynn, and I'd say even Aaron Rodgers can't make a difference. Maybe it's 31-28 with Rodgers.
"I'm giving special teams to Dallas and the Dallas offense over the Green Bay defense. That's two out of three.
"When Dallas loses, it's because they just can't keep pace with the score. Can Matt Flynn generate 30, 35 points? If he can, Green Bay's got a shot."
OFFENSE
SCHEME
Second-year coordinator Bill Callahan gives the plays to coach Jason Garrett, who then relays them to Tony Romo. Having run less (35.9%) than they should, the Cowboys added a fullback last week and rushed for a season-high 198 yards in 28 carries Monday. With interior linemen too slow to pull, the coaches have reverted to a zone-run game. The Cowboys go empty, double-TE and everything in between. They're tied for first in giveaways (13), tied for third in points (27.5) and 22nd in yards (328.4).
RECEIVERS
Dez Bryant (6-2, 222), the 24th pick in 2010, hasn't had a 100-yard game since Week 7 and disappeared against the Bears. He's an explosive power player with mid-4.5 speed a la Michael Irvin. He's inconsistent in everything that he does, including catching. The mental side of the game holds Bryant back. On the other side, Miles Austin (6-2, 216) hasn't been the same standout player that he was in 2009-'10, partly because of chronic hamstring problems. He has lost speed and elusiveness. Rookie Terrance Williams (6-2, 200), a third-round pick, has good straight-line speed but isn't refined and doesn't snatch the ball away from his body. Cole Beasley (5-8, 180) plays the slot on third downs, catches everything and is tough. TE Jason Witten (6-5½, 261), a 10-year starter, is as sure-handed as ever but has slowed down and offers little after the catch. Rookie Gavin Escobar (6-6, 249), a second-round pick, should be playing more than finesse TE James Hanna (6-4, 250). Escobar flashes big-play ability.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Tyron Smith (6-5, 318), the ninth pick in '11, is a three-year starter who moved from RT to LT in '12. This has been Smith's best year but he isn't elite yet. He has long arms (363/8 inches) and massive hands (11) but can be slow to react. Rookie C Travis Frederick (6-3½, 311), the former Badger selected 31st, already is the second-best starter. He's slow as molasses (5.56-second 40), doesn't bend well and isn't weight-room strong. However, he's tough, smart (34 on the Wonderlic intelligence test), steady and efficient. RT Doug Free (6-6, 325), a Manitowoc native, accepted a massive pay cut in May. A five-year starter, he's more of an athlete than power player. He's serviceable. RG Mackenzy Bernadeau (6-4, 333), a 44-game starter for Carolina and Dallas, moved into the lineup Nov. 3 after top-notch veteran Brian Waters suffered a season-ending triceps injury. Bernadeau has quick feet and is tough enough but lacks desired strength. LG Ronald Leary (6-3, 331), a rookie free agent in '12, is a rugged short-area player with tiny hands (85/8) and long arms (34¾). He struggles making late adjustments.
QUARTERBACKS
Tony Romo (6-2, 236), the Burlington native, is healthy and ranked eighth in passer rating (98.3). A starter since mid-2006, Romo is 62-44 in the regular season and 1-3 in the playoffs. He's smart (Wonderlic of 37), committed, durable and tough. An accurate passer, he has average-to-good arm strength. Although he has cut back in turnovers, skeptics still question his ability to read defenses and avoid killer mistakes. He clocked just 5.05 as a free agent from Eastern Illinois a decade ago. His threat as a runner is minimal, but he has an almost uncanny ability to sidestep rushers and make something from nothing. In the regular season, Romo is 24-5 in November but merely 12-17 in December-January. Kyle Orton (6-4, 228), the former Bear-Bronco-Chief with a 4-2 record against Green Bay, is an elite backup. His Wonderlic score was 28.
RUNNING BACKS
In rare good health, DeMarco Murray (5-11½, 219) is performing extremely well. He's an upright, flowing runner with exceptional speed (4.45) and toughness. He can run through, around or by tacklers, exhibits patience and changes directions easily. He's a fine receiver but just an ordinary blocker. Rookie Joseph Randle (5-10, 198), a fifth-round pick, runs hard and has soft hands. His 4.69 speed is a limiting factor. The Cowboys didn't even have a fullback until last week when they added former Bear starter Tyler Clutts (6-2, 254). He played 19 snaps against his former team and did impressive work as a lead blocker.
DEFENSE
SCHEME
First-year coordinator Monte Kiffin, the Packers' LB coach in 1983, was a surprise hire in January at age 73. A master of the Tampa 2 4-3 "over" scheme, Kiffin prefers a two-deep secondary and zone coverage. An inability to stop the run (28th, 128.4) has forced Kiffin into extensive one-high looks. Despite a weak D-line, the Cowboys rank 30th in blitz rate at just 19.5%, according to STATs. They're tied for fifth in takeaways (25), 26th in points (26.8) and 32nd in yards (426.8).
DEFENSIVE LINE
RE DeMarcus Ware (6-4, 258), a seven-time Pro Bowl pick, looks almost disinterested and is having his worst season. He's lost some burst, explosiveness and power at the point. At 31, he seems to have hit the wall. The only other capable starter is three-technique Jason Hatcher (6-6, 299), who is tied for the NFL sack lead among DTs with nine. He's an eight-year Cowboy who didn't start until '12. The long-armed Hatcher is strong, has an arsenal of moves and closes fast. Minus four key members, the unit is a mess after that. NT Nick Hayden (6-4, 301), the former Arrowhead and Badgers player, sat out '12 before being added as a camp body in February. He's a marginal athlete with strength and attitude. LE George Selvie (6-4½, 270) is with his fifth team in a four-year career. He's an overachieving tough guy. Backup DEs Jarius Wynn (6-2½, 285) and Martez Wilson (6-3½, 252), and backup DTs Drake Nevis (6-0½, 310) and Corvey Irvin (6-3, 295), all have been cut at least once. Wynn played 36 games for the Packers from 2009-'11. The extremely athletic Wilson, the Saints' third-round pick in '11, flies off the edge but hasn't put it all together.
LINEBACKERS
MLB Sean Lee (6-2, 234), a second-round pick in '10, runs the defense and probably is the best player on defense. He has remarkable key-and-diagnose (Wonderlic of 27), moves well laterally and has 11 career interceptions. He's physically and mentally tough. Lee left with a stinger in Chicago but should be OK. WLB Bruce Carter, a talented but somewhat soft third-year man, pulled a hamstring Monday night and is out. His probable replacement is Ernie Sims (5-11, 233), who's with his fourth team after being drafted ninth by Detroit in '06. He'll hit anything that moves but is just too small. Former Lion Justin Durant (6-1, 228), an unrestricted signing in March, should be back from a three-week hamstring injury but SLB Kyle Wilber (6-4, 250) probably will keep starting. Drafted in the fourth round as a 3-4 OLB in '12, he's out of position and contributing little.
SECONDARY
Highly paid former Chiefs LC Brandon Carr (6-0, 206) is coming off two awful performances. Against Chicago, he kept hanging back or turning down tackles. He's best playing press-man coverage and struggles in zone. RC Orlando Scandrick (5-10, 195), a skilled, productive nickel back since '08, beat out Morris Claiborne (5-11, 190) and had been performing like a No. 1 until having a bad game in Chicago. Scandrick has 4.35 speed. The disappointing Claiborne, the sixth pick in '12, probably will miss his fifth game in six weeks with a hamstring. That leaves rookie B.W. Webb (5-10½, 178), a fourth-round pick, as the nickel back. He's athletic and fast. He's also tiny, doesn't hit and is out of position too often. SS Barry Church (6-1½, 218) is an instinctive, hard-hitting, active former free agent who does his best work near the line. His 4.68 speed limits the coverage. After Will Allen was cut and rookie J.J. Wilcox got hurt, Kiffin turned to FS Jeff Heath (6-1, 209). A rookie free agent from Saginaw Valley State, he has speed (4.49), toughness and a bright future.
SPECIAL TEAMS
First-year coordinator Rich Bisaccia has top-flight units. K Dan Bailey might be the Cowboys' No. 1 player overall. He has hit 19 of 21 this season and 90% in three seasons. P Chris Jones, a first-year regular, is 15th in net average (39.8). Dwayne Harris, bothered by a hamstring injury, could be the NFL's best dual returner. The coverage teams, led by Harris and LB Kyle Bosworth, are first-class.
GAME-BREAKER
DeMarco Murray is one of the more talented running backs in the league. He replaced Adrian Peterson at Oklahoma and was special as a sophomore in 2008 before major kneecap and hamstring injuries interrupted his career. Drafted in the third round by the Cowboys in 2011, Murray did some excellent things but again had injury problems. This season, he missed Games 7-8 with a knee problem. On Monday night, he zipped around and through the Bears for 146 yards in 18 carries (8.1). He has 843 yards rushing (5.3) to go with 41 receptions.
WEAKEST LINK
Four of the Cowboys' top six defensive linemen from the start of training camp are out. DE Tyrone Crawford (Achilles) and DE Ben Bass (shoulder) were lost for the season in August. DE Anthony Spencer (knee) played one game before going on injured reserve. DT Jay Ratliff didn't see eye-to-eye with owner Jerry Jones and was released. As a result, the Cowboys have had to sign half a dozen replacements off the street. It's no wonder they rank 31st in sack percentage (27 sacks) and have yielded 156.9 rushing yards in the last eight games.
McGINN'S VIEW
Owner Jerry Jones changed defensive coordinators and schemes after last season. He fired Rob Ryan, who ran the 3-4 scheme for two years, and hired Monte Kiffin, who brought his Tampa 2 style of 4-3.
The Cowboys had been a base 3-4 team for about a decade.
Jones downplayed the adjustment, insisting that he had the players to make a seamless transition. In truth, he didn't have a three-technique tackle, a weak-side linebacker or a strong safety. When Kiffin was rolling for years in Tampa Bay, he had All-Pros Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch filling those integral positions.
Kiffin also needed cornerbacks that could react well in zone coverage and support aggressively against the run.
Defensive tackle Jason Hatcher (9 sacks) has rushed effectively but isn't a complete player. Neither is WLB Bruce Carter nor SS Barry Church.
Where the Cowboys really have been mismatched is at cornerback. Orlando Scandrick, Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne were born to play man-to-man. They're lean, more finesse players, and Kiffin's system didn't fit their abilities.
The Cowboys became the first team in NFL history to allow four passers (Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Matthew Stafford) to pass for 400 yards or more in one season. That happened in the first eight games.
Kiffin began using more man-to-man near mid-season, but without a pass rush the cornerbacks were torched playing man Monday night in Chicago.
Jones is expected to jettison Kiffin, who will turn 74 in February. It wouldn't be surprising if Dallas is back playing the 3-4 in 2014.
Packers' Next Opponent: Cowboys
By Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel
Dec. 10, 2013
Green Bay — The Dallas Cowboys, a different team at home than they are on the road, and the equally desperate Green Bay Packers meet Sunday at Cowboys Stadium.
Dallas is 5-1 at home but just 2-5 on the road, including a 45-28 shellacking from Chicago on Monday night at Soldier Field.
On average, the Cowboys have scored 12.1 more points and given up 2.7 fewer points at home than on the road. If they win their final three games, they would capture the NFC East for the first time since 2009.
"But they've only beaten one team with a winning record, and that's Philly," an executive in personnel said. "Philly is going to win that division, and I don't know if Dallas will win another game. I don't know if they'll even win at Washington."
Defense is the problem. On Oct. 6, Dallas gave up 51 points against Denver. On Nov. 10, New Orleans amassed an NFL-record 40 first downs in a 49-17 trouncing.
"The Dallas Cowboys' defense is absolutely the worst defense maybe in the history of the National Football League before this is over with," another scout said. "When was the last time you saw Jerry Jones speechless? He doesn't know what to say. He's never experienced this before."
Short week or not, two scouts expect the Cowboys to rebound just as they did in beating Washington (31-16) after the Denver game and the New York Giants (24-21) after the New Orleans game.
"The Cowboys will be thawed out by then," an AFC personnel director said. "Even with Matt Flynn's growing comfort level with the offense, I cannot see the Dallas defense playing that poorly for another week.
"I've got it Dallas, 28-10. Ditto with Aaron Rodgers, but the score will be 28-17."
Another scout also picked the Cowboys even if Rodgers gets the green light.
"If Rodgers plays, he'll be rusty, right?" the scout said. "I don't think he gets right back to firing the ball.
"I'm looking for Dallas to have a bounce-back this week. I'd say 31-24 with Flynn, and I'd say even Aaron Rodgers can't make a difference. Maybe it's 31-28 with Rodgers.
"I'm giving special teams to Dallas and the Dallas offense over the Green Bay defense. That's two out of three.
"When Dallas loses, it's because they just can't keep pace with the score. Can Matt Flynn generate 30, 35 points? If he can, Green Bay's got a shot."
OFFENSE
SCHEME
Second-year coordinator Bill Callahan gives the plays to coach Jason Garrett, who then relays them to Tony Romo. Having run less (35.9%) than they should, the Cowboys added a fullback last week and rushed for a season-high 198 yards in 28 carries Monday. With interior linemen too slow to pull, the coaches have reverted to a zone-run game. The Cowboys go empty, double-TE and everything in between. They're tied for first in giveaways (13), tied for third in points (27.5) and 22nd in yards (328.4).
RECEIVERS
Dez Bryant (6-2, 222), the 24th pick in 2010, hasn't had a 100-yard game since Week 7 and disappeared against the Bears. He's an explosive power player with mid-4.5 speed a la Michael Irvin. He's inconsistent in everything that he does, including catching. The mental side of the game holds Bryant back. On the other side, Miles Austin (6-2, 216) hasn't been the same standout player that he was in 2009-'10, partly because of chronic hamstring problems. He has lost speed and elusiveness. Rookie Terrance Williams (6-2, 200), a third-round pick, has good straight-line speed but isn't refined and doesn't snatch the ball away from his body. Cole Beasley (5-8, 180) plays the slot on third downs, catches everything and is tough. TE Jason Witten (6-5½, 261), a 10-year starter, is as sure-handed as ever but has slowed down and offers little after the catch. Rookie Gavin Escobar (6-6, 249), a second-round pick, should be playing more than finesse TE James Hanna (6-4, 250). Escobar flashes big-play ability.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Tyron Smith (6-5, 318), the ninth pick in '11, is a three-year starter who moved from RT to LT in '12. This has been Smith's best year but he isn't elite yet. He has long arms (363/8 inches) and massive hands (11) but can be slow to react. Rookie C Travis Frederick (6-3½, 311), the former Badger selected 31st, already is the second-best starter. He's slow as molasses (5.56-second 40), doesn't bend well and isn't weight-room strong. However, he's tough, smart (34 on the Wonderlic intelligence test), steady and efficient. RT Doug Free (6-6, 325), a Manitowoc native, accepted a massive pay cut in May. A five-year starter, he's more of an athlete than power player. He's serviceable. RG Mackenzy Bernadeau (6-4, 333), a 44-game starter for Carolina and Dallas, moved into the lineup Nov. 3 after top-notch veteran Brian Waters suffered a season-ending triceps injury. Bernadeau has quick feet and is tough enough but lacks desired strength. LG Ronald Leary (6-3, 331), a rookie free agent in '12, is a rugged short-area player with tiny hands (85/8) and long arms (34¾). He struggles making late adjustments.
QUARTERBACKS
Tony Romo (6-2, 236), the Burlington native, is healthy and ranked eighth in passer rating (98.3). A starter since mid-2006, Romo is 62-44 in the regular season and 1-3 in the playoffs. He's smart (Wonderlic of 37), committed, durable and tough. An accurate passer, he has average-to-good arm strength. Although he has cut back in turnovers, skeptics still question his ability to read defenses and avoid killer mistakes. He clocked just 5.05 as a free agent from Eastern Illinois a decade ago. His threat as a runner is minimal, but he has an almost uncanny ability to sidestep rushers and make something from nothing. In the regular season, Romo is 24-5 in November but merely 12-17 in December-January. Kyle Orton (6-4, 228), the former Bear-Bronco-Chief with a 4-2 record against Green Bay, is an elite backup. His Wonderlic score was 28.
RUNNING BACKS
In rare good health, DeMarco Murray (5-11½, 219) is performing extremely well. He's an upright, flowing runner with exceptional speed (4.45) and toughness. He can run through, around or by tacklers, exhibits patience and changes directions easily. He's a fine receiver but just an ordinary blocker. Rookie Joseph Randle (5-10, 198), a fifth-round pick, runs hard and has soft hands. His 4.69 speed is a limiting factor. The Cowboys didn't even have a fullback until last week when they added former Bear starter Tyler Clutts (6-2, 254). He played 19 snaps against his former team and did impressive work as a lead blocker.
DEFENSE
SCHEME
First-year coordinator Monte Kiffin, the Packers' LB coach in 1983, was a surprise hire in January at age 73. A master of the Tampa 2 4-3 "over" scheme, Kiffin prefers a two-deep secondary and zone coverage. An inability to stop the run (28th, 128.4) has forced Kiffin into extensive one-high looks. Despite a weak D-line, the Cowboys rank 30th in blitz rate at just 19.5%, according to STATs. They're tied for fifth in takeaways (25), 26th in points (26.8) and 32nd in yards (426.8).
DEFENSIVE LINE
RE DeMarcus Ware (6-4, 258), a seven-time Pro Bowl pick, looks almost disinterested and is having his worst season. He's lost some burst, explosiveness and power at the point. At 31, he seems to have hit the wall. The only other capable starter is three-technique Jason Hatcher (6-6, 299), who is tied for the NFL sack lead among DTs with nine. He's an eight-year Cowboy who didn't start until '12. The long-armed Hatcher is strong, has an arsenal of moves and closes fast. Minus four key members, the unit is a mess after that. NT Nick Hayden (6-4, 301), the former Arrowhead and Badgers player, sat out '12 before being added as a camp body in February. He's a marginal athlete with strength and attitude. LE George Selvie (6-4½, 270) is with his fifth team in a four-year career. He's an overachieving tough guy. Backup DEs Jarius Wynn (6-2½, 285) and Martez Wilson (6-3½, 252), and backup DTs Drake Nevis (6-0½, 310) and Corvey Irvin (6-3, 295), all have been cut at least once. Wynn played 36 games for the Packers from 2009-'11. The extremely athletic Wilson, the Saints' third-round pick in '11, flies off the edge but hasn't put it all together.
LINEBACKERS
MLB Sean Lee (6-2, 234), a second-round pick in '10, runs the defense and probably is the best player on defense. He has remarkable key-and-diagnose (Wonderlic of 27), moves well laterally and has 11 career interceptions. He's physically and mentally tough. Lee left with a stinger in Chicago but should be OK. WLB Bruce Carter, a talented but somewhat soft third-year man, pulled a hamstring Monday night and is out. His probable replacement is Ernie Sims (5-11, 233), who's with his fourth team after being drafted ninth by Detroit in '06. He'll hit anything that moves but is just too small. Former Lion Justin Durant (6-1, 228), an unrestricted signing in March, should be back from a three-week hamstring injury but SLB Kyle Wilber (6-4, 250) probably will keep starting. Drafted in the fourth round as a 3-4 OLB in '12, he's out of position and contributing little.
SECONDARY
Highly paid former Chiefs LC Brandon Carr (6-0, 206) is coming off two awful performances. Against Chicago, he kept hanging back or turning down tackles. He's best playing press-man coverage and struggles in zone. RC Orlando Scandrick (5-10, 195), a skilled, productive nickel back since '08, beat out Morris Claiborne (5-11, 190) and had been performing like a No. 1 until having a bad game in Chicago. Scandrick has 4.35 speed. The disappointing Claiborne, the sixth pick in '12, probably will miss his fifth game in six weeks with a hamstring. That leaves rookie B.W. Webb (5-10½, 178), a fourth-round pick, as the nickel back. He's athletic and fast. He's also tiny, doesn't hit and is out of position too often. SS Barry Church (6-1½, 218) is an instinctive, hard-hitting, active former free agent who does his best work near the line. His 4.68 speed limits the coverage. After Will Allen was cut and rookie J.J. Wilcox got hurt, Kiffin turned to FS Jeff Heath (6-1, 209). A rookie free agent from Saginaw Valley State, he has speed (4.49), toughness and a bright future.
SPECIAL TEAMS
First-year coordinator Rich Bisaccia has top-flight units. K Dan Bailey might be the Cowboys' No. 1 player overall. He has hit 19 of 21 this season and 90% in three seasons. P Chris Jones, a first-year regular, is 15th in net average (39.8). Dwayne Harris, bothered by a hamstring injury, could be the NFL's best dual returner. The coverage teams, led by Harris and LB Kyle Bosworth, are first-class.
GAME-BREAKER
DeMarco Murray is one of the more talented running backs in the league. He replaced Adrian Peterson at Oklahoma and was special as a sophomore in 2008 before major kneecap and hamstring injuries interrupted his career. Drafted in the third round by the Cowboys in 2011, Murray did some excellent things but again had injury problems. This season, he missed Games 7-8 with a knee problem. On Monday night, he zipped around and through the Bears for 146 yards in 18 carries (8.1). He has 843 yards rushing (5.3) to go with 41 receptions.
WEAKEST LINK
Four of the Cowboys' top six defensive linemen from the start of training camp are out. DE Tyrone Crawford (Achilles) and DE Ben Bass (shoulder) were lost for the season in August. DE Anthony Spencer (knee) played one game before going on injured reserve. DT Jay Ratliff didn't see eye-to-eye with owner Jerry Jones and was released. As a result, the Cowboys have had to sign half a dozen replacements off the street. It's no wonder they rank 31st in sack percentage (27 sacks) and have yielded 156.9 rushing yards in the last eight games.
McGINN'S VIEW
Owner Jerry Jones changed defensive coordinators and schemes after last season. He fired Rob Ryan, who ran the 3-4 scheme for two years, and hired Monte Kiffin, who brought his Tampa 2 style of 4-3.
The Cowboys had been a base 3-4 team for about a decade.
Jones downplayed the adjustment, insisting that he had the players to make a seamless transition. In truth, he didn't have a three-technique tackle, a weak-side linebacker or a strong safety. When Kiffin was rolling for years in Tampa Bay, he had All-Pros Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch filling those integral positions.
Kiffin also needed cornerbacks that could react well in zone coverage and support aggressively against the run.
Defensive tackle Jason Hatcher (9 sacks) has rushed effectively but isn't a complete player. Neither is WLB Bruce Carter nor SS Barry Church.
Where the Cowboys really have been mismatched is at cornerback. Orlando Scandrick, Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne were born to play man-to-man. They're lean, more finesse players, and Kiffin's system didn't fit their abilities.
The Cowboys became the first team in NFL history to allow four passers (Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Matthew Stafford) to pass for 400 yards or more in one season. That happened in the first eight games.
Kiffin began using more man-to-man near mid-season, but without a pass rush the cornerbacks were torched playing man Monday night in Chicago.
Jones is expected to jettison Kiffin, who will turn 74 in February. It wouldn't be surprising if Dallas is back playing the 3-4 in 2014.
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Pretty much. The Packers probably watched 15 minutes of tape on the Cowboys defense and determined that the offense should be able to score with ease even w/o Rodgers.So instead of a 48 point beatdown, it'll only be 42.
ravidubey
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The Tampa-2 scheme relies on special players at all four DL positions, at least one really fast LB, and a secondary that can play zone.
Dallas has none of the above. Lee is injured too often, the secondary is lost in a zone, half the DL really sucks, and the other half is over 30.
Dallas has none of the above. Lee is injured too often, the secondary is lost in a zone, half the DL really sucks, and the other half is over 30.
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Not exactly. The line needs an elite RDE and an elite distruptive tackle. Tampa won with Brad Culpepper/Booger McFarland inside and other guys at LDE. The ROLB is crucial and Carter has failed at it. The secondary has to have instinctive players, whether they are good at man or zone, they have to have a nose for the football. But overall, the line is the most crucial since blitzing is an afterthought in the scheme.
ravidubey
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Brooks was amazing on the right side in Tampa but in Chicago it was Urlacher in the middle. Basically at least one LB has to be able to eat up space in a hurry AND play with a lot of power. Spires was good, McFarland was better, and Sapp and Rice were special. Nit-picking aside, it relies greatly on having a weird combination of light and powerful in the front seven.
When the Cowboys tried to copy the scheme in the early 2000's, they couldn't get it done with a core of Glover, Ellis, Coakley, Dat, and Woody. They had the "light" but lacked the powerful and ground Woody and Dat to the bone in a hurry. I think Glover was perfect, but the other three linemen failed the test completely.
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The problem with the attempt Zimmer made was to not get the pass rusher. Greg Ellis was not it. Ellis was the Greg Spires type, not the Simeon Rice type. Neither was Ekuban, Martellus Wiley or Peppi Zellner. Glover was excellent.
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Not taking anything away from you Booze....but don't ya think the GM ought to fucking KNOW THIS TOO?
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It is Jerry Jones, so...no.
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Counting on Crawford for next year is just as foolish. If they were smart, they assume they have to replace each starter within three years, and that includes Ware.
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Broaddus: Packers Pose 3-4 Problems With Hefty Middle
Posted 57 minutes ago
Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout
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Three of the Cowboys six loses this season, have come against teams that run a 3-4 scheme which the Packers use. Over the years, Dom Capers has been a master of this style of defense and the way that it needs to be played. When you study the Packers, you see a combination of a large three man line with speed at the linebackers.
For Capers, it all starts with BJ Raji, Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly upfront and their ability to control the line of scrimmage. Where these guys put the pressure on an offensive line is having to try and move them in the running game. These guys like to anchor down and two gap blockers at the point of attack. What also makes these guys hard to deal with, it that they are not just slugs that take up space but have the ability to work on the move when they read the play to get in position to make plays.
Of the three, I feel like Raji is the one that can cause the most problems because of his combination of quickness and power. Jolly is not playing at the level that he once was but he can still be a handful. Where offensive linemen have had some success against them is not blocking them straight up but blocking them on the edge and shielding them from the play and trying to get the ball to the outside of them. When these guys have to face blockers head up, they can work against that all day.
When they pass rush, you are going to see guys that don’t have many pass rush moves but going to try and push the pocket with power. All three of them can walk linemen back into the quarterback with their strength and power. When they go to their backups, Josh Boyd comes in to play at the nose and Mike Daniels at end. Daniels is interesting because he is shorter and lighter than the others and you see much more quickness off the ball along with better mobility. He is clearly different in the way he plays than the starters.
At linebacker, I really do like who they have on the outside in Clay Matthews and Nick Perry. It has been a switch from what we have seen from Matthews in the past were he has played on the left side or strong side. Perry has now taken that spot and Matthews has been shifted to the weak side. There will be several opportunities in this game where Tyron Smith will get the chance to match up against Matthews and see if he can hold him in check much like he has several of the top rushers in the league. Matthews still plays with that relentless effort that we have seen from him over the years. He is not going to give Smith a very big hitting surface, so Smith will need to be ready for a wide variety of spin moves and adjustments up the field. Nick Perry is a good young player that plays well with his hands at the point of attack and being a former defensive end at USC, knows how to rush the passer. He is becoming more of a complete linebacker because you see him handle situations in coverage as well.
On the inside, AJ Hawk and Brad Jones are very aggressive and at times, a little too aggressive in the way they play. Both tend to bite on play action fakes and you will often see them step forward and the ball go in behind them. Both can fight blocks but there are times where they do struggle with the shed and the ball gets past them. If Garrett and Callahan can get the running game going, play action passes have a great shot at being successful in this game.
In the secondary, Tramon Williams a better player than Sam Shields at cornerback. If the Packers were to match a corner on Dez Bryant in this game, I feel like Williams would be that guy. He plays with a great deal of savvy and brashness. At times he will cover down in the slot, so that tells you that Capers has a great deal of confidence in his ability to handle two way goes and receivers with quickness. Williams is the type of corner that will not back away from a challenge and if he is matched up against Bryant, it will be an all-day battle for him. Williams doesn’t give much space and he is a hard guy to escape.
If the Cowboys are going to attack a player in this secondary on the outside, I would go after Sam Shields. In watching him in the Lions game, they went his way several times on slants for good reason. He really has a hard time when you take him down inside and make him have to cut that receiver off inside. The best trait that Shields does have is his catch up speed. He can cover some ground when the receiver gets by him. Of Williams and Shields, Shields is the weaker of the tacklers.
In the nickel, the Packers have shown a couple of different looks. Rookie cornerback Micah Hyde and Jarrett Bush both saw action against the Falcons, while Williams played in the slot the previous week against the Lions. At safety, Morgan Burnett and MD Jennings are the starters. What Capers likes to do with his safeties is to walk them down in the box late to help in the running game. It was clear that he was worried about Reggie Bush and Steven Jackson in these last two games. What Dez Bryant and the Cowboys coaches have to be careful in this game is when you get in the red zone against the Packers, Capers will pair Jennings with Williams on your best receiver in this area. Bryant saw this type of coverage against the Saints when Rob Ryan treated him like a flyer on the punt team. I expect we will see Capers do something similar to Bryant down in the red zone.
Posted 57 minutes ago
Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout
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Three of the Cowboys six loses this season, have come against teams that run a 3-4 scheme which the Packers use. Over the years, Dom Capers has been a master of this style of defense and the way that it needs to be played. When you study the Packers, you see a combination of a large three man line with speed at the linebackers.
For Capers, it all starts with BJ Raji, Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly upfront and their ability to control the line of scrimmage. Where these guys put the pressure on an offensive line is having to try and move them in the running game. These guys like to anchor down and two gap blockers at the point of attack. What also makes these guys hard to deal with, it that they are not just slugs that take up space but have the ability to work on the move when they read the play to get in position to make plays.
Of the three, I feel like Raji is the one that can cause the most problems because of his combination of quickness and power. Jolly is not playing at the level that he once was but he can still be a handful. Where offensive linemen have had some success against them is not blocking them straight up but blocking them on the edge and shielding them from the play and trying to get the ball to the outside of them. When these guys have to face blockers head up, they can work against that all day.
When they pass rush, you are going to see guys that don’t have many pass rush moves but going to try and push the pocket with power. All three of them can walk linemen back into the quarterback with their strength and power. When they go to their backups, Josh Boyd comes in to play at the nose and Mike Daniels at end. Daniels is interesting because he is shorter and lighter than the others and you see much more quickness off the ball along with better mobility. He is clearly different in the way he plays than the starters.
At linebacker, I really do like who they have on the outside in Clay Matthews and Nick Perry. It has been a switch from what we have seen from Matthews in the past were he has played on the left side or strong side. Perry has now taken that spot and Matthews has been shifted to the weak side. There will be several opportunities in this game where Tyron Smith will get the chance to match up against Matthews and see if he can hold him in check much like he has several of the top rushers in the league. Matthews still plays with that relentless effort that we have seen from him over the years. He is not going to give Smith a very big hitting surface, so Smith will need to be ready for a wide variety of spin moves and adjustments up the field. Nick Perry is a good young player that plays well with his hands at the point of attack and being a former defensive end at USC, knows how to rush the passer. He is becoming more of a complete linebacker because you see him handle situations in coverage as well.
On the inside, AJ Hawk and Brad Jones are very aggressive and at times, a little too aggressive in the way they play. Both tend to bite on play action fakes and you will often see them step forward and the ball go in behind them. Both can fight blocks but there are times where they do struggle with the shed and the ball gets past them. If Garrett and Callahan can get the running game going, play action passes have a great shot at being successful in this game.
In the secondary, Tramon Williams a better player than Sam Shields at cornerback. If the Packers were to match a corner on Dez Bryant in this game, I feel like Williams would be that guy. He plays with a great deal of savvy and brashness. At times he will cover down in the slot, so that tells you that Capers has a great deal of confidence in his ability to handle two way goes and receivers with quickness. Williams is the type of corner that will not back away from a challenge and if he is matched up against Bryant, it will be an all-day battle for him. Williams doesn’t give much space and he is a hard guy to escape.
If the Cowboys are going to attack a player in this secondary on the outside, I would go after Sam Shields. In watching him in the Lions game, they went his way several times on slants for good reason. He really has a hard time when you take him down inside and make him have to cut that receiver off inside. The best trait that Shields does have is his catch up speed. He can cover some ground when the receiver gets by him. Of Williams and Shields, Shields is the weaker of the tacklers.
In the nickel, the Packers have shown a couple of different looks. Rookie cornerback Micah Hyde and Jarrett Bush both saw action against the Falcons, while Williams played in the slot the previous week against the Lions. At safety, Morgan Burnett and MD Jennings are the starters. What Capers likes to do with his safeties is to walk them down in the box late to help in the running game. It was clear that he was worried about Reggie Bush and Steven Jackson in these last two games. What Dez Bryant and the Cowboys coaches have to be careful in this game is when you get in the red zone against the Packers, Capers will pair Jennings with Williams on your best receiver in this area. Bryant saw this type of coverage against the Saints when Rob Ryan treated him like a flyer on the punt team. I expect we will see Capers do something similar to Bryant down in the red zone.
L.T. Fan
I'm Easy If You Are
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Agree. One of Jones greatest failings as a GM is holding on to players. He puts too much stock in a short term player performance then locks them into a (premature) exorbitant contract. Shortly they are either injured or loose their luster. Not saying all deals are that way but far too many are.
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Double Coverage: Packers-Cowboys
December, 12, 2013
By Todd Archer and Rob Demovsky | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys are two of the most storied franchises in NFL history, but with three games to play in the 2013 season both are on the outside of the playoff chase and in need of a win.
The Packers have fallen on hard times without Aaron Rodgers but won last week against the Atlanta Falcons. The Cowboys are coming off a humiliating loss to the Chicago Bears and have a short week to get ready.
ESPN.com Packers reporter Rob Demovsky and Cowboys reporter Todd Archer debate the matchup in this week's Double Coverage.
Archer: I'll skip the "What's Aaron Rodgers status?" and ask about Ted Thompson's approach to the backup quarterback. The Cowboys pay Kyle Orton a lot of money to hopefully never throw a pass. Is there any regret form the Packers that they did not have a better backup quarterback situation behind Rodgers, considering their struggles without him?
Demovsky: Thompson admitted at the end of training camp that he probably should have signed Vince Young much earlier than he did, although after watching Young for about a month, I'm not sure he would have been any better had the Packers signed back in the spring. Where they probably erred was in not drafting a quarterback. They overestimated what they had in Graham Harrell and B.J. Coleman, and neither one developed enough. When Ron Wolf was the GM, he made it a regular practice to draft a quarterback in the middle-to -late rounds. Not all of them worked out, but guys like Ty Detmer, Mark Brunell, Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Brooks all came up through the Packers' system.
Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers said Tony Romo is "playing probably as good as he has in his career." Do you agree with that assessment?
Archer: I'd agree with that, sure. It's hard to argue against his numbers. He has 3,244 yards passing with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's taking care of the ball. He had one really careless throw and it cost the Cowboys big-time in their loss to the Denver Broncos. Romo gets most of the blame for the December/January woes this team has had, but in his last 16 games he has 34 touchdowns and seven picks. It's hard to play better than that. But you know what? He has to. This defense is so bad that Romo has to be nearly perfect. There can be no poor drives. If they don't get points they at least need to chew up time because there's not an offense the Cowboys can slow down right now.
When the Packers won Super Bowl XLV at AT&T Stadium they were able to overcome so many injuries, especially on defense as we talked about. The difference this year is Rodgers missing time, but is there anything more to it than that?
Demovsky: They did end up with 15 players in injured reserve in their Super Bowl season, and then during that game itself they lost Charles Woodson to a broken collarbone. But you know what? This defense played fine early this season and even during the stretch Clay Matthews missed because of his broken thumb. Capers said last week that losing Rodgers had nothing to do with the Packers' defensive slide, but I'm not buying it. The Packers' defense got four turnovers in the Thanksgiving game at Detroit and still got walloped 40-10 because the offense couldn't do a darn thing with them. To be sure, there are issues on defense. Their failure to address needs at safety has hurt them up the middle, where their inside linebackers also haven't played well enough.
It sounds like Monte Kiffin is already taking heat, but how much of it is personnel? When I saw Packers castoff Jarius Wynn playing Monday night against the Bears, to me that was a red flag that there are talent issues, perhaps some of them caused by injuries.
Archer: There are talent issues and there are depth issues. Blame the owner and GM who constructed this team. Blame the coaches -- Kiffin and Rod Marinelli -- for saying the line was a position of strength. The Cowboys thought they had pieces to fit Kiffin's scheme at the start of the year. DeMarcus Ware has not been DeMarcus Ware in part because of injuries, but he acknowledged he has to play better. Bruce Carter was supposed to be the ideal weak-side linebacker and he just has not made any plays. The corners are more man corners and Kiffin has tried to play more man but all of them -- Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne and Orlando Scandrick -- have had issues. Sean Lee has been hurt and could miss Sunday's game with a neck injury. He's been good but the defense has been lit up with him on the field, too. It's just a mess. Until Jerry Jones realizes he needs better players, not necessarily better schemes, it will be a mess.
Let's stick with the defensive coordinators. From the outside looking in, it appears Capers is catching a lot of grief too. Are the Packers committed to the 3-4 regardless or could they pull a Dallas and move to a 4-3 in the future?
Demovsky: When the cornerstone of the defense is Matthews, an outside linebacker, I would think they'd have to stick with the 3-4 even if they part ways with Capers, which I'm not sure will happen anyway. Mike McCarthy has continually praised Capers and the defensive staff. It's probably more about personnel. They need a few more playmakers to help out Matthews. They haven't gotten enough production from their defensive front. I'd look for an overhaul in personnel more than a coaching change.
Knowing the temperature in the Cowboys locker room like you do, how do you think they will react to getting steamrolled Monday night? Is this a group that will fight? Or will they pack it in?
Archer: This is where I have to give Jason Garrett credit. This team has fought. Maybe they didn't fight all that much in the losses to New Orleans and Chicago, but they have not packed it in. You saw the last time the Cowboys packed it in in 2010 at Lambeau Field when Wade Phillips was the coach. The Cowboys lost 45-7 and were completely disinterested. Phillips was fired the next day and Garrett took over. There is some gumption to this team. They do work hard. They do the right things. I'll say it again: Most of it is a talent issue. I'd expect the Cowboys to come out with the effort Sunday because they're still very much in the playoff chase. But do they believe they can really make a run? I don't know about that.
December, 12, 2013
By Todd Archer and Rob Demovsky | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys are two of the most storied franchises in NFL history, but with three games to play in the 2013 season both are on the outside of the playoff chase and in need of a win.
The Packers have fallen on hard times without Aaron Rodgers but won last week against the Atlanta Falcons. The Cowboys are coming off a humiliating loss to the Chicago Bears and have a short week to get ready.
ESPN.com Packers reporter Rob Demovsky and Cowboys reporter Todd Archer debate the matchup in this week's Double Coverage.
Archer: I'll skip the "What's Aaron Rodgers status?" and ask about Ted Thompson's approach to the backup quarterback. The Cowboys pay Kyle Orton a lot of money to hopefully never throw a pass. Is there any regret form the Packers that they did not have a better backup quarterback situation behind Rodgers, considering their struggles without him?
Demovsky: Thompson admitted at the end of training camp that he probably should have signed Vince Young much earlier than he did, although after watching Young for about a month, I'm not sure he would have been any better had the Packers signed back in the spring. Where they probably erred was in not drafting a quarterback. They overestimated what they had in Graham Harrell and B.J. Coleman, and neither one developed enough. When Ron Wolf was the GM, he made it a regular practice to draft a quarterback in the middle-to -late rounds. Not all of them worked out, but guys like Ty Detmer, Mark Brunell, Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Brooks all came up through the Packers' system.
Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers said Tony Romo is "playing probably as good as he has in his career." Do you agree with that assessment?
Archer: I'd agree with that, sure. It's hard to argue against his numbers. He has 3,244 yards passing with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's taking care of the ball. He had one really careless throw and it cost the Cowboys big-time in their loss to the Denver Broncos. Romo gets most of the blame for the December/January woes this team has had, but in his last 16 games he has 34 touchdowns and seven picks. It's hard to play better than that. But you know what? He has to. This defense is so bad that Romo has to be nearly perfect. There can be no poor drives. If they don't get points they at least need to chew up time because there's not an offense the Cowboys can slow down right now.
When the Packers won Super Bowl XLV at AT&T Stadium they were able to overcome so many injuries, especially on defense as we talked about. The difference this year is Rodgers missing time, but is there anything more to it than that?
Demovsky: They did end up with 15 players in injured reserve in their Super Bowl season, and then during that game itself they lost Charles Woodson to a broken collarbone. But you know what? This defense played fine early this season and even during the stretch Clay Matthews missed because of his broken thumb. Capers said last week that losing Rodgers had nothing to do with the Packers' defensive slide, but I'm not buying it. The Packers' defense got four turnovers in the Thanksgiving game at Detroit and still got walloped 40-10 because the offense couldn't do a darn thing with them. To be sure, there are issues on defense. Their failure to address needs at safety has hurt them up the middle, where their inside linebackers also haven't played well enough.
It sounds like Monte Kiffin is already taking heat, but how much of it is personnel? When I saw Packers castoff Jarius Wynn playing Monday night against the Bears, to me that was a red flag that there are talent issues, perhaps some of them caused by injuries.
Archer: There are talent issues and there are depth issues. Blame the owner and GM who constructed this team. Blame the coaches -- Kiffin and Rod Marinelli -- for saying the line was a position of strength. The Cowboys thought they had pieces to fit Kiffin's scheme at the start of the year. DeMarcus Ware has not been DeMarcus Ware in part because of injuries, but he acknowledged he has to play better. Bruce Carter was supposed to be the ideal weak-side linebacker and he just has not made any plays. The corners are more man corners and Kiffin has tried to play more man but all of them -- Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne and Orlando Scandrick -- have had issues. Sean Lee has been hurt and could miss Sunday's game with a neck injury. He's been good but the defense has been lit up with him on the field, too. It's just a mess. Until Jerry Jones realizes he needs better players, not necessarily better schemes, it will be a mess.
Let's stick with the defensive coordinators. From the outside looking in, it appears Capers is catching a lot of grief too. Are the Packers committed to the 3-4 regardless or could they pull a Dallas and move to a 4-3 in the future?
Demovsky: When the cornerstone of the defense is Matthews, an outside linebacker, I would think they'd have to stick with the 3-4 even if they part ways with Capers, which I'm not sure will happen anyway. Mike McCarthy has continually praised Capers and the defensive staff. It's probably more about personnel. They need a few more playmakers to help out Matthews. They haven't gotten enough production from their defensive front. I'd look for an overhaul in personnel more than a coaching change.
Knowing the temperature in the Cowboys locker room like you do, how do you think they will react to getting steamrolled Monday night? Is this a group that will fight? Or will they pack it in?
Archer: This is where I have to give Jason Garrett credit. This team has fought. Maybe they didn't fight all that much in the losses to New Orleans and Chicago, but they have not packed it in. You saw the last time the Cowboys packed it in in 2010 at Lambeau Field when Wade Phillips was the coach. The Cowboys lost 45-7 and were completely disinterested. Phillips was fired the next day and Garrett took over. There is some gumption to this team. They do work hard. They do the right things. I'll say it again: Most of it is a talent issue. I'd expect the Cowboys to come out with the effort Sunday because they're still very much in the playoff chase. But do they believe they can really make a run? I don't know about that.
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Cowboys are preparing for Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers still has not been medically cleared to return from a broken left collarbone, according to coach Mike McCarthy. But Rodgers had a limited practice Wednesday.
The Cowboys are preparing to face Rodgers… and Matt Flynn.
“We’ve got to go out there and prepare for both,” Cowboys defensive end George Selvie said. “Rodgers is a great quarterback. It’s a different offense with him out there, so you go out there and prepare for him. We’ve got to go out there and do what we do.”
Rodgers was injured in a Nov. 4 loss to the Bears, and the Packers have gone 1-4-1 since. Matt Flynn is with his third team this season, re-signing with the Packers on Nov. 12.
“You look at the scheme that they play with Aaron Rodgers, and the scheme that they play with Matt Flynn and see if there’s a lot of differences,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “You certainly have to prepare for both. Aaron’s obviously one of the best players in the league, and Matt has done a good job for them, so you try to watch as much tape of both of them, see if there’s some differences and evaluate as the week goes on to see if he’s going to be ready to play and then hone in a little bit more.”
Flynn has taken 12 sacks in three games with the Packers, which could bode well for a Dallas defense that hasn’t been good at affecting the quarterback of late. The Cowboys have one sack and 19 pressures the past two games combined.
Josh McCown threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns, throwing 36 times. He was sacked once, and the Cowboys' coaches found three additional pressures.
"We haven't affected the quarterback well enough," Garrett said. "He was too comfortable in the game, all through the game. He dropped back 36, 37 times in this game. We weren't around him enough. We didn't make him feel our presence in the pocket enough. We didn't get him off the spot enough, and it starts with affecting him. It starts winning on rushes. But certainly pressuring and using scheme to affect the quarterback is part of our packages like it is for anybody else around the league."
-- Charean Williams
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers still has not been medically cleared to return from a broken left collarbone, according to coach Mike McCarthy. But Rodgers had a limited practice Wednesday.
The Cowboys are preparing to face Rodgers… and Matt Flynn.
“We’ve got to go out there and prepare for both,” Cowboys defensive end George Selvie said. “Rodgers is a great quarterback. It’s a different offense with him out there, so you go out there and prepare for him. We’ve got to go out there and do what we do.”
Rodgers was injured in a Nov. 4 loss to the Bears, and the Packers have gone 1-4-1 since. Matt Flynn is with his third team this season, re-signing with the Packers on Nov. 12.
“You look at the scheme that they play with Aaron Rodgers, and the scheme that they play with Matt Flynn and see if there’s a lot of differences,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “You certainly have to prepare for both. Aaron’s obviously one of the best players in the league, and Matt has done a good job for them, so you try to watch as much tape of both of them, see if there’s some differences and evaluate as the week goes on to see if he’s going to be ready to play and then hone in a little bit more.”
Flynn has taken 12 sacks in three games with the Packers, which could bode well for a Dallas defense that hasn’t been good at affecting the quarterback of late. The Cowboys have one sack and 19 pressures the past two games combined.
Josh McCown threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns, throwing 36 times. He was sacked once, and the Cowboys' coaches found three additional pressures.
"We haven't affected the quarterback well enough," Garrett said. "He was too comfortable in the game, all through the game. He dropped back 36, 37 times in this game. We weren't around him enough. We didn't make him feel our presence in the pocket enough. We didn't get him off the spot enough, and it starts with affecting him. It starts winning on rushes. But certainly pressuring and using scheme to affect the quarterback is part of our packages like it is for anybody else around the league."
-- Charean Williams