OXNARD, Calif. — Cowboys’ Micah Parsons could get even better under new DC Mike Zimmer, who has returned to the NFL after a two-year hiatus. Previously, he spent eight seasons as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings before his departure following the 2021 season.
Zimmer, who held the role of Dallas’ defensive coordinator from 2000 to 2006, is visibly enthusiastic about rejoining the franchise. He steps in for Dan Quinn, who transitioned to head coach of the Commanders. Zimmer aims to leave his mark on a Dallas defense that showcased solid performance in the 2023 regular season, allowing an average of 18.5 points per game. However, the unit faced criticism after a disheartening 48-32 defeat against Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs.
“We’ve maintained some elements from their previous system,” Zimmer stated. “We’re certainly asking them to adapt to new responsibilities. I’ve set high expectations for their performance and for myself as well.”
“So far, I’ve been genuinely impressed with their commitment and their willingness to embrace our directives across all three defensive sectors.”
During his rookie year, Parsons earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, lining up as an off-ball linebacker 50.3% of the time, according to Next Gen Stats. In the following seasons, his role shifted dramatically, with 82.6% of his snaps along the defensive line in 2022 and an impressive 92.7% last season.
Quinn encouraged Parsons to focus on quarterback pressure, resulting in 40.5 sacks over the past three seasons, ranking him fourth in the NFL. Next Gen Stats also highlighted Parsons as the leader in pressures (99) and the second-highest pressure rate (21.4%) last season.
Zimmer now faces the challenge of optimizing Parsons’ versatility while maintaining his effectiveness as a premier pass-rusher.
Regular breakfast meetings with Parsons, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and defensive run game coordinator Paul Guenther have become a staple for Zimmer. These discussions foster a comprehensive understanding of the Dallas defense and its anticipated responses to opposing offenses.
“I’m not just absorbing information about the D-line,” Parsons explained. “I’m gaining insights into the back end, including corners and safeties. Understanding our strategies and the reasoning behind our pressure points is enlightening; it’s a perspective I hadn’t encountered before.”
In these morning sessions, Zimmer collaborates with Parsons and Diggs, dissecting various offensive protections and schemes, ensuring clarity in defensive expectations.
Parsons has effectively translated insights from these meetings into on-field performance. His prowess was evident during a recent joint scrimmage against the Los Angeles Rams, where he would have recorded multiple sacks if the game had counted.
“Wherever he is, you find him, and you slide to him,” Rams coach Sean McVay noted. “We didn’t game plan for him, yet they successfully placed him in various positions. It was a solid test.”
“DeMarcus Lawrence is a fantastic player, and they have strong performers on the interior as well as in the secondary. Any time you engage in settings where Coach Zimmer skillfully mixes things up and lacks previous film, it’s a challenge.”
This offseason, the Cowboys bolstered their defense by signing free-agent inside linebacker Eric Kendricks, who has experience with Zimmer’s system from his tenure with the Vikings. Kendricks is expected to take on the role of defensive playcaller.
Kendricks showcased his skills during the joint practice against the Rams, making several impactful plays against the run.
“It’s about mentality, especially since this is our practice ground,” Kendricks stated. “We need to treat it like home. We can’t allow others to come in and overpower us. We must be aggressive and embody a hard-hitting defense. That’s our desired style, and I believe we demonstrated that.”
Zimmer appreciates having a seasoned veteran like the 32-year-old Kendricks on the field.
“He brings a calming presence,” Zimmer remarked. “He makes the calls and ensures players are aligned. His ability to facilitate checks and adjustments is invaluable.”
In their first preseason game against the Rams, Zimmer demonstrated that the Dallas defense remains capable of creating turnovers. Despite a narrow 13-12 loss, the Cowboys intercepted second-year Rams QB Stetson Bennett four times and limited the Rams to just 101 rushing yards. Parsons did not participate, as most starters rested on the sidelines.
“Hiring Mike signified our dedication to implementing a system change, and we have achieved that,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy stated. “This is Mike’s system, a framework built over decades of successful football in our league.
“I appreciate the shift from the previous system to his approach. There is continuity, and the coaching staff and players have effectively adapted. Ultimately, we aim for complementary football that positions us for a championship. Mike is undoubtedly one of the toughest playcallers I’ve faced, and I look forward to his leadership on game days.”
