Mike Zimmer's Impact on the Cowboys' Defensive Line Performance

Mike Zimmer's Strategies Under Pressure

Which one of you cursed the defensive ends? Looking for a silver lining, is there any chance we won’t have to worry about guys playing “hero ball” now because the players still standing know if they don’t work together as one – staying within the scheme, minding their gaps, etc. – they’ll be in for a long day? Despite losing perhaps their top four defensive ends, can the Cowboys defensive line as a whole come together and still be good (or just good enough)?

Performance Against the Steelers

Well, if Sunday’s performance against the Steelers is any indication, I thought those young guys, as patchwork as it was, did a pretty good job even after Marshawn Kneeland went out after the fourth play on defense. You are who you are, and there must be a reason the Cowboys kept these guys on the 53-man roster. I thought Chauncey Golston played the best game of his four-year career, but again, those are the most snaps he's had. Same for Tyrus Wheat, who even now has the nickname T-Wheat.

Adapting to New Roles

1. They will have to find a spot on the 53 for Carl Lawson since they used the last of his three allowed elevations off the practice squad.
2. Likely must keep the newly-signed K.J. Henry active on game day.
3. There is something to be said for these guys knowing they must do their jobs and not freelance out there, and they certainly did against the Steelers.

Looking Ahead: Future Matchups

I think this is where Mike Zimmer's experience is going to play a factor, and we're already seeing that. The win over Pittsburgh was a great example of guys just figuring out a way to come together and play within themselves and not over-extend. We didn't see Carl Lawson or Chauncey Golston trying to do more than they were asked to do. Sometimes, these guys come in and try to make a name for themselves and get out of position. But with those two and Tyrus Wheat, it was a great mix of young guys that played the scheme perfectly. The good thing is Micah Parsons will be back soon enough, and D-Law should be returning at some point, too. In the meantime, it might just be good enough, but don't forget, they've only beaten Deshaun Watson, Daniel Jones, and Justin Fields. The QBs will get better and it starts this week.