The real question

[Pappy13]

If you want to worry about something, it's not Henne that I would be worried about for this year, it's the defense.

I saw a defense that made Dallas' third string QB look like a pro bowler last night.  There was no pass rush and very little coverage from the defensive backs.  Sean Smith looks lost now and it wasn't just on the pass that he got burned deep which was actually a very nice pass and catch, but I was watching him try to cover and he could not stay with anyone at anytime.  I don't know what has screwed him up, but unless he figures it out in the next week and a half, we are in for some serious problems.

Tackling is also a big issue, not just on return teams, but any time someone gets passed the line of scrimmage.  If they bottle him up at the line of scrimmage it's fine, but once he gets in the open field people are just waving at them.  It's scary.

[Tepop84]

If you want to worry about something, it's not Henne that I would be worried about for this year, it's the defense.

I saw a defense that made Dallas' third string QB look like a pro bowler last night.  There was no pass rush and very little coverage from the defensive backs.  Sean Smith looks lost now and it wasn't just on the pass that he got burned deep which was actually a very nice pass and catch, but I was watching him try to cover and he could not stay with anyone at anytime.  I don't know what has screwed him up, but unless he figures it out in the next week and a half, we are in for some serious problems.

Tackling is also a big issue, not just on return teams, but any time someone gets passed the line of scrimmage.  If they bottle him up at the line of scrimmage it's fine, but once he gets in the open field people are just waving at them.  It's scary.

  read my post in anti fins. This team is bad.  the front office has done an awful job.  this team was better in 2008 than it is now.  how is that rebuilding?

[mecadonzilla]

The whole first unit looked bad last night, and our special teams look like they've got major issues.  I can't help but wonder how many TDs are going to get scored against us on kick offs this year.
I'm not too pleased with Sporano at the moment, but I'm still waiting for the regular season before I kvetch too much.

[Brian Fein]

Many people are tagging Dallas as NFC Champions already.

Its no surprise that they are a good team.

Its a preseason game, I don't know how many conclusions we can draw.

I expect to come out and kick the crap out of Buffalo.  If they come out flat and maybe even lose, then let's do some panicking, because the first 8 games this season are BRUTAL

[Doc-phin]

I disagree that the main question is on defense.  From what I have seen our defensive play calling has been incredibly and intentionally vanilla.  It is obvious that we have a policy of no blitzing this preseason.  The play calling has been all about one on one matchups, fundamentals and patience in zones.

The only reason for question is basic stuff like our youth/new additions, new scheme, softmore slumps (more film for opponents to study), stuff like that but not from preseason play.

I am really not worried about our defense except against opponents with great offensive lines.  Our DBs press well, but need pressure to avoid getting beat over the top.  Our run defense may struggle with elite speed, but even then they should be pretty good.

IMO, the main question is in our offensive line.  I am very underwhelmed by the consistency in individual efforts across the entire line.  The last thing we want is to be forced to go max protect all season.  With Marshal here our tight ends should be used as weapons more than blockers.

[Pappy13]

Many people are tagging Dallas as NFC Champions already.

The problem is that Dallas didn't start about 90% of the first string.  There were only about 3 starters that played, all the rest was their bench.

[Pappy13]

I disagree that the main question is on defense.  From what I have seen our defensive play calling has been incredibly and intentionally vanilla.  It is obvious that we have a policy of no blitzing this preseason.  The play calling has been all about one on one matchups, fundamentals and patience in zones.

I don't know, I'm not buying it right now.  Even if they blitz a lot more in the regular season and they are effective on those blitzes, they better do a lot better covering when they aren't blitzing or it's going to be a long year for the defense.

I didn't think Sean Smith would look this bad, I figured he'd be improved from last year, but I'm not seeing it.  I believe that Jason Allen started the game and he actually looked better than Sean Smith did.  I'm hoping that Will Allen is back before too long.