The Landry Hat
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Did the Dallas Cowboys do enough to repair defense?

By Brad Austin

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 15: Anthony Brown #30 and Sean Lee #50 of the Dallas Cowboys tackle Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 15: Anthony Brown #30 and Sean Lee #50 of the Dallas Cowboys tackle Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 18: David Irving #95 and Maliek Collins #96 of the Dallas Cowboys sack Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 18: David Irving #95 and Maliek Collins #96 of the Dallas Cowboys sack Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

There’s no doubt losing McClain stings, at least from a run stuffing perspective.

Free agency addition Paea is no slouch in that department. Yet McClain was a big part of clogging the middle for the NFL’s top rushing defense.

Paea’s bread and butter is explosive gap penetration and pressuring the pocket. McClain’s 2.5 sacks left a lot to be desired in that area.

If Paea can stay healthy (knee swelling), his pairing with an improved Collins will cause havoc in the middle.

These two will elevate interior pocket pressure, which is Kryptonite to quarterbacks.

Thornton is a worthy replacement on par with last year. I also expect T. Crawford or Irving to move inside once the suspended end rejoins the team.

In passing situations Dallas also shifts ends inside to add even more pressure.

Expect the interior run defense to dip a tad, while inside pass rush makes a big leap. Overall this unit is improved and will be a bright spot if Paea stays healthy.

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