The Dallas Cowboys have altered their defensive philosophy and will use reserves more often for the duration.
The Cowboys used a season-high 20 players on defense during Sunday's win at the New York Giants. Of that group, 17 participated in at least one tackle.
The intent of increased substitution is two-fold: experience for young players such as linebackers Victor Butler and Sean Lee and needed rest for front-liners. In general, defense puts more physical demands on players than offense.
``The more guys you can play, the harder everybody is able to go,'' interim coach Jason Garrett said. ``(The reserves') snaps are important, but the fact that the other guys can stand on the sideline and catch their break and go back into the ballgame ready to go helps us.''
Garrett said the reserves performed well overall. Cornerbacks Orlando Scandrick and Bryan McCann, filling in for injured starters Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman, combined for 11 tackles, two passes defended and one interception. McCann returned the interception 101 yards for a touchdown, a play that helped him win the NFC defensive player of the week award.
The Cowboys also received far more than expected from defensive ends Jeremy Clark and Jimmy Saddler-McQueen. Both signed as on-the-street free agents and played after only three full practices with the club. Clark was credited with three tackles.
``I got a lot of help from these guys in learning my assignments,'' Clark said. ``The important thing is to be in the right place. If you do that, the play will come to you.''
The Cowboys used a season-high 20 players on defense during Sunday's win at the New York Giants. Of that group, 17 participated in at least one tackle.
The intent of increased substitution is two-fold: experience for young players such as linebackers Victor Butler and Sean Lee and needed rest for front-liners. In general, defense puts more physical demands on players than offense.
``The more guys you can play, the harder everybody is able to go,'' interim coach Jason Garrett said. ``(The reserves') snaps are important, but the fact that the other guys can stand on the sideline and catch their break and go back into the ballgame ready to go helps us.''
Garrett said the reserves performed well overall. Cornerbacks Orlando Scandrick and Bryan McCann, filling in for injured starters Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman, combined for 11 tackles, two passes defended and one interception. McCann returned the interception 101 yards for a touchdown, a play that helped him win the NFC defensive player of the week award.
The Cowboys also received far more than expected from defensive ends Jeremy Clark and Jimmy Saddler-McQueen. Both signed as on-the-street free agents and played after only three full practices with the club. Clark was credited with three tackles.
``I got a lot of help from these guys in learning my assignments,'' Clark said. ``The important thing is to be in the right place. If you do that, the play will come to you.''