3 defensive changes that Mike Zimmer will bring to Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys have selected former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer to be their defensive coordinator in 2024 following a brief interview process.
Dallas interviewed Zimmer alongside other past head coaches and internal candidates right away, but the former Cowboys assistant won the team over.
The move suggests that Dallas is looking for a player with a lot of experience and a level of intensity that they feel was lacking from former Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn.
The Cowboys are not searching for on-the-job training, even though it takes time to become used to any new system. In addition to leading the Vikings as head coach for eight seasons, Zimmer spent twelve years developing as a defensive assistant in Dallas before serving as defensive coordinator for seven years in Atlanta and Cincinnati.
This is a win-now move for the team because the adjustments Zimmer is expected to make will highlight the strengths of the Dallas defense. Here are three changes you can anticipate the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator making: Major Staff Shakeup: Since the off-season began, Dallas has lost two key assistant coaches: defensive line coach Aden Durde to Seattle and Joe Whitt Jr. to Washington. Both of these departures were related to getting jobs as defensive coordinators, so we haven’t even begun to discuss Zimmer’s staff changes. Nevertheless, the team’s familiarity with the current defensive staff won’t be enough to stop Zimmer from bringing in his guys, even if it means saying some bittersweet farewells.
Following Durde’s exit, Patterson—who coached alongside Zimmer in Dallas from 2000 to 2002 and then in Minnesota for the duration of his career—seems like a logical choice to fill the vacant defensive line coach position.
Fans of the Giants have already expressed concern that Zimmer, who has been an excellent coach in his brief time in New York, would take Patterson to Dallas. Another person you should become acquainted with is Paul Guenther, a former Vikings assistant who was an integral member of Zimmer’s staff in Cincinnati in addition to coaching for Minnesota in 2021.
Guenther’s history with Zimmer’s defense is undoubtedly extensive.
Guenther might work as a senior assistant coach or as the linebackers coach.
Cheme Modifications
The defensive plan naturally changes when the defensive coordinator is replaced, and this was the case with Quinn and Zimmer.
Actually, Zimmer’s style of running his defense hits right on a spot where Dallas might try to strengthen this offseason.
For Zimmer’s scheme to be successful, the middle of the defense—deep with the safeties and on the defensive line with the linebackers—must perform well.
The AA gap strategy, which he invented, effectively spreads out the defensive line and uses two linebackers to either drop back into coverage or both hit the A-gap to create pressure in the backfield.
Large defensive tackles who can eat up space with the guards, defensive ends covering the tackles out wide, and two linebackers positioned in the A gap on either side of the center are all things that mmer likes to see.
Imagine this blitz with DeMarcus Lawrence and Dorance Williams or Sam Williams out wide, and Osa Odighizuwa and Mazi Smith as the tackles. That functions perfectly.
When Micah Parsons is included as one of the two players in the A gap, this plan in Dallas has the potential to become quite effective.
Parsons is a weapon, and it’s not limited to being used sparingly.
The A gap has given him sacks. a gap previously, and you would have something lethal on your hands if you combined him with a gifted rookie or free agent in this configuration.
Additional New Roster Items
The fact that a new coordinator might desire some fresh faces in the area is the most exciting part of the job.
As free agency and the draft approach, it’s safe to assume that Zimmer will prioritize building his defense around the guys he desires.
Eric Kendricks, the linebacker for the Chargers right now, is one name you need to keep an eye on.
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