Dallas Cowboys: Now is a great time for some 3-3-5 defense

What if I told you the Dallas Cowboys could still deploy their three favorite linebackers without stealing from the secondary? Ladies and gentlemen, the 3-3-5 defense.

The 3-3-5 defense is nothing new to the Dallas Cowboys. Ever since the rise of the run-pass option (RPO) three seasons ago, Dallas has tinkered with the 3-3 stack. The reason being is simple: RPO’s exploit defensive weaknesses (If the defense does one thing, the offense does the other).

Linebackers become valuable because they offer the best of both worlds: they are bigger than the defensive backs and consequently better equipped to stop the run, and they are quicker than the defensive linemen and consequently better equipped to stop the pass. Long and athletic ‘backers like the Dallas Cowboys’ keep windows small and opportunities limited for opposing attacks.

For years the Dallas Cowboys base defense has been predominantly 4-2-5 nickel. Since the vast majority of offenses play out of 11 personnel (3WR), it makes sense to have three cornerbacks. But since the emergence of Jaylon Smith, and the addition of Leighton Vander Esch, things have changed in Big D.

With three capable linebackers on the roster (featuring Sean Lee as the third), Dallas has shifted from a nickel base to an old school 4-3 base. Not surprisingly, it’s presented problems in coverage since the third linebacker is often asked to cover a slot receiver or tight end when a DB would be better suited.

I'm all for giving Sean Lee snaps but can we cool it with the 4-3 base defense? How about we just cycle Lee in to the other 2 spots from time to time and use a SAM LB more sparingly? #WatchingFilm #All22
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) November 20, 2019

What IS surprising is the Cowboys troubles against the run this season. After finishing 4th in run defense last season, the Dallas defense is ranks15th in yards per attempt and 16th in rushing yards per game. That extra linebacker should give the Dallas Cowboys an advantage against the run but instead we’re seeing slippage.

when facing a run-heavy team like the Vikings, the 3-3-5 wouldn’t generally be seen as a great move. But against pass-heavy teams and RPO heavy teams, the 3-3 stack is just what the doctor ordered.

Watching the film it’s easy to see the LBs don’t deserve all of the blame. The big boys up front are failing plenty on their own this season. Maliek Collins, Trysten Hill, and Robert Quinn specifically have been dreadful against the run this season. Combine their play with the struggles of the three linebackers and you have a pretty porous run defense. Normally, you’d accept running vulnerability when you’re in a nickel set because you’re loaded up in the secondary and extra strong on the back end.

So why would the 3-3-5 make this better?

The 3-3-5 isn’t going to help against the run any more than the 4-3. The 3-3 has one less defensive lineman after all. So when facing a run-heavy team like the Vikings, the 3-3-5 wouldn’t generally be seen as a great move. But against pass-heavy teams and RPO heavy teams, the 3-3 stack is just what the doctor ordered. So while I’m calling for more 3-3-5, I’m not in favor of making it a base defense.