The Cowboys have set themselves up to fix their run defense in 2024
It’s been a song that’s been sung for quite some time now when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys. They need better run defense, plain and simple. That was a big concern coming into the 2024 season, and it got even more crucial once nose tackle Johnathan Hankins didn’t return. In the NFL draft, the Cowboys took edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland in the second round. His game is predicated on power and he can set the edge against the run, and he’ll get plenty of opportunities to do so in the defensive end rotation.
It was good that the Cowboys got an edge setter, but they desperately needed big boys on the interior, particularly at nose tackle. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer let it be known that the team had to get better in that area, and the organization listened.
First, veteran Jordan Phillips was brought in via a trade with the New York Giants. Although he’s a little long in the tooth, Phillips has the ability to line up across the line due to being insanely athletic for a man 6’6″ and 340 pounds. On the recent depth chart, he’s slotted behind Osa Odighizuwa at the 3-tech. However, Phillips is versatile and could rotate some with Mazi Smith at the 1-tech.
The Cowboys did get a true nose tackle to go along with Phillips on the interior in 14-year veteran Linval Joseph. The 6’4″, 330-pounder will be the primary back up to Smith at the 1-tech, and this is the perfect system for him to do so. Joseph went to the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, the same year Zimmer took over as head coach there. He spent six years playing in Zimmer’s system. So, there’s no learning curve for Joseph. He knows exactly what Zimmer wants.
I know Zimmer. I know this defense and I’m just glad to be a part of this defense again. I played six years in this defense and it really helped my development in my game.
Having Joseph and Phillips in the mix gives the Cowboys a much better group on their defensive interior than a year ago. It helps guys like DeMarcus Lawrence, the aforementioned Kneeland, and All-Pro Micah Parsons when he plays on the edge to get more one-on-one chances in the run game and the against pass. However, the biggest beneficiaries will be on the second level, and the Cowboys have a strong group there as well.
With the retirement of Leighton Vander Esch, it was essential for the Cowboys to get some veteran experience at linebacker to go with youngsters Damone Clark and DeMarvion Overshown. That brought in another one of Zimmer’s guys, Eric Kendricks, who played for him for seven years in Minnesota. Looking at the film from training camp, Kendricks, despite being older, can still diagnose plays with the best of them and has the ability to plug running lames quickly. Overshown is a heat seeking missile that loves to play downhill, much like rookie Marist Liufau. Clark was out of place when he had to play middle linebacker. Now, with Kendricks having that role, he can play freely and hopefully reach the potential everyone has been clamoring for since he was drafted in 2022.
Dallas now has players more equipment on the defensive line to keep offensive lineman from getting to the second level. So, guys like Kendricks, Overshown, Clark, and Liufau can roam and make plays in the open field. Of course, it will take time for things to gel in real games, but the Cowboys have certainly improved their chances of being a better run defense this season.