Cowboys defense still working out the kinks
IRVING (AP) — With the regular season two weeks away, the Dallas Cowboys believe there is still work to be done defensively in the preseason.
After an up-and-down performance Friday night in a 23-22 victory over the Houston Texans, the Cowboys' defenders will try to shore things up before taking on Cleveland in their season opener Sept. 7.
"We were still inconsistent," Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas said. "But that's what's good. It's the preseason. During this time you want to fine tune and you want to get your rhythm."
Dallas was put in an early hole when Houston's Andre Davis returned the opening kickoff 68 yards.
The Cowboys held the Texans to a field goal on that drive. Then they forced Houston into consecutive three-and-outs.
Houston had just 10 yards of offense in the first quarter. But the Texans running game behind rookie Steve Slaton got rolling in the second quarter.
"I feel like we're giving too much on the run," defensive lineman Marcus Spears said. "It's something that we'll focus on and get corrected."
Led by Slaton and the ground attack, the Texans drove 80 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
"We started out fast, but we had an inconsistent drive," Thomas said. "You can't be giving up 80-yard drives if you want to be a great defense."
The Cowboys defense had a better showing than they did last week against Denver.
Led by quarterback Jay Cutler's 16-of-20 performance, the Broncos went on two long scoring drives against the Cowboys first-teamers.
Spears liked the energy he saw from the first unit Friday.
"Guys are flying around and a lot of guys are getting to the ball," Spears said. "That's what you want to see as a defense with teams not getting second and third chances to get up and make plays."
With the Cowboys still missing the injured Terence Newman, suspended cornerback Adam Jones started at cornerback.
He had one tackle, and gave up a 23-yard play to Kevin Walter, who reached over the shorter defender to make the catch. Jones also had an 18-yard punt return.
"Of course I was nervous," Jones said. "I hadn't had my number called in over a year. It all worked out."
Dallas' kickoff coverage allowed two long returns. Besides Davis nearly taking the opening kickoff for a touchdown, the Cowboys let Jacoby Jones take another 52 yards in the fourth quarter.
"The kick return (in the fourth quarter) was my fault," coach Wade Phillips said. "They put their first team against our reserves. I think we should have squib kicked. Those are the kinds of things we can work out."
Dallas will finish its exhibition season Thursday at home against the Minnesota Vikings.
It's not known how much time Cowboys starters will see in the final dress rehearsal before the regular season kicks off.
"We haven't decided yet," Phillips said. "We need to let individuals get enough playing time to get ready for the regular season."
After an up-and-down performance Friday night in a 23-22 victory over the Houston Texans, the Cowboys' defenders will try to shore things up before taking on Cleveland in their season opener Sept. 7.
"We were still inconsistent," Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas said. "But that's what's good. It's the preseason. During this time you want to fine tune and you want to get your rhythm."
Dallas was put in an early hole when Houston's Andre Davis returned the opening kickoff 68 yards.
The Cowboys held the Texans to a field goal on that drive. Then they forced Houston into consecutive three-and-outs.
Houston had just 10 yards of offense in the first quarter. But the Texans running game behind rookie Steve Slaton got rolling in the second quarter.
"I feel like we're giving too much on the run," defensive lineman Marcus Spears said. "It's something that we'll focus on and get corrected."
Led by Slaton and the ground attack, the Texans drove 80 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
"We started out fast, but we had an inconsistent drive," Thomas said. "You can't be giving up 80-yard drives if you want to be a great defense."
The Cowboys defense had a better showing than they did last week against Denver.
Led by quarterback Jay Cutler's 16-of-20 performance, the Broncos went on two long scoring drives against the Cowboys first-teamers.
Spears liked the energy he saw from the first unit Friday.
"Guys are flying around and a lot of guys are getting to the ball," Spears said. "That's what you want to see as a defense with teams not getting second and third chances to get up and make plays."
With the Cowboys still missing the injured Terence Newman, suspended cornerback Adam Jones started at cornerback.
He had one tackle, and gave up a 23-yard play to Kevin Walter, who reached over the shorter defender to make the catch. Jones also had an 18-yard punt return.
"Of course I was nervous," Jones said. "I hadn't had my number called in over a year. It all worked out."
Dallas' kickoff coverage allowed two long returns. Besides Davis nearly taking the opening kickoff for a touchdown, the Cowboys let Jacoby Jones take another 52 yards in the fourth quarter.
"The kick return (in the fourth quarter) was my fault," coach Wade Phillips said. "They put their first team against our reserves. I think we should have squib kicked. Those are the kinds of things we can work out."
Dallas will finish its exhibition season Thursday at home against the Minnesota Vikings.
It's not known how much time Cowboys starters will see in the final dress rehearsal before the regular season kicks off.
"We haven't decided yet," Phillips said. "We need to let individuals get enough playing time to get ready for the regular season."
posted by The Gryphon at 5:49 PM
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