DeMarcus Lawrence praises Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer

Dallas Cowboys veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence had high praise for the team's new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer after the opening week of training camp.

Jul 30, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) rushes against offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

One week of training camp is in the books for the Dallas Cowboys and new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is already making a positive impression on some of the team's veteran players.

This week, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who is tied for the longest-tenured player on the Cowboys roster with 2014 first-rounder and future Hall of Famer Zack Martin, spoke to the media and discussed the differences between Dan Quinn and Zimmer running the defense.

According to Lawrence, Quinn focused more on utilizing the players' physical attributes, while Zimmer focuses on the details.

“With the schemes over the last couple of years with DQ it was more about speed, using our speeds to set up linemen," Lawrence told the media. "More this year with Coach Z it’s really... details. Working on our details, our fundamentals and staying in our gap. Controlling our space. We work our speed through that.”

“He really cares about ball, man. It’s actually dope to have a coach that is not going to settle for nothing else but the best out of you. You wish you had that in all your coaches and we glad we’ve got it in Z.”

Zimmer's impact on the Cowboys defense has been evident through the first week of camp. The defense has consistently been giving the offense fits, regardless who is under center.

If the Cowboys can carry that discipline and play-making ability into the preseason and regular season, it could be a fun year for the Cowboys faithful.

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