One had to expect complications and shortcomings from on-field production.  However, even with the severe limitations to off-season workouts and installation time, the Cowboys showed strong improvement upon the 2010 season in almost every important defensive category.  Furthermore, Ryan fostered these improved results with roughly the same core defensive players as 2010, barring a few new key pieces such as Abe Elam, Kenyon Coleman, and Sean Lee.  Below is a comparison of the 2011 and 2010 defensive units. (more…)