"The Cowboys' pressure-to-sack rate has consistently lagged this season and it's reasonable to assume their poor coverage in the secondary is a big reason why. That's because under Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys secondary has taken a zone-heavy approach. Cornerbacks have been asked to play off in coverage, providing large cushions thereby gifting short passes. Eberflus' scheme is a solid strategy for a standard bend-but-don't-break defense, but not very fitting for a defense that's producing a league-leading pressure rate."
"Many times, the type of pressures the Cowboys are getting are categorized as quick pressures. They are situations in which pass rushers are beating their man early, thus impacting the quarterback within 2.5 seconds. With a 21.8% quick pressure rate, the Cowboys are top five in the NFL. In quick pressures without blitzing, Dallas ranks No. 2 in the NFL. In other words, the pass rush is getting there early but the secondary isn't making opponents pay for it because they're always in off coverage."
The Cowboys generate a league-leading rate of quick pressures, often impacting quarterbacks within 2.5 seconds and ranking top five overall and No. 2 on non-blitz quick pressures. The secondary has adopted a zone-heavy approach under Matt Eberflus, with cornerbacks playing off and giving large cushions that enable short, easy completions. The pressure-to-sack conversion suffers because receivers can catch quick passes before hits develop into sacks or create turnovers. Shifting to more press-man coverage would force quarterbacks to win contested throws under duress and should increase sacks and takeaways. More man coverage carries increased risk of explosive plays and requires safeties to cover more ground. Recent returns and developing players make mixing press looks more viable.
Read at Blogging The Boys
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