Why the Cowboys losing Jerome Henderson is a good thing

The Dallas Cowboys have lost their defensive secondary coach to the Atlanta Falcons. We discuss why that’s a good thing for the Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys needed a fresh start in their defensive secondary. And it now appears they will finally get one.

On Monday, it was reported that Cowboys defensive secondary coach Jerome Henderson has been hired by the Atlanta Falcons to become their new passing game coordinator. This after Henderson had interviewed for several other positions around the NFL this offseason.

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For the Cowboys, the loss of Henderson means a new vision for a defensive secondary that has been mediocre for many seasons. And it’s not necessarily any or all of the former secondary coach’s fault. You are only as good as the players you are given to coach. And Henderson was given the likes of Morris Claiborne, J.J. Wilcox, Brandon Carr and Tyler Patmon in recent years.

Despite possessing sub-par players, the Cowboys finished 5th in passing defense in 2015. Allowing just 3,636 total passing yards last season, that’s an average of only 227 passing yards per game, Dallas played with a bend but don’t break mentality. Their 94.2 allowed passer rating is proof of that. Also, their 4-12 season ending record.

Unfortunately, it was turnovers that were hard to come by with this group in 2015. They recorded just eight interceptions all year, the second lowest total in the league. They also took away an NFL low three fumbles.

Henderson coached three starters that were considered some of the worst players at their position in 2015. Pro Football Focus ranked Carr the 73rd best cornerback in the NFL last season. That’s despite being paid as a top ten level player at that position. Claiborne was even worse, ranking #112 out of 118 qualifying corners. Finally, Wilcox was rated the third worst safety in the league last year.

But this group has been sub-par since Henderson took over as defensive backs coach back in 2012. In that span, the Cowboys passing defense has ranked 19th, 30th and 26th respectively prior to last season.

With the expected return of cornerback Orlando Scandrick, the excellent play of rookie defensive back Byron Jones and the expected exodus of Carr and Claiborne this offseason; this is the perfect time for the Cowboys to re-energize their defensive secondary under a new general. Hopefully, the Cowboys will choose wisely in selecting their next defensive secondary coach as this is an opportunity for a rare fresh start.

Next: Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft: Five running back options

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