Huge Boost To Cowboys: Mike Zimmer Sends Important Message To Cowboys Defense

It seems that the Cowboys are adjusting effectively to their new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer.

When Dan Quinn joined the Dallas Cowboys, he brought a refreshing change. Following Mike Nolan’s defense, which had allowed the most points in the team’s history, Quinn quickly turned things around, transforming the unit into one of the league’s most formidable defenses. During Quinn’s three seasons in Dallas, the Cowboys consistently ranked within the top seven in points allowed, a feat they hadn’t achieved since the mid-’90s during their last Super Bowl run.

 

 

Now, Quinn has taken over as head coach of the Washington Commanders, and the Cowboys have brought in veteran defensive coach Mike Zimmer to replace him. Although both coaches have strong records as defensive coordinators, they employ vastly different styles. Quinn’s approach is aggressive, relying on speed, pressure, and high-impact plays. Under his leadership, the Cowboys led the league in takeaways in two of his three seasons.

On the other hand, Zimmer’s strategy focuses on strength, disciplined execution, and deception. He prioritizes players following their assignments over creating chaos in the backfield. Zimmer’s defenses may not generate as many flashy plays, but they are less vulnerable to giving up big plays. If his players stick to their roles, they can consistently get off the field.

A comparison of Quinn and Zimmer can be best illustrated through three charts showing their respective rankings over the past three seasons in takeaways, yards allowed, and points given up.

Quinn’s teams are known for being aggressive. Zimmer’s defenses are effective as well, particularly in his last two seasons in Cincinnati when they were forcing turnovers, but they aren’t quite as opportunistic as Quinn’s.

Offenses don’t easily advance the ball against Zimmer’s teams. While Quinn’s defenses aren’t bad in this area, there are moments when they struggle to get off the field.

Points are what ultimately matter, and both units excel in this area. Although they employ different strategies to achieve their goals, both are effective.

These charts illustrate that Quinn is an aggressive risk-taker, while Zimmer is a disciplined, defensive-minded strategist. When things are clicking, Quinn’s defenses are more entertaining to watch—they push offenses backward, create turnovers, and score touchdowns. However, smart offensive teams, like those from the Shanahan coaching tree, can exploit their over-aggressiveness. This is where a disciplined approach, like the one Zimmer brings, proves more effective. The Cowboys are hopeful that Zimmer’s influence will lead to a more balanced defense, and early signs suggest that the transition is already underway.

THE TYPE

We’ve already discussed the back seven in Zimmer’s defense, where both safeties are expected to cover. This is why there’s a lot of anticipation around who will secure the starting strong safety position between Donovan Wilson, Markquese Bell, and Juanyeh Thomas. Based on what we’ve seen in training camp so far, Bell might have the edge. We’ve also touched on Zimmer’s preference for corners who excel in man coverage, with recent draft pick Caelen Carson already making a strong impression at camp. Additionally, it’s known that the Cowboys will be utilizing a 4-3 base defense, meaning more linebackers will be on the field. However, we haven’t yet delved into what’s happening on the defensive line.

Al-Quadin Muhammad is not twitchy, he's not bendy, but he's a very good speed-to-power guy. He's got great size and a high motor and could be a solid depth piece for the Cowboys' DL. pic.twitter.com/ljbZHDwzHD

— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) August 1, 2024

The Cowboys are shifting their focus from quickness to strength. While quickness has its advantages, they’re now aiming to build a solid wall. They used a second-round draft pick on Marshawn Kneeland, a powerful run-stopping defensive lineman, who isn’t the type to bend around the edge but is instead a force that nothing will get past. Following Sam Williams’ season-ending knee injury, they also brought in Al-Quadin Muhammad, another strong, non-bendy power player. It’s clear the Cowboys have a specific type in mind for their defensive ends.

MAZI

Last season was underwhelming for the Cowboys’ first-round pick, Mazi Smith. Although he played in every game, he struggled to make an impact. Despite his previous success as a large nose tackle at Michigan, the Cowboys attempted to convert him into a quicker, pass-rushing defensive tackle to match Quinn’s defensive scheme. Smith’s weight loss, intended to boost his speed, ended up making him more susceptible to being overpowered by larger interior offensive linemen.

With Zimmer now leading the defense, Smith is expected to return to a larger, block-absorbing role. His recent practices have shown some improvement. While his performance hasn’t been dominant in one-on-one drills, his contributions have been noticeable during team sessions. Smith is effectively taking on blocks, which has allowed his linebackers to have clearer paths to the ball carriers. This change has made players like Damone Clark and DeMarvion Overshown look impressive, as they face fewer obstacles. Smith appears to be fulfilling his role effectively.

It remains to be seen how the new Zimmer defense will fully take shape, but the early signs are promising. If the players adapt well to Zimmer’s system, the defense could perform strongly. While they might not make many highlight reels, they could become a formidable force in the trenches and excel against strategic offensive teams.