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Cowboys Mailbag
DAN MACKENZIE - LACOMBE, AB: Is it time for the Cowboys to go back to the 4-3 defense? This version of the 3-4 is brutal.
Rob: The three of us actually discussed this recently, just for kicks. The answer is, it's not that simple. I think there are some spots in the current front seven that could fit in the 4-3, but not everywhere. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer are better fits as 3-4 outside linebackers than 4-3 defensive ends. The Cowboys have fit the personnel to this scheme for years now and I don't see it changing anytime soon.
Nick: Maybe so, but if they make that decision, it'll probably be a season or two before it gets implemented. You can't just make the switch if you don't have the pieces. And I'm not sure either DeMarcus Ware or Anthony Spencer could be an every-down defensive end. And I'm pretty sure both of them can't be. I'm not really sure you've got the linebackers for it either. It's not a bad move, it's just not typically an overnight switch.
Josh: I just don't think you have any way of knowing whether DeMarcus Ware would be successful as a 4-3 end, and that's what, for me, the decision comes down to. He's the guy who makes your whole defense go. It's easy to say he could do it - Ware can do anything, right? But you really don't know how well he would handle getting beaten on by tackles from a 4-3 stance. It might wear him down. Besides, more NFL teams still run a 4-3, which means there is less demand for 3-4 bodied players. That's the reason the Cowboys switched in the first place. I don't think the alignment is the problem.
PATRICK DUNN - MANSFIELD, OH: The team has brought up Manuel Johnson after a couple injuries, but where is Jesse Holley? Hasn't he earned a shot?
Rob: At this point, I wouldn't mind seeing what Holley can do. Or Manuel Johnson. Or Sam Hurd, who has shown for five years he can be a pretty solid receiver if he could just get regular reps. As for Holley, he has done a great job as a core special-teamer, but that's really the reason he's on the active roster in the first place.
Nick: That's a good point. Right now, Holley is injured with a knee injury and hasn't practiced in two days. But overall, it seemed like Holley was brought in to help out primarily on special teams. Had the Cowboys needed some WR help when they signed Holley, they might have just added Johnson in the first place. Still, I thought Holley was a better receiver in training camp. Not sure why it seems Johnson is skipping over Holley, but it could be because of the current injury. Let's see how this one plays out.
Josh: If injuries keep happening, it may come to that. He needs to be healthy himself, of course. Sorry, I just don't think he's ever going to develop into a real receiver candidate. Maybe he gets a play or two, but right now he's doing well just to be playing on special teams, farther than any of us ever thought he would get.
DAN MACKENZIE - LACOMBE, AB: Is it time for the Cowboys to go back to the 4-3 defense? This version of the 3-4 is brutal.
Rob: The three of us actually discussed this recently, just for kicks. The answer is, it's not that simple. I think there are some spots in the current front seven that could fit in the 4-3, but not everywhere. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer are better fits as 3-4 outside linebackers than 4-3 defensive ends. The Cowboys have fit the personnel to this scheme for years now and I don't see it changing anytime soon.
Nick: Maybe so, but if they make that decision, it'll probably be a season or two before it gets implemented. You can't just make the switch if you don't have the pieces. And I'm not sure either DeMarcus Ware or Anthony Spencer could be an every-down defensive end. And I'm pretty sure both of them can't be. I'm not really sure you've got the linebackers for it either. It's not a bad move, it's just not typically an overnight switch.
Josh: I just don't think you have any way of knowing whether DeMarcus Ware would be successful as a 4-3 end, and that's what, for me, the decision comes down to. He's the guy who makes your whole defense go. It's easy to say he could do it - Ware can do anything, right? But you really don't know how well he would handle getting beaten on by tackles from a 4-3 stance. It might wear him down. Besides, more NFL teams still run a 4-3, which means there is less demand for 3-4 bodied players. That's the reason the Cowboys switched in the first place. I don't think the alignment is the problem.
PATRICK DUNN - MANSFIELD, OH: The team has brought up Manuel Johnson after a couple injuries, but where is Jesse Holley? Hasn't he earned a shot?
Rob: At this point, I wouldn't mind seeing what Holley can do. Or Manuel Johnson. Or Sam Hurd, who has shown for five years he can be a pretty solid receiver if he could just get regular reps. As for Holley, he has done a great job as a core special-teamer, but that's really the reason he's on the active roster in the first place.
Nick: That's a good point. Right now, Holley is injured with a knee injury and hasn't practiced in two days. But overall, it seemed like Holley was brought in to help out primarily on special teams. Had the Cowboys needed some WR help when they signed Holley, they might have just added Johnson in the first place. Still, I thought Holley was a better receiver in training camp. Not sure why it seems Johnson is skipping over Holley, but it could be because of the current injury. Let's see how this one plays out.
Josh: If injuries keep happening, it may come to that. He needs to be healthy himself, of course. Sorry, I just don't think he's ever going to develop into a real receiver candidate. Maybe he gets a play or two, but right now he's doing well just to be playing on special teams, farther than any of us ever thought he would get.