Cowboys Dump Rob Ryan

Added on Jan 08, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones promised changes following the season-ending and playoff eliminating loss to the Redskins and the first such change has arrived. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been shown the door after two inconsistent seasons in Big D. His units in 2011 and 2012 ranked 19th overall and allowed over 25 points per game. While he may be considered a scapegoat by some, Ryan clearly failed to deliver what he promised when he was hired prior to the 2011 season.

Ryan built a reputation on coaching an aggressive scheme that pressured the quarterback. However, besides perennial Pro Bowler DeMarcus Ware, the Cowboys were unable to sustain much of a pass rush against opposing quarterbacks. OLB Anthony Spencer finally notched double-digit sacks after five less than stellar years, but his surprising uptick in production wasn’t enough.

Injuries certainly didn’t help Ryan’s chances for success. Key contributors Sean Lee, Jay Ratliff, Bruce Carter, Barry Church, Kenyon Coleman and Orlando Scandrick either ended up on Injured Reserve or missed time, and the aforementioned Ware was hampered by a hyperextended elbow and bad shoulder for portions of the season; he didn’t sit out any games, but his numbers were down significantly.

Excuses aside, Ryan’s bark was much bigger than his bite. Like his brother Rex, perception and reality often clashed. Ryan believed his defense was a dominating force, but it failed to reach that status on a consistent basis. It came up especially small in the last two regular season games, both defeats, by yielding 34 points to New Orleans at home and 28 to the Redskins in the “do or die” finale.

The Cowboys have a myriad of problems besides defense. Head coach Jason Garrett won’t lose his job, but he might be stripped of playcalling duties. Tony Romo has yet to exorcise the demons that poke and prod him in clutch matchups. The brittle duo of DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones seems ill equipped to provide a potent rush attack.

Rob Ryan was the first dismissal, but he likely he won’t be the last.

Source: FOX Sports