“As a middle linebacker, I want to use my experience and leadership to command the huddle.”
After Dan Quinn left for the Washington Commanders, Zimmer returned to Dallas as defensive coordinator, bringing the strict, old-school approach that Kendricks was accustomed to during his time with the Minnesota Vikings.
As the green dot, Kendricks will have the ears of every Cowboys defensive player on each snap, but for now, they're all familiar with Zimmer's playbook and what to expect going forward. It's all about helping them adjust to both.
“I've been in this system for seven years,” the former Pro Bowler said. “That's something that's familiar to me. We're going to do a lot of different things here and there, especially with the personnel that we have here. It's good to be able to do that, especially from the guys that are making calls in the huddle. Let's use our unique voice, especially now that we're all learning. [the playbook].
“I'm already getting used to talking to the players, communicating with them, alerting them to the checks. I'm sure I'll get better at this. Of course, we're still implementing new systems, but… It's complicated.'' One thing is true, but we are starting slowly and doing it the right way.''
With the 2024 NFL Draft and undrafted free agency over, Dallas' once-empty linebacker cupboard is now filled with bodies.
The current depth chart looks like this:
- Micah Parsons (EDGE)
- Eric Kendricks
- Damone Clark
- (R*) Demarvion's Overshow
- (R) Marist Liufau – 87th overall pick
- damian wilson
- Tyrus Wheat
- (R) Brock Morgenson – Undrafted
- (R) Jason Johnson – Undrafted
- (R) Byron Vaughns – Undrafted
- buddy johnson
* indicates redshirt 2023 season
“There are some very talented people in this room,” Kendricks explained. ”[It’s] A group of good people. That's what I've noticed about the locker room since I've been here. Everyone is really cool and really accepting, but everyone knows how to win games. It looks like it's going to be a really tight-knit group.
“There’s a lot of competition, but we want to raise each other’s games.”
It all begins and ends with how quickly everyone involved can come together under the system and guidance of Zimmer, Dallas' Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator who commands tremendous respect from around the league. The team is reaching heights not seen since the mid-1990s.
The first rule of gym clubs is simple. Don't let him get “sulky,” as the 67-year-old said in his first press conference since returning to the Cowboys.
From there, the rest should fall into place quickly defensively.
“That guy is a true football guy through and through,” Kendricks said of Zimmer. “He's watching [game] I shoot movies on my days off. he really enjoys it. It was good to have him back with him.
“…He has high performance standards. He's tough in nature, but he always says, 'You take care of me, I'll take care of you.' He talked to the players about the gym, but at the end of the day, a ball is a ball and we have to be disciplined and follow our instructions. ”
With offseason conditioning currently underway, with OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and minicamp next up, followed quickly by training camp, Zimmer's latest era of commitment has officially begun.
And Kendricks is leading that transition.
