May 21, 2013; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin works with linebacker Sean Lee (50) and the defense during organized team activities at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Much like any scheme change there will be certain positions that are valued higher than others and that is precisely what will be delved into in this article. The 3-4 defensive schemes had put a significant importance on the outside linebackers and cornerbacks. What hasn’t been discussed as much as it should be is the fact that this particular scheme is not a typical 4-3 defense. It is widely known that the correct name for this Defense is the Tampa-2 Defense, or in this case Dallas-2 Defense. The Dallas-2 will be somewhat of a subsidiary of the 4-3 scheme. There will be some basic 4-3 formations but Monte Kiffin is the founding father of the “Tampa-2” and this will definitely be the foundation for this Dallas Cowboys Organization going forward.

Middle Linebacker (MIKE)

• Projected Starter: Sean Lee

The most instinctual and intelligent of the linebackers, the MIKE needs to be as athletic as he is smart and be counted on to be the “quarterback of the defense”.  Kiffin’s “Tampa-2” requires the MIKE to have above-average speed and he has to be a great tackler much like the WILL. The MIKE is often to stop the run but at times of zone coverage, he will be asked to line-up over the fullback. The Linebacker’s impeccable instincts added with a sure confidence in reading a quarterback’s cadence at the offensive line and ability to alert the Secondary of the play are other requirements of his skill-set. The Middle Linebacker is often the biggest and strongest of the linebackers as well but in this “Tampa-2” Scheme the MIKE is not necessarily required to be as big as say a Brian Urlacher but more focus is shifted toward speed and reaction time of the defender. This is exactly what Sean Lee was created to do. He happens to be one of the most intelligent linebackers in the league and was considered a Captain at the end of his rookie season. Sean Lee has every intangible to succeed in this scheme and with the right guidance look for Lee to excel to a Pro-Bowl level.

Weak-Side Linebacker (WILL)

• Projected Starter: Bruce Carter

The most important position in my mind has got to be the Weak-Side Linebacker or WILL, this position has got to be the quickest of all the linebackers because often times the WILL is called into coverage. The WILL is also usually chasing the ball carrier from behind so his speed has to be one of his major attributes. In the “Tampa-2” the object of the defense is to guide the ball carrier into the crosshairs of the WILL and the WILL is also required to be a tremendous tackler. The WILL is to line up opposite the Middle Linebacker and attack the side of the weak flat. The projected starter is Bruce Carter and his skill set is very comparable to what he is going to be asked to do. This Linebacking core bodes well for The Dallas Cowboys because paired with Sean Lee; Bruce Carter is set to make this Cowboys Linebacking core arguably one of the best in the NFL.

3-Tech Defensive Tackle

• Projected Starter: Jay Ratliff
• Primary Back-up: Jason Hatcher

The 3-Tech is going to line-up in this scheme on the outside shoulder of the Right Guard. His main objective is to shoot the gap and cause disruption by getting up the field into the Quarterback’s face. The 3-Tech is generally speaking faster than the 1-Tech (Nose-Tackle) and tends to have better pass rush moves that help him serves as the “motor” of the “Tampa-2” Defense. Jay Ratliff played as a Nose Tackle in the 3-4 Scheme and played remarkably well, earning himself 4 Pro-Bowl appearances. However at 32 years old and facing unfortunate injuries over the last season it is best for him to not take on double teams anymore. By placing him at the 3-Tech, it can add a few years to his career and allow him to do what he’s best at; rush the Quarterback. Hatcher has served as a pretty good pass rusher for The Cowboys in certain packages and I believe that having him primarily back-up Ratliff will keep him as a productive defensive lineman going forward.

Defensive End

• Projected Starters: DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer
• Primary Back-ups: Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber

The Defensive Ends in this scheme are the smallest of the linemen because more emphasis is put on speed and pass rush ability. Their objectives are simple get to the quarterback and create pressure. Ideally, the Defensive Ends need to be strong enough to get around the Offensive Tackles but quick enough to chase down the Running-Back. The Defensive End that lines up across from the Left Tackle is typically the most athletic and skilled pass rusher; this would be DeMarcus Ware who is one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL. Anthony Spencer will line up on the Strong Side and often play the 2-Gap in case of a Tight End pinching on run plays. The 4-3 Ends are athletic and can often get into the backfield with incredible quickness. Spencer really came on strong last season and also has a knack to stop the run which makes him extra valuable to Monte Kiffin. DeMarcus Ware, who currently is recuperating from a shoulder surgery, should return back to the form that has him in the Pro-Bowl every year.

Free Safety

• Projected Starter: Unknown
• Roster includes: Will Allen, Matt Johnson, JJ Wilcox, Jakar Hamilton

 The Free Safety will be determined in a battle during Training Camp this year but the coaches have said many positive things about Matt Johnson. The Free Safety in the “Tampa-2” Scheme is the last line of defense frankly; he has to have tremendous instincts much like the Middle Linebacker. This position requires an agile and intelligent player capable of reading opposing offenses and assisting with coverage whether run or pass. The Free Safety needs to be a proven tackler and quick to react to the quarterback. The Strong Safety is important in covering the Tight End and middle of the field but the Free Safety is relied on heavily to create turnovers and make offenses pay for not respecting his ability. 

Obviously these positions do not cover the entire “Tampa-2” schematic picture but in my humble opinion these are the players that affect the outcome of the game most. This Defense is designed to be simpler to the defenders who play it and also focuses heavily on turnovers. The Dallas Cowboys have had issues in the past creating turnovers on this Defense but showed a little promise last year. Monte Kiffin has 2 very capable Cornerbacks with Press-Man Coverage ability and physicality that makes them very sneaky in the backfield. Kiffin has shown his ability in the past to be able to utilize each player to their best abilities and I believe Dallas will be no different. Even though the “Tampa-2” doesn’t necessarily require very physically gifted cornerbacks, look for Kiffin to use this as an extra weapon for opposing offenses. This Defense has some really gifted players in certain positions that can really bode well for this team. This summer will produce a very highly entertaining Training Camp for the open spots on this roster and should show the depth that this Cowboys team has created in recent memory.

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All of these and more questions will define what foot Dallas starts off on entering this season and ultimately, how the entire season will shape up.  For myself, I am looking down the road a bit further into next season as I feel this may be the end of the line for a few major names.  Here now is a list of six current people involved with this team who may no longer be around once this time next year rolls around.

6. Jay Ratliff – Defensive Tackle

Nov 18, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff (90) celebrates making a tackle during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Browns 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

At age 31 and seeing much decline in his overall play, Ratliff is likely playing his last season in Dallas.  There is NO way that Ratliff plays out his entire deal which would call for him to make $5.5 million in 2014, $7 million in 2015, $7.5 million in 2016 and $10 million in 2016.  Even if the new scheme and coaching helps Ratliff find that fountain of youth, so to speak and return him to Pro-Bowl form, paying that kind of money for a mid-thirties interior defensive lineman who is undersized makes little to no sense, even for Jerry Jones.

5. Mackenzy Bernadeau – Guard

Last March, Bernadeau along with Nate Livings were signed as free agents to help answer the woes that the Cowboys had along their offensive line.  Bernadeau was provided a four year deal worth almost $12 million.  Unfortunately for all parties involved, he has not lived up to the potential that Jerry Jones saw in him.  Most of his tenure in Big D has revolved around injuries and positional shifts in order to find a spot that may be best for him.  Now that Dallas used a first round pick on the position he played best in 2012, Bernadeau may be on the outside looking in after this year, if not once training camp commences.

Given that he would only be owed $1.6 million if he was cut after this season, it is likely that Mackenzy Bernadeau makes it through this camp alive, if for nothing else than depth but is replaced next year by either Ronald Leary or another high draft choice.  This is especially true if injuries or lackluckster play continue to define his era as a Dallas Cowboy.

4. Anthony Spencer – Defensive End

Spencer is still a Cowboy due to his second straight issue of the team’s franchise tag.  He is set to make $10.6 million in 2013.  Although he did play remarkably well last year, it can be argued that the type of money that he will be looking for in a long-term deal is not a wise overall investment.  With players such as Sean Lee and Dez Bryant coming up on the completion of their rookie deals, the money being tied up by Spencer could be used elsewhere.  Dallas has until July 15th to finalize a new contract with Spencer that would likely lessen his 2013 cap number.  If this does not happen, it would not be out of the realm of possibility that 2014 sees Dallas go in a different direction and let Spencer seek a big payout elsewhere.

3. Miles Austin – Wide Receiver

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin (19) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason has been like a very nervous round of musical chairs for one Miles Austin.  After playing through multiple nagging injuries over the last two seasons that forced him to miss seven games, his production and status on the team have both seen decline.  In 2012, Dez Bryant emerged as the team’s new lead dog at the position, relegating Austin to second on the pecking order and more likely third given that Jason Witten is such a utilized weapon at tight end.  While Austin did still put up decent numbers last year, posting almost 1,000 yards, over 35% of that production came in three games.  Getting injured early in the Thanksgiving day debacle against the Skins and missing the rematch completely did not due Austin any favors when it comes to his image as fragile.

Given that Dallas drafted another pass catching tight end in round two of this year’s draft and an Austin clone in Terrance Williams in round three, the handwriting could be on the wall for Miles.  When you factor in the need to use the almost $24 million Dallas could save by cutting him after 2013 to resign other talent, it may be a foregone conclusion that Austin’s days in a Dallas uniform are numbered.

2. Doug Free – Offensive Tackle

We already know that Free was in serious danger of losing a roster spot this year before agreeing to a major salary reduction.  Many Cowboys fans were hoping this would be the year that the much-maligned right tackle would be relieved of his duties from the team, however Dallas may have actually made a somewhat intelligent decision with Free.  At worst, like Bernadeau, he would provide depth in case of injury this season.  At best, Dallas now has a starting offensive lineman only making a pittance of what he was going to be owed.

Since Dallas was able to chop half of what was owed to Free and guarantee him $3.5 million for this season, they were able to provide themselves some workability in 2014.  If Free continues to regress, cutting him in 2014 will be an almost certainty.

1. Jason Garrett – Head Coach

May 10, 2013; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett watches drills during the rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters in Irving, TX. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

As days go by, I am not entirely sure this change may not come from Garrett himself before Jerry has the opportunity to do so.  This week’s “revelation” that Garrett may no longer be calling plays did not sit well with Coach.  His press conference after the news was dropped by the owner could be best described and seething.  Whether Garrett gets over the public perceived neutering of his authority and thrives remains to be seen.  I, for one, feel like this may be a positive thing as it provides what I had wanted all along which is for Garrett to focus solely on his responsibilities as the head coach.

All in all, this may be a moot point however as what will most certainly decide his fate will be this team’s performance in 2013.  Another perfectly mediocre 8-8 record or worse will spell doom for Garrett.  Even a 9-7 record with no post season or an early exit from the playoffs may not be enough to save his job.