DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys Defense Should Lead NFL With Sacks Again in 2009

59 sacks through 16 regular season games.

That's what the Dallas defense accomplished in the 2008 season. That was eight more than the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of the regular season. I guess it's a lot easier to do when you have arguably the best OLB in the NFL right now. DeMarcus Ware is on his way to being one of the highest paid defensive players in the league.

Not only did Ware contribute with his 20 sack season, but three other Dallas players ended up with seven or more sacks. That would be ILB Bradie James and OLB Greg Ellis both with eight, and NT Jay Ratliff with 7.5 sacks.

With Greg Ellis being cut this offseason, now arises the chance for third year player Anthony Spencer to take the other OLB spot in this 3-4 defense. After seeing Spencer play last year, I think he can easily step up and start in Ellis' spot and produce for this defense. Don't forget the addition of ILB Keith Brooking who also played under Phillips' 3-4 back in Atlanta.

Maybe you've heard about Chris Canty signing a 42 million dollar contract with the Giants. Maybe you haven't heard about Igor Olshansky, the Cowboys' new starting defensive end, who also played under Phillips' 3-4 in San Diego. Olshansky started for the Chargers defense that put up 61 sacks in 2006, while Phillips was the defensive coordinator. The Cowboys run defense just got a little bit stronger with the addition of Olshansky.  

When people look at this Dallas defense, a lot assume the biggest problem is in the secondary unit. At times I have agreed. But a lot of people don't know that Dallas' secondary finished in the top five in passing defense last year with 180 yards allowed per game. With Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick battling for a corner spot, Terence Newman can now stay at one spot in this defense. The loser of Jenkins and Scandrick will most likely take over the slot receiver on nickel downs. The Cowboys will be much better off with Gerald Sensabaugh taking over Roy Williams spot in the defense, now not having to worry about Williams' coverage woes.

Now that the Dallas defense parted ways with Roy Williams, Chris Canty, Zach Thomas, and Anthony Henry, the defense is younger and definitely has more speed. If Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick step up and help Terence Newman this fall, I look for this Cowboys defense to put up much bigger numbers in 2009.