Five Dallas Cowboys Players To Give Thanks For This Thanksgiving

Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli talks with the defensive line on the sidelines during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

4. Rod Marinelli, Defensive Coordinator

Nobody was envious of the task ahead of Rod Marinelli this year. Given the challenge of turning around one of the leagues worst defenses. Whilst waving two Pro Bowlers into the sunset- DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher. Their replacement a second round draft pick DeMarcus Lawrence injured and likely to miss at least half the season. Then watching your linebacking corps disintegrate with Sean Lee ruled out for the season and DeVonte Holloman forced into retirement. It wasn’t a job for the faint of heart!

But somehow, he’s managed the impossible. The defense is currently ranked 16th in the league. Without an out and out star on defense, Marinelli has been rotating the players at his disposal. Jeremy Mincey and Henry Melton are proving to be worthy additions, both improving week on week and contributing nine sacks between them.

The defense had a rough ride in the first half last week against the New York Giants, failing to get off the field for long stretches of the game. But with Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Lawrence both gaining more playing time and Josh Brent soon to return there’s certainly hope of further improvements for this team.

The expectation was the Cowboys would once again be propping up the bottom of the rankings table. They’re not perfect by any stretch. But they’re playing hard, showing heart. So kudos to Marinelli and the attitude he’s bought to this team.