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This is the Dallas Cowboys most important defender in 2017

By Bryan Spielman

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked in the fourth quarter by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) and defensive end David Irving (95) at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Tampa 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked in the fourth quarter by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) and defensive end David Irving (95) at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Tampa 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here’s why I believe a second-year player is the key to the Dallas Cowboys success on the defensive side of the ball in 2017.

As the Dallas Cowboys offseason has unfolded, the main topic of discussion has been improving the team’s defense. Last season Dallas played above their talent level, much to the credit of defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. He was able to scheme around the team’s inability to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and relied heavily on the secondary to buy time for the eventual pass rush.

With the departures of safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox, and cornerbacks Morris Claiborne, Brandon Carr, it is unlikely Marinelli will be able to apply the same strategy during the 2017 campaign. This ratchets up the pressure on the defensive line to improve next season, specifically second-year defensive tackle Maliek Collins.

Marinelli operates the Tampa Two defensive scheme made popular by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s. For this defense to function at peak capacity, it needs quick penetration from the defensive line to allow the secondary to make plays on errant passes.

Think former Bucs’ defensive tackle Warren Sapp obliterating quarterbacks and Tampa Bay safeties Ronde Barber or John Lynch taking interceptions back for six. This penetration is mostly responsible from the 3-technique, the position Sapp played.

The 3-technique is the pass rushing defensive tackle in the Tampa Two scheme. Collins had a promising rookie year as the “three” for the Cowboys. After missing most of training camp with a broken foot, the former Nebraska Cornhusker showed potential during the second half of the season, with 5.0 sacks.

Collins has incredible hand technique that allows him to keep guards off of his undersized frame and disrupt the quarterback. What really is impressive is the 22-year old was able to be productive inside, without a consistent outside pass rush.

With defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence never really hitting his stride and young pass rusher Randy Gregory being suspended for most of the season, Dallas did not have a quick twitch defensive end last season. This allowed opposing offensive lines to focus on the Cowboys interior pass rush and Collins. With next season in mind, Maliek’s importance to the defense is going to skyrocket.

With Dallas, unable to acquire a “war-daddy” defensive end through free agency, Lawrence coming off another back surgery, and the penchant for rookie defensive ends to struggle their first season; it is reasonable to assume that the pressure to create pressure will be on the Cowboys 2016 third round selection this season.

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Collins is going to need to get stronger to better deal with double teams and continue to work on his pass rush moves to create quick pressure for Dallas’ defense. If he’s up to the task, Collins’ should be able to supplement the turnover in the secondary and give the Cowboys more chances to create turnovers, giving the defense enough to help Dallas make a Super Bowl run.

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