Cowboys Country

Cowboys Camp 3 Stars - Micah & Defense 'Something to Prove!’ - Dan Quinn

The Dallas Cowboys defense is thought of as one of the best units in the NFL, but back-to-back poor playoff losses leave it with something to prove heading into the season. ... and working this week in pads. The day's Three Stars in Oxnard ...

SI Editorial

In this story:

The Dallas Cowboys defense led by coordinator Dan Quinn has been transformed into a formidable unit … with the coach at camp in Oxnard still pushing for his guys to “prove it.” And an opportunity to do so presented itself Monday in the team's first day in pads.

With the Cowboys' defense now one of the premier units in the NFL, many have Dallas as a Super Bowl contender. But back-to-back playoff losses to the San Francisco 49ers have washed away all the good work accomplished throughout the regular season.

And it leaves Quinn and his unit with something to prove heading into the new season.

"I think sometimes when you go through those tough losses, you don't want to feel that way again," Quinn said. "I think we have many people – coaches and players included – that want to prove it. That's usually when some of the really good, competitive moments come when you have to prove it. There are a lot of guys out here that have something to prove, myself included."

How did that work out with the pads on? Our Three Stars on defense for the day. (Three Stars on offense is here.) ...

STAR 1: MICAH PARSONS Improvement must take place at training camp - yes, even improvements from the team's best player. Micah Parsons has already stated that he intends to take the opposition to "deep water" as he announced his intentions for the new season. 

Is beating a double-team including Tyron Smith "deep enough'' for you?

STAR 2: MAZI SMITH The addition of the first-round rookie is having an immediate impact in the way the O-line must block. Example in pads? He was asked to handle double-team blocking ... and handled it fine.

Get used to it, big fella. Job 1 here for Mazi is going to be to occupy blockers. Beat blockers? That will be a bonus. Right now, just make your presence felt by requiring two of 'em to handle you.

By the way, as far as trash-talking? “I don’t do no talking," Smith said. "Nah, I’m trying to hit you. I don’t got nothing to say. I don’t even like football. I like hitting people.”

STAR 3: LVE CHESS PIECE Leighton Vander Esch, in our recent 1-on-2 visit, hinted to us that Micah isn't the only movable chess piece at Quinn's disposal. Watch closely and you notice that Vander Esch was talking about ... Vander Esch.

He's the defensive signal-caller. He's rushing into the gaps to stop the run. He's dropping into coverage, Urlacher-style, the way it was always envisioned. And yes, he's dropping into a three-point stance to rush the passer.

Deception on defense. With 24 wins in two seasons and an elite defense playing like it has something to prove, this version of the Cowboys might be the most dangerous yet. ... in part due to its talent on defense but also in part due to how Quinn empties his toolbox using standouts like Vander Esch.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Cowboys?

Follow FishSports on Twitter

Follow Adam Schultz on Twitter

Follow Cowboys / Fish on Facebook

Subscribe to the Cowboys Fish Report on YouTube for constant daily Cowboys live reports!

Published
SI Editorial
SI EDITORIAL

Home/News