Pressure the quarterback and good things will happen. It’s a tried and true defensive strategy employed since the dawn of the forward pass. And it’s a strategy Dan Quinn takes to heart as the general of the Dallas Cowboys defense. As Dallas prepares to face Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in their wild-card matchup on Monday, it’s a strategy that’s easier said than done.
The reason Tom Brady is here today, playing his 23rd NFL season at the ripe age of 45, is because he knows how to survive. Brady knows pressure leads to mistakes and injuries, both of which can end seasons. He’s made a career of avoiding it. Not through game-breaking athleticism and escapability, but by way of quick release and limited exposure in the pocket.
Brady is known for getting the ball out quickly and accurately and this season is certainly no different. Per PFR, his average time in the pocket currently sits at 2.2 seconds. Among starting quarterbacks, that ties him for the lowest in the league.
Keep in mind, ESPN measures pass block win-rate on a 2.5 second baseline because most offensive lines should be able to sustain blocks for at least 2.5 seconds (only two teams are outside of 50% success rate in PBWR). Brady’s getting the ball out with time to spare.
By this logic, the Cowboys pass-rush could be absolutely dominant at the snap, winning battle after battle, and still walk away with a blank on the stat sheet.
If the ball is out faster than the defense can get home, it’s not a pass rush issue, it’s become a coverage issue.