Do the Cowboys’ Current Players Fit Christian Parker’s Defense?

Corner Fit: Zone Recognition Has to Improve

Last season, the corners didn’t consistently handle zone responsibilities well enough, and Shavon Revel is a good example of why.

I found that in coverage, Revel gave up 21 catches on 31 targets (67.7%) for 295 yards, with an average depth of target of 11.3 and 14 yards per catch.

That’s not a corner getting beat on a lucky ball here and there, that’s a corner getting targeted, often, and giving up big plays.

I know this will matter next season, because Parker’s defense asks corners to stay patient, pass routes correctly, and keep the ball in front. If a corner is late with his eyes or loses the handoff on crossers, match-zone turns into free yards.

DaRon Bland’s numbers were no better. He gave up 52 catches on 77 targets (67.5%) for 633 yards, but the bigger issue isn’t a couple of guy’s stats.

It’s whether the whole room can play the style Parker demands without leaking space on the same route concepts all game.

Safety Fit: The Middle of the Field Can’t Be Soft

This is where last season’s data makes the fit question very uncomfortable.

Malik Hooker allowed 15 catches on 18 targets *83.3% for 295 yards, and the 19.7 yards per catch is what really gets my attention. That is chunk damage, not death-by-a-thousand-cuts.

Donovan Wilson gave up 29 catches on 37 targets (78.4%) for 315 yards, and Markquese Bell allowed 14 catches on 17 targets (82.4%) while giving up 105 yards after the catch.

In a defense built on leverage and rallying to the ball, we all know those completion rates and YAC total can’t happen.

If Parker is going to build a defense that closes windows, the safety rotation and underneath spacing have to tighten up fast.

Linebackers: Parker’s System Depends on This Group

If I’m being honest, the linebacker group is going to cause the most damage to this defense.

Marist Liufau was targeted 15 times and gave up 14 catches (93.3%). Kenneth Murray allowed 35 catches on 48 targets (72.9%) with 232 YAC attached to it.

We know this is how offenses stay ahead of the chains, easy throws, missed tackles, and five to eight yards when they want them.

I think the most terrible part about the linebackers is the run stopping ability.

Murray’s run defense grade was 31.9, while Liufau was higher at 68.9, but he missed almost 17% of his tackles.

Parker can’t run a clean defense if the second level is missing tackles and giving up big yards.

The Front Has Pieces That Translate

I know up front Parker has much more to work with.

Osa Odighizuwa posted a pass rush grade in the low 70s with 52 total pressures.

Kenny Clark was in that same range as a rusher and showed he could be a consistent interior presence.

Quinnen Williams was who we thought he was. An All-Pro defensive tackle who is unstoppable when he wants to be.

I think this all matters because Parker needs pressure up front. I mean what defense doesn’t, but with a better scheme in the secondary, we can see this front actually get home.

So yes, Parker can run his scheme, and he will. However, we all know some personal decisions will need to be made.

The defense won’t fail because of the playbook, it could fail because the roster couldn’t execute.