Cowboys Dan Quinn Reveals Secret to 'Exceptional' Defense
The questions surrounding the Dallas Cowboys entering the 2023 NFL season have primarily been directed toward the offensive side of the ball.
Coach Mike McCarthy is taking over as the play-caller, Dak Prescott's interception numbers have been brought up, the Cowboys do not have a solidified RB2, and the offensive line is dealing with injuries and a holdout.
The defense, on the other hand, returns every key starter who contributed to a unit that allowed just 20.1 points per game, finished third in the league in sacks (54), and led the NFL in turnovers (33) last season.
If anything, the Cowboys' defense only got stronger this offseason. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was added to the roster via trade with the Indianapolis Colts and defensive lineman Mazi Smith was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is about his unit's "identity" entering the new season and is giving high praise to his unit while revealing a "secret'' of sorts as to how it can improve.
"I’d say ours is probably more flexibility and adjustability than most of the defenses I’ve been a part of,” Quinn said. “We can put some guys in different roles based on all the skills that they can do. We’re just getting started (but) the traits are there to play really exceptional defense."
Versatility is the mantra for the Cowboys in 2023 and they have the personnel on defense to make it their calling card.
Micah Parsons was drafted as a linebacker but has turned into a terrifying edge rusher, recording 26.5 sacks in his first two seasons. Quinn also has three adaptable safeties in Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, and Donovan Wilson. Wilson is currently dealing with a calf injury that will keep him sidelined for "multiple weeks" but should be back in time for Week 1.
The Cowboys also have Pro Bowl talent at every level of their defense in DeMarcus Lawerence, Trevon Diggs, Leighton Vander Esch (who is also being used in a variety of ways at camp), Parsons, and Gilmore.
On paper, Dallas is built to maintain the success it had on defense a season ago, and based on continuity and offseason acquisitions, the unit could be even better in 2023.
You can follow Ben King on Twitter at @BKing_2023.
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