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Cam Ward, projected to be the No.1 pick in the NFL Draft, is already making waves with his sharp comments about the Dallas Cowboys' defense.
Known for his confident demeanor and impressive college football career, Ward believes he has pinpointed a significant weakness in the Cowboys' defensive approach.
Despite being highly praised for their defense in 2023, the Cowboys endured a shocking decline in performance last season, allowing an average of 27.5 points per game - the second-highest in the NFL.
Ward, undeterred by the team's reputation, shared his observations in an interview with CBS Sports' Jared Dubin.
According to Ward, the Cowboys' defensive scheme leaves them vulnerable to his style of play.
"I think some teams in the NFL did a lot of two-high stuff," he stated. "Like Dallas, running a lot of Tampa, a lot of Cover-2. They leave way too much space on the sideline down the seams."
Ward's confidence in exploiting the Cowboys' defensive setup seems to stem from his confidence in his own abilities.
"I just think the arm strength and the confidence that I bring in, along with me getting my receivers better, I just think I'm gonna put the ball where I want," he added.
However, Ward's assessment of Dallas' defense doesn't necessarily mean the Cowboys are lacking talent.
Despite their overall struggles, standout players such as Daron Bland and Trevon Diggs remain formidable cornerbacks who can make life difficult for any opposing quarterback.
Comparing College and NFL Defenses
While Ward sounds assured in his ability to expose weaknesses in the Cowboys' defense, he acknowledged the significant differences between collegiate and professional football.
"On film, it looks the same as college," Ward explained. "Besides the D-Line - who is obviously better on every team, playing against the highest-paid defensive linemen. So the game could speed up a little bit."
He also criticized how certain NFL teams, including Dallas, position their safeties. "A lot of guys want to put the safety high, 25 yards down the field and leave the middle of the field wide open. Some teams who did that to us this year, they paid the price."
Ward's remarks could serve as bulletin-board material for the Cowboys' defense if they meet during the season. His remarks reflect a belief that his skill set and vision are well-suited to exploiting defensive schemes that rely too heavily on deep coverage.
While Ward's confidence is understandable given his college success and status as a top draft prospect, he may find that exploiting NFL defenses is more challenging than he expects. The Cowboys' defense, despite its recent flaws, still possesses playmakers capable of disrupting even the most confident young quarterback.
It remains to be seen whether Ward's words will come back to haunt him if he finds himself facing off against Dallas' defensive lineup in his rookie year.