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Dallas Cowboys’ Defense Relying on Coaching and Player Development

By Steve Miklosko

Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli on the sidelines during the game against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli on the sidelines during the game against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 1, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Speaking of potential, there are few players that the team believes can become key starters in the future. The most notable one is linebacker Jaylon Smith. Before his knee injury, Smith was regarded by many as the best defensive prospect in the 2016 draft. His injury will likely force him to play with a brace in 2017. Despite this, general manager Jerry Jones believes he can be an impact player.

Another defensive player with the potential to make a major leap is free safety Byron Jones. In the 2015 scouting combine Jones proved he was an athletic freak by setting the combine record for the broad jump and ranking among the top performing cornerbacks in every single drill he participated in.

In 2016, Jones was the 17th best safety in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. 2017 will be his second year starting at the free safety position full-time.

Defensive tackle Maliek Collins exceeded expectations in his rookie season with 5.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Despite experiencing a setback from breaking his foot during the 2016 offseason, he managed to supplant veteran defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford at the three-technique position.

Defensive lineman David Irving became well-known in the NFL after blowing up the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line in Week Six. He was rewarded by being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He led the team in quarterback pressures and has plenty of room to grow at age 23.

Despite the Cowboys’ holding the best record in the NFC in 2016, it’s likely they will not be seen as the NFC favorite to return to the Super Bowl due to their defense. They may not even rank among the top three NFC teams heading into the season (NFL.com currently has them behind the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, and Green Bay Packers).

Next: Dallas Cowboys All-Time Best Defensive Players By Position

It will likely take some expert coaching by Rod Marinelli and big performances from the Dallas Cowboys’ young defensive starters to change people’s perceptions.

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