Dallas Cowboys: Four ways to instantly improve the defense

Play Everson Griffen… at DT

One of the highly touted free agent signings from later in the offseason, Griffen’s start to the season would be best described as confusing. Griffen had an productive final season with the Vikings; that was supposed to carry over with Dallas in their multiple fronts.

Thus far, the veteran has been underwhelming. When rushing the outside, he ends up on the ground far too often when utilizing a club-rip or swipe and his power rush plan just isn’t getting it done. A mixture of poor usage of hands and adequate body control leave him in an undesirable position against tackles.

However, for all that hasn’t transpired, there is one thing that has been consistently working against all offensive linemen. That would be his bull rush. He’s able to use his lower body strength and correct hand placement, with both hands on the breastplate, to out leverage the lineman and get them off their anchor.

Here Griffen knew a rush was coming with the Wildcat package. Off the snap, he initiates contact at the POA and leverages the blocker in the gap preventing the running back to escape through the gap.

In a pass rushing situation, Griffen 2-gaps after lining up at 2 technique. He keeps his legs moving and tries to use his bend to rush the QB. While he doesn’t touch Ryan, could be due to an uncalled holding, it forces Ryan to move up in the pocket. The throw doesn’t reach Russel Gage in stride and the rest is history.

Griffen hasn’t spent much time inside, but it seems to have a positive impact on the defense in the short spurts he does move inside. Doing this would allow DeMarcus Lawrence and Aldon Smith to continue playing on the edge while players like Antwaun Woods, Dontari Poe, Trysten Hill, and Tyrone Crawford line up at the other defensive tackle spot.

However, whomever plays on the inside, hopefully it isn’t theses two.