Brooking: Lack of Effort Not To Blame for Defensive Woes

After the Dallas Cowboys’ week seven loss to the New York Giants, in which starting quarterback Tony Romo suffered a broken left clavicle, many wondered how backup Jon Kitna would fare in his place over the next six to eight weeks. As it turns out, Kitna might be the slightest of the Cowboys’ worries.

The defense has surrendered 24 or more points in each of their past four games, of which they’ve lost all and, against Jacksonville on Sunday, were thoroughly picked apart by David Garrard and company.

The core of the defense, which was one of the best in the league in 2009, remains, which begs the question: so, uh, what’s wrong with the Cowboys' defense?

“It’s a lack of execution,” said linebacker Keith Brooking, per ESPN Dallas. “Everyone’s searching for answers. What is going on? It’s very simple. This game is very simple. It’s not complex. As players, we are not going out there and executing the play that’s called. Bottom line. That’s it.

“Why are we not executing? I guess that would be the next question. It’s not for a lack of effort. I just watched every play. I watched every play three or four times. There’s a tremendous amount of effort there. Guys are giving it up.”

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