DMN Blog: 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.

Posted by Tim MacMahon at 10:09 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (5)