5 major takeaways from the Cowboys heartbreaking loss against the Packers
2. Teams are starting to figure out the Dallas defense
The Cowboys have a good defense, and right now, nothing more than that. The truth of the matter is that with how the scheme is in place, the coaching staff is okay with letting teams run the ball on them, and teams are now not only figuring that out, but they’re even exploiting it.
The Chicago Bears scored more than they should have due to the inability to stop the run, and the Packers won because of the running game. Three touchdowns came through the air, but the run set all of that up.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy: “We weren’t setting the edge good enough” on outside zone runs against Packers. Also not enough pursuit over top. How offenses attacking defense is no surprise. “Until we take care of this run challenge, that’s what it’s going to be.” pic.twitter.com/DzCmnFPnGz
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 14, 2022
After allowing 5.3 yards per carry and over 200 rushing yards total on Sunday, the Cowboys now reside eighth in the NFL in most yards per carry allowed (4.8). This has been an issue all season, but now it is causing games to be lost that shouldn’t be lost.
One of the biggest keys to being a good coach is learning how to adapt. While Dan Quinn deserves his props and praises for being the head of one of the better defenses in the NFL, he is sacrificing the ability to stop the run by having one of the highest stunt usages in the league, which has been key in getting to the quarterback.
These stunts and blitzes have led to a league-leading 35 sacks, but they come at a cost. Now it has cost a game. It’s time to adjust and adapt because good teams will exploit this issue. Here you go, Dan Quinn. Prove your worth.