Not only is the NFL a week-to-week league, but everything pertaining to the Cowboys is analyzed. under a microscope. They have the most extensive media coverage of any team. So naturally the defense's progression this season under Mike Zimmer following Dan Quinn's departure was going to make noise one way or another.
After a full offseason of excitement and buzz, the Zimmer honeymoon phase ended almost immediately. The Cowboys couldn't help but give up 30 points, especially at home, and their once-vaunted pass rush had disappeared.
Sure, Zimmer's scheme was always going to require growing pains as players adapted. However, nobody expected Dallas to impersonate one of the league's worst defenses during that process. Many Cowboys fans were ready to run Zimmer out of town.
Well, it seems Cowboys fans may owe Zimmer an apology. The defense has played at a high level spanning over a month and turned in an utterly dominant showing against a Carolina Panthers offense that had been one of the hottest in the NFL.
Mike Zimmer has to be the Cowboys' defensive coordinator in 2025
Maybe the best thing about bringing back Mike McCarthy is the added likelihood that Mike Zimmer comes back too
— David Howman (@_DH44_) December 15, 2024
Because this defense is fun to watch conceptually
It is anyone's guess if Mike McCarthy will be back as head coach. It seems more likely than not that Jerry Jones will renew McCarthy's contract. Regardless of who is at the helm in 2025, though, Zimmer needs to be the defensive coordinator.
Micah Parsons is the engine that makes everything go. That's obvious. It's no surprise the group's turnaround coincided with his return to the lineup.
However, Zimmer has overseen career years from multiple players. Osa Odighizuwa is setting himself up to get PAID in the offseason, while Jourdan Lewis should get all All-Pro consideration at the nickel position. Very quietly, Mazi Smith has turned a corner in year two.
An adequate rotation player in his career, Chauncey Golston has morphed into a starting-caliber defensive lineman under Zimmer. Golston has played so well that Cowboys fans don't want to lose him in free agency. That is a testament to Zimmer accentuating his players' talent.
It also shouldn't be understated that Zimmer has had to navigate an obscene number of injuries. Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, Trevon Diggs, DeMarvion Overshown, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, Juanyeh Thomas, Markquese Bell and Caelen Carson have all missed multiple games. Most of that list either missed half the season or suffered season-ending injuries.
Down multiple starters on Sunday, the defense compiled six sacks and four takeaways. Sure, the Panthers aren't world-beaters, but that takes nothing away from Zimmer dialing up a game plan that had quarterback Bryce Young seeing ghosts.
The defense couldn't punch its way out of a paper bag to start the season, which is unironically when it was its healthiest. If anything, though, that proves Zimmer scheme can work - dare we say thrive - regardless of who's in the lineup.
We understand those who have reservations about McCarthy returning as head coach, but Zimmer has to be the Cowboys' defensive coordinator next year.