Is The Cowboys Defense Too Old To Succeed?
The issue of age has been repeatedly raised by NFL analysts when discussing the defense of the Dallas Cowboys. After all, Kenyon Coleman and Jay Ratliff both start on the Cowboys’ defensive line and each is at least age 30; and let us not forget that Keith Brooking, age 35, and Terrence Newman, age 33, both play for this defense as well. There is more to a defense than cumulative age, however. With their exceptional conditioning, defensive players can last quite a long time. Need proof? See Lewis, Ray of the Baltimore Ravens.
Damage control is the name of the game on defense. Getting after the other guy’s quarterback and causing turnovers is the ultimate goal. So far, the Cowboys have created just three turnovers through the first two weeks of the 2011 season, but they have certainly succeeded in rattling the opposing QB with fair efficiency as they have already posted 10 sacks. The bottom line is the Boys’ resident graybeards are getting their jobs done. With 51 points allowed through two games, blame lies with the defensive scheme and the less experienced players, particularly in the secondary. Dallas veterans, it’s time to offer some sage-like wisdom to your younger teammates; you only have 15 weeks to turn this thing around.