With Mike Zimmer returning to Dallas as defensive coordinator, what are the biggest changes we'll see on defense? How is his defensive philosophy different from Dan Quinn's? – Jeff Parsons/Amarillo, Texas
Nick Eatman: I think you'll see a big difference in the type of players on this team, especially at the linebacker position. In particular, Quinn's defense last year focused more on speed and coverage ability to match his size and tackle. I know I talk a lot about Mark's Bell, but he's the best example of the type of player Quinn wanted to use in mismatches. The problem was that sometimes he was on the wrong side of those discrepancies. In Zimmer's defense, he has played a physical scheme focused on stopping the run. This usually involves putting bigger linebackers and different alignment up front to neutralize the running game. There is no perfect science. In today's NFL, his offensive coordinators are always looking for new ways to beat defenses of all kinds. Schemes designed to prevent execution are obviously more vulnerable in coverage. But with Trevon Diggs back at full strength, along with Brando and possibly Gilmore, I think his chances for coverage will be better than ever. So having a front 7 to stop the run may work better than ever.
patrick: Draw a circle around Dallas Linebackers Inc. and see what happens there going forward. The thing about Zimmer's defenses in the past is that the LB role has been paramount, so he usually keeps one or two sluggers who can play sideline to sideline in that regard. . Regardless of whether LVE chooses to return in 2024, Mark's Bell will return to safety and someone high profile could be added in free agency to work with Damone Clarke. I believe. I expect a different plan from Madge Smith instead of keeping him light enough. He could run as a 3-tech and move back to 1-tech weight instead, but that would be fine with me to truly begin to unlock his potential as a run-stopper. You also won't have to worry about whether Zimmer will play in his 3-4 or he will play in his 4-3. it doesn't matter. That's because he was successful both in his first stretch with the Cowboys (4-3 under Switzer and Campo, 3-4 under Parcells) and, more importantly, in the league. Well, that's because most of the time anyway, nickel defense is used as a base. . My only concern is whether the Cowboys defense will take what they learned from Quinn regarding takeaways and implement it into the Zimmer regime. That hasn't been a strength of Zimmer's defense in the past, but the Cowboys can't afford to take a step back. Even in that area. Finally, don't expect Zimmer's demeanor to be anything other than just an “old ball coach.” Even the most famous person will always be held accountable, which only helps him on his way to greatness.
