DMN Blog: How will Cowboys handle James Harrison?
by Tim MacMahon
Here's guessing that Jason Garrett and Hudson Houck have already spent hours trying to come up with potential solutions to this problem.
Steelers OLB James Harrison, who has 14 sacks and six forced fumbles, has a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year consideration. He's the most disruptive player on the league's top-ranked defense. Leaving LT Flozell Adams alone on Harrison would be asking for trouble.
Just ask the New England Patriots.
Harrison's pair of sack/strips of Matt Cassell were key plays as Pittsburgh turned Sunday's game in Foxborough into a blowout. He blew by All-Pro LT Matt Light on both plays.
Of course, it'd help if the Cowboys could stay out of obvious passing situations, but that's easier said than done with NT Casey Hampton clogging the middle for the NFL's best run defense, especially considering that Marion Barber has a bum toe.
Sliding protection towards Harrison could create opportunities for OLB LaMarr Woodley, who is hardly a slouch with 12 sacks. The Cowboys could ask TE Jason Witten to help out on Harrison, but they'd probably prefer a guy coming off a nine-catch, 115-yard game run routes. Barber will probably get plenty of chipping duty, but defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will keep the Barbarian busy on passing downs by bringing guys from all over the field.
Feel free to make some suggestions. Like Flozell Adams, the Cowboys' offensive coaches can use all the help they can get this week.
Here's guessing that Jason Garrett and Hudson Houck have already spent hours trying to come up with potential solutions to this problem.
Steelers OLB James Harrison, who has 14 sacks and six forced fumbles, has a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year consideration. He's the most disruptive player on the league's top-ranked defense. Leaving LT Flozell Adams alone on Harrison would be asking for trouble.
Just ask the New England Patriots.
Harrison's pair of sack/strips of Matt Cassell were key plays as Pittsburgh turned Sunday's game in Foxborough into a blowout. He blew by All-Pro LT Matt Light on both plays.
Of course, it'd help if the Cowboys could stay out of obvious passing situations, but that's easier said than done with NT Casey Hampton clogging the middle for the NFL's best run defense, especially considering that Marion Barber has a bum toe.
Sliding protection towards Harrison could create opportunities for OLB LaMarr Woodley, who is hardly a slouch with 12 sacks. The Cowboys could ask TE Jason Witten to help out on Harrison, but they'd probably prefer a guy coming off a nine-catch, 115-yard game run routes. Barber will probably get plenty of chipping duty, but defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will keep the Barbarian busy on passing downs by bringing guys from all over the field.
Feel free to make some suggestions. Like Flozell Adams, the Cowboys' offensive coaches can use all the help they can get this week.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:57 AM
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