Some notes on the Dallas Pass rush - New England Patriots Forums

SVN · 10-14-2007, 10:27 AM

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/

Quote:

Calling all pass rushers

Wade Phillips refuses to share his game plan with reporters, leaving us to speculate on the Cowboys' strategy. But I've got a pretty strong hunch that the defensive package featuring DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis and Anthony Spencer will be unleashed on the Patriots in third-and-long situations.

The Cowboys have unveiled the package only a handful of times in the two games Ellis has played. The back seven is the Cowboys' nickel personnel. Ellis and Spencer line up at ends in a three-man front with Jay Ratliff at nose tackle, and Ware is a stand-up edge rusher.

Ellis and Spencer line up a little wider than typical 3-4 ends, making it tough for tackles to get to Ware. The Cowboys run a lot of "games" (stunts, twists, etc.) with this package. The idea is to create mismatches for the Cowboys' three best pass rushers and let them use their speed and athleticism to exploit them.

Phillips has mentioned the danger of blitzing against Tom Brady. This package should be able to get pressure on the QB with seven guys in coverage. The tough part will be getting the Patriots in enough third-and-longs for Ware, Ellis and Spencer to go to work together.

5 Rings for Brady!! · 10-14-2007, 10:48 AM

Sounds like a chance to use a tight end on either end of the OL, and run the ball right at Ware.

FrontSeven · 10-14-2007, 10:54 AM

Bring it then. I see Kyle Brady as a very effective tool in Max Protection, and we know that guys like Faulk pick up the blitz very well.

We also know the downside of blitzing, and if Brady could destroy Denver's blitz in that playoff game, then I have no sweat ever again that he can handle a blitz game plan.

Matt Light's health may be a bigger issue than anything Dallas plans on doing. But again, that's where Brady II can shine. Nobody is penetrating on the side where Brady II lines up.

***psychoPat*** · 10-14-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrontSeven

.... if Brady could destroy Denver's blitz in that playoff game, then I have no sweat ever again that he can handle a blitz game plan.

....

We have a cognitive dissonance here.
I recall that Denver playoff game as
the league's guidebook on how to beat Brady (Brady I)
... provided the D can execute it.

Fortunately, the Patriots' O-line - if healthy! -
is much better now ... than then.