We can all agree that the Dallas Cowboys’ defense was less than impressive in 2011, Rob Ryan’s first year at the helm of the unit, but what made it so bad is still a matter of some debate. Many think the lockout made it difficult for the players to learn the defense before the season began. Some believe, simply enough, that it came down to personnel. Maybe both.
But Ryan believes one of the greatest hurdles for the Cowboys’ defense in 2011 was a lack of confidence that was here when he arrived.
"Those guys had been beaten down so much that, in my opinion, I don't think they had the confidence to go forward," Ryan said recently, per ESPN Dallas.
Assuming that this issue has been (or will be) resolved, we should expect a much improved performance in 2011. You’d be hard-pressed to argue that Dallas didn’t upgrade on the defensive side of the ball, after all. Right, Mr. Ryan?
"I know one thing: I'm happy as hell with what we've got here," Ryan said. "I'm going to say it again: If we play the way we're capable of, then we'll be shutting a lot of people up. And there's a lot of them to shut up out there. A ton of them."
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