It's hard to argue that Jerry Jones has improved the Dallas Cowboys' defense, but that was a low bar to clear. Jones will surely add more firepower in the NFL Draft, but he is also putting a lot of faith in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's ability to develop and maximize talent.
Parker couldn’t have made a better first impression in his introductory press conference, and Cowboys fans can take comfort in the influence he’s expected to have on Dallas’ player evaluation leading up to the NFL Draft.
The 34-year-old is a student of the game. The way he emphasized teaching and running a multiple defense suggests the Cowboys are in good hands, even if there are early hiccups as he adjusts to being a first-time play caller.
Parker has even rubbed off on Jones, who outlined what the new defense could look like at the NFL's Annual League Meeting (h/t Tommy Yarrish, DallasCowboys.com).
"We've made a conscious decision to a blend of the equivalent of a 3-4. We won't be a current 3-4. You can say that's with the times too. You got to have flexibility. It's not new to me from Bill Parcells throughout my time with the sport, even going back to college, of the 3-4 concept can give you a better run. It can give you better run support."
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talking about scheme is not something you see everyday
That wasn't all Jones had to say.
"The question is if that outside guy can do a little pass coverage, cover a little space, plus give you that pressure on the outside. It's always been the big thing. They call one of them the 9-technique. When you see one that can play the nine, they're getting pressure on the outside and sliding out in the flat to cover that flat, that's a rare dude. He's important, and that's hard to do."
Fill out your bingo cards accordingly if you had Jones talking about Dallas being a 3-4 base defense and outlining the coverage responsibilities of the 9-technique position.
Lined up yards wide of the offensive tackle, the 9-tech is usually reserved for a speed rusher. They may even line up outside the tight end. In a 3-4 base, outside linebackers often line up wide as edge rushers.
Jones is spot on about 9-techniques or OLBs sliding into the flat to cover. The added responsibility is exactly why the Cowboys have cooled on re-signing veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
The former No. 1 pick still plays with relentless pursuit, but dropping into coverage has never been his strength. That’s not to say any edge rusher thrives in space, but newcomer Rashan Gary is a strong example of an OLB who’s comfortable handling those duties.
Back to our original point, Jones' quote shows why Parker got the job. He sold the Joneses and Brian Schottenheimer on his vision for the defense.
If Parker can get an 83-year-old up to speed on modern concepts, imagine what he can do with lifelong football players.
Matt Eberflus who?