Cowboys' fits on run defense can be better

August, 14, 2012
8/14/12
3:30
PM CT
SAN FRANCISCO – If you’re looking to nitpick the first-team defense's work in only a handful of snaps in Monday's preseason opener against Oakland, look at the run defense.

Darren McFadden had 20 yards on two carries with the run defense unable to get off blocks. Had Orlando Scandrick not tackled McFadden on the second carry, he might have had a touchdown. But it should be noted that the Cowboys were without starting defensive linemen Jay Ratliff and Jason Hatcher because of injuries.

"We've got to fit the run better, which I think we will," linebacker Sean Lee said. "The run game takes time, so in the first experience we'll look at the film and see what we can do better. When it comes to the season, we can’t have runs like that. I don’t think it was horrible, but it needs to be better."

The Cowboys opened in a three-inside linebacker set with Lee, Bruce Carter and Dan Connor on the field against Oakland’s pro personnel group.

“We’ve used it some in camp. We have a lot of different packages that, as we play more and more packages, we’ll get more and more comfortable,” Lee said. “I think we did a good job on the few times we had it and the more we play and practice it, it’ll be better.”
Todd Archer joined ESPNDallas.com in November 2010. He's covered the NFL since 1997 and the Cowboys since 2003. He covered the Bengals and Dolphins before arriving in Dallas. A Massachusetts native, Archer lives in the Dallas area with his wife and two children.

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