Chalk Talk: Jim Knowles’ Defensive Game Plan Impresses Once Again

The Cowboys shined in all three phases in last week’s 44-21 victory over Boise State, but the defense stood out against its first major competition, holding the Broncos to an underwhelming offensive performance. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ unit performed well once again. The Cowboys recorded seven sacks against the Broncos and held them to 34 yards rushing. Knowles showed a lot of interesting looks and moved around players like Jordan Brailford and Calvin Bundage.

They showed a three-down package, for example, with Brailford as a free rusher.

This was a new wrinkle that I haven't seen from Jim Knowles yet. Used Mike Scott and Jordan Brailford at LB, mainly brought them on calculated blitzes right behind strongside DE. Exclusively used this on the 3i front. pic.twitter.com/4RoNXWsVlf

— Adam Lunt (@AdamLunt817) September 17, 2018

Knowles and the Pokes made it hard on Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien, who was not only sacked on multiple occasions but fumbled four times. Here’s one of those instances:

On this play, safety Jarrick Bernard was able to get to Rypien on a late blitz. The two rushers on the far side of the field split the tackle and guard, allowing Bernard to rush untouched to the quarterback. Because of the design, the Pokes were able to generate pressure without sacrificing coverage, as they still had seven players defending the pass.

Finally, the Cowboys used press man coverage once again, and although they gave up two touchdowns with it, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t successful. Here’s a perfect example of the defense using press two-man under coverage. They were still able to get to Rypien, but that’s more of a testament to Bundage’s ability to rush the passer.

The mentality with these styles of defenses is that the unit might give up a handful of deep plays, but the philosophy more than makes up for those instances.

The Cowboys have their first Big 12 test this weekend against Texas Tech, and it will be interesting to see Knowles’ gameplan against a spread offense of TTU’s caliber.