Anderson/Scott VS Harris/Waters

[Jay Z]

Actually, designed to stop Cleveland run game who Dallas played twice a year, meant to prevent a "do-dad" block on Lilly (and others) but a guard would hit Lilly then go off to second level. By having Lilly flexed the Browns (and Packers, too) couldn't use that scheme. But yes, it was mean as a run stopping scheme. It ad 2 players (usually, no always) about a yard off ball which is not conducive to pass rush

The Cowboys were a pretty good pass rush team as far as sacks went, though. Particularly in the late 1960s and late 1970s.

I never figured out when pass defense was such a weakness under Landry, particularly since that was his position as a player. In the late 1960s the numbers were not good, even with Renfro and Cornell Green. Had a couple of short termers in Phil Clark and Otto Brown. Then they traded for Adderley and got better for a couple of years, then declined again when Waters replaced Adderley. Going back to the Ice Bowl and bad drops by the LBs on the final drive... 1967-74, that's a long time to struggle with an issue for a team known for its depth.

They were better when Waters went to safety, yes. That's with a monster D line. I just don't recall any instances of Harris/Waters really shutting teams down. Anderson/Scott did that now and then. So a clear edge to Anderson/Scott.

[L.C. Greenwood]

We certainly witnessed quite a bit of Harris/Waters vs Swann/Stallworth but never Anderson/Scott taking on that very Steeler WR duo. The '73 Bradshaw comeback-in-vain on MNF the year before S&S were drafted (Anderson 4 INTs) but by the time both teams met again in '76, Scott was in DC, Stallworth was out, and with Anderson no longer a starter, not sure he played at all in that 14-3 defeat.

I think the Anderson/Scott duo would have had the same fate as Harris/Waters and the talented Rams secondary, had they faced Swann & Sallworth. Too much athleticism by those Steelers receivers, who also excelled at all the routes. Don't recall Anderson/Scott facing that kind of talent at the WR position, Scott was injured in the 1974 playoff game versus Oakland. It would have been a huge problem for Miami, because Swann & Stallworth were also lethal after the catch. And Swann could have damaged Miami with his punt return ability in 1974 as well.

[rhickok1109]

Actually, designed to stop Cleveland run game who Dallas played twice a year, meant to prevent a "do-dad" block on Lilly (and others) but a guard would hit Lilly then go off to second level. By having Lilly flexed the Browns (and Packers, too) couldn't use that scheme. But yes, it was mean as a run stopping scheme. It ad 2 players (usually, no always) about a yard off ball which is not conducive to pass rush

The Cowboys were a pretty good pass rush team as far as sacks went, though. Particularly in the late 1960s and late 1970s.

Well, the flex defense was used almost always on first down, but only in running situations on second and third downs. They certainly had a very good pass rush when they weren't in the flex. That's a big reason why teams liked to throw on first down against them.

[conace21]

Anderson/Scott might have been the best safety duo ever for that 1970-1974 time period, although neither is a HOFer. Scott getting hurt partway through the 1974 AFC Divisional playoff was a big reason (IMO) that Stabler was able to lead the Raiders to some late scores, as for most of the game the Raiders passing attack was ineffective.

It seemed like the perception was that the best way to attack the Harris/Waters Doomsday (II) Defense was by throwing, particularly throwing deep.

When the Rams beat the Cowboys 27-14 in the third game of the 1978 regular season, they said the key to beating the Cowboy defense was throwing on first down.

That was always the word on the flex defense, which was designed primarily to stop the run and especially to stop the Packers' rushing attack. The flex basically put a man in every gap and told him to stay there, so there was absolutely no pass rush.

Terry Bradshaw said the same thing about the Flex regarding Super Bowl XIII. A quick check of the play by play shows Pittsburgh threw on 14 of 25 first down plays (not including the late kneel down. )