What Cleveland Browns Should Expect from Dallas Cowboys Defense Under Mike Zimmer’s adminstration
The Cleveland Browns expect more from the Cowboys defense under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
The Dallas Cowboys defense has been good under former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, finishing fifth, fourth, and fourth in defensive DVOA during his three years as the team’s defensive coordinator. Quinn and the Dallas defense boasted the top ranking in takeaways for 2021 and 2022 and demonstrated a solid ability to pressure quarterbacks (14th in ’21 and ’23, 4th in ’22).
Despite overall success, the Cowboys’ defense struggled against the run at times under Quinn(16th in 2023) and had a reputation for being undisciplined. As indicated by the high takeaway numbers, they would often take aggressive chances in the secondary to try to turn over the opponent and were frequently penalized at the most inopportune times.
With Quinn taking the Head Coaching job in Washington, the Cowboys hired Mike Zimmer as their new defensive coordinator. Zimmer is known for his no-nonsense approach as a coach, emphasizing the importance of discipline within his team. His demeanor may not resonate with all, yet it has yielded noteworthy outcomes, especially on the defensive front, throughout nearly three decades of coaching in the NFL.
Zimmer coached Dallas’ defensive backs from 1995 to 1999, eventually stepping up to defensive coordinator for the Cowboys in 2000. He maintained that role until 2007, when he took on defensive coordinator responsibilities for the Atlanta Falcons. Between 2008 and 2013, Zimmer held the position of defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2014, he took the reins as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Throughout eight seasons with the Vikings, the team posted a regular season record of 72 wins, 56 losses, and one tie, while their playoff performance stood at two wins and three losses. Zimmer was let go following the conclusion of the 2021 season. He hasn’t been on the sidelines for the past two seasons.
The 67-year-old is now tasked with enhancing a Dallas Cowboys defense that has consistently ranked among the league’s elite in recent seasons. So, what can the Browns expect from a Cowboys defense now led by Zimmer?
Kevin Stefanski spent six seasons working under Zimmer as the Vikings’ head coach. During that time, Stefanski worked his way up from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator. Stefanski’s offense would have spent time practicing every day against Zimmer’s defense for multiple years. How much that plays a factor in Sunday’s game is unclear, but Stefanski may have a better feel than most for what Zimmer likes to do defensively.
The Cowboys hope Zimmer brings newfound discipline to their defense and holds players more accountable. He is dedicated to developing an approach that highlights the players’ strengths while consistently emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline as a cohesive unit.
