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New Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator has work to do early
The Dallas Cowboys began their offseason reshuffle last Friday, parting ways with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan after a Big D season. Three days later, the Cowboys agreed to hire his replacement in the former head coach. of the Atlanta Falcons, Dan Quinn.
While Quinn’s stint in Atlanta led to a nearly 0.500 (46-44) record in just over five seasons with the Falcons, his two years as a defensive coordinator in the NFL are his main selling point. sale. As DC for the Seattle Seahawks, Quinn’s defense helped lead Seattle to Super Bowl appearances both seasons.
So there is hope that Quinn will be able to do the same kind of magic in Dallas. But the former head coach made early decisions to take this offseason to help the Cowboys defense rebound after posting one of their worst performances in franchise history under Nolan. Here are three things we think will be high on Quinn’s to-do list in the coming months.
Find a stabilizing force in the defensive tackle
The Cowboys swung and missed big in their two best free agent signings at defensive tackle last year. Gerald McCoy is said to be suffering from a quad injury before the start of the regular season that would have resulted in his release. Dontari Poe would also be released, but after seven games and due to bad play.
2019 second-round defensive tackle Trysten Hill appeared to make some progress in his sophomore year before suffering a late-season ACL injury. But Quinn will need to find more stabilizing force in the middle of his defensive line if he is to improve the run defense of the team that allowed 158.8 rushing yards per game, which ranked 31st in the NFL.
Find a security to pair with Donovan Wilson
With Xavier Woods slated to enter free agency in March, Quinn and the Cowboys will need to find a new starter to team up with 2020 breakout star Donovan Wilson to be safe during the offseason. Dallas attempted to do so via free agency last year, signing former Green Bay Packers first-rounder and safety Ha Ha Clinton-DIx.
Unfortunately, Clinton-DIx couldn’t get past the Final Cups in Dallas and ultimately led the team to pitch Wilson five games in the regular season. Perhaps Quinn’s influence will ultimately make the Cowboys spend a draft top pick on a safety.
Decide on Jaylon Smith’s Future
Despite signing a five-year, $ 64 million extension in 2019, the future of Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith in Dallas could be in jeopardy. Smith’s declining game over the past two seasons is a serious concern.
And this is the one Quinn will likely be tasked with improving or moving on. While Smith’s contract may force the Cowboys to keep him on the roster in 2021, that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed a starting role or even significant playing time.
Quinn must find a way to restore the promise this talented positional group showed just a few seasons ago. It could mean finding replacements for Smith and others.
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