On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Mike Zimmer has been a coordinator and head coach for as long as I can remember. If you want an exact number of years between the two positions it is 28 years of coaching in the NFL.
Over the years he has fielded some great defenses, but what can we expect from the Cowboys with Zimmer's defense?
Let's look at the scheme and each defensive position group to see what Zimmer likes to do and how certain players could be used in the defense.
Mike Zimmer's Defensive Scheme
We know Zimmer runs a 4-3 base scheme and uses a 4-2-5 nickel package in passing situations. Primarily the coverage is press-man, which should line up well with our secondary.
Zimmer uses extensive blitz variations, such as double-A gap blitz formation, but his number one priority is stopping the run.
One thing about Zimmer's defenses over the years is he would constantly evolve defenses to fit his personnel.
The players he inherits could be some of the best defenders he has coached from a talent perspective. So, it will be interesting to see how the defense evolves to get his playmakers around the ball.
Defensive Tackle
The defensive tackle position will feature a mix of new and veteran players in the front lines.
Left Defensive Tackle
- Chauncey Golston 6'5” 268lbs
- Mazi Smith 6'3” 337lbs
- Justin Rogers 6'2” 338lbs (R) (Rd 7)
Right Defensive Tackle
- Osa Odighizuwa 6'2” 280lbs
- Carl Davis Jr. 6'5” 335lbs
- Denzel Daxon 6'2” 304lbs (R) (UDFA)
Zimmer brings a stop-the-run-first mentality when it comes to the defensive line. He is accustomed to having big bodies up front to take up blockers and clog the lanes.
If Mazi Smith has put back on the weight he lost last year, he will be formidable against the run.
Add in Osa Odighizuwa to help push the pocket and a big rookie in Justin Rogers and we could see a noticeable difference from the defensive tackles compared to last year.
Defensive End
The defensive end position lost Dorance Armstrong, who followed Dan Quinn to the Commanders. The returning ends should equate to a formidable position group.
Mike Zimmer likes his defensive ends to be well-rounded with the ability to rush the passer and be plus run defenders.
The group the Cowboys will field should be able to meet these requirements.
Left Defensive End
- DeMarcus Lawrence 6'3” 265lbs
- Sam Williams 6'4” 261lbs
- Tyrus Wheat 6'2” 260lbs
- Durrel Johnson 6'3” 240lbs
Right Defensive End
- Micah Parsons 6'3” 245lbs
- Marshawn Kneeland 6'3” 268lbs (R) (Rd 2)
- Viliami Fehoko Jr. 6'4” 267lbs
The defensive end room is led by DeMarcus Lawrence who can do it all from the defensive end position. This will bode well for the scheme Zimmer employs which emphasizes stopping the run and rushing the passer.
Micah Parsons will share time between the defensive end position and linebacker. This heat-seeking missile will be a man that Zimmer can use to strike fear into the opposing offenses.
The players who could see more playing time this season are Sam Williams and Viliami Fehoko Jr. Both of these players fit the run/pass combo Zimmer needs for his scheme to succeed.
The rookie Marshawn Kneeland should see plenty of playing time at the right-end position. His size and speed combination will be a welcomed edition and he was handpicked by Zimmer.
Therefore, Kneeland could see the field often while Parsons is moved around the defense to increase his effectiveness.
Tyrus Wheat and Durrel Johnson are at the bottom of the depth chart, but a good training camp could push them ahead of players such as Fehoko.
Linebacker
The linebacker position has several new faces, but what does Zimmer want from this group?
Mike Zimmer's defense emphasizes linebackers. He normally employs one or two heavy hitters who can run sideline to sideline with an emphasis, again, on stopping the run.
Who do we have that fits this mold?
Weakside Linebacker
- Damone Clarke 6'3” 240lbs
- Buddy Johnson 6'2” 240lbs
- Jason Johnson 6'1” 228lbs (R) (UDFA)
Middle Linebacker
- Eric Kendricks 6'0” 232lbs
- Damien Wilson 6'1” 245lbs
- Brock Mogensen 6'2” 234lbs (R) (UDFA)
Strongside Linebacker
- Marist Liufau 6'2” 239lbs (R) (Rd 3)
- DeMarvion Overshown 6'2” 220lbs
Zimmer has brought in several linebackers, which shows the importance and type of player he wants at the position. Sideline to sideline and guys who can tackle.
The veteran free agent, Eric Kendricks, is a former Zimmer player who knows what is expected in the scheme.
Zimmer wanted to get bigger and stronger at linebacker and that was accomplished by drafting and bringing in undrafted free agents. Marist Liufau and Brock Mogensen are two linebackers I could see winning Zimmer over with their non-stop motors.
These two bring physicality and enough speed to be perfect fits at linebacker.
Secondary
Mike Zimmer prioritizes press-man coverage and the importance of safety play. He will rotate safeties after the snap and disguise coverages.
His coverage schemes bring a strategic approach, which should align well with the talent of the secondary and confuse opposing quarterbacks. He will have numerous players to work with as this position group is the largest.
Let's look at the players he will have to work with in the secondary.
Left Cornerback
- DaRon Bland 6'0” 197lbs
- Caelen Carson 6'0” 195lbs (R) (Rd 5)
- Eric Scott Jr. 6'0” 197lbs
Slot Cornerback
- Jourdan Lewis 5'10” 195lbs
Right Cornerback
- Trevon Diggs 6'2” 195lbs
- Nahshon Wright 6'4” 185lbs
- C.J. Goodwin 6'3” 190lbs
- Josh DeBerry 5'11 184lbs (R) (UDFA)
Strong Safety
- Donovan Wilson 6'0” 204lbs
- Markquese Bell 6'3” 205lbs
- Israel Mukuamu 6'4” 205lbs
- Emany Johnson 6'2” 218lbs (R) (UDFA)
Free Safety
- Malik Hooker 6'2” 212lbs
- Juanyeh Thomas 6'3” 217lbs
- Sheldrick Redwine 6'0” 196lbs
- Julius Wood 6'1” 193lbs (R) (UDFA)
The secondary has a tremendous amount of talent at each position and the depth is great. Zimmer will have the personnel needed for his press-man coverage and players capable of disguising plays in the secondary.
While Zimmer's secondaries have not been known for takeaways, this group could be some of the more talented ballhawks he has coached.
We could see an uptick in takeaways compared to his defenses in the past.
These position groups are deep now but obviously will be thinned out. I am interested and excited to see the disguise looks in the secondary.
Dan Quinn, as great as he was, did not have the same level of disguises that Mike Zimmer can and will teach the defense. This change to the scheme could lead to more sacks just by confusing the quarterback for a split second longer.
The increased emphasis on stopping the run will also be a relief and here's to hoping that the Cowboys' defensive tackles can step up to this task.
All in all, as much as the loss of Dan Quinn stings, we can be assured Mike Zimmer is going to bring intensity back to the Dallas Cowboys defense.
More must-reads:
- Bengals' Zac Taylor explains shocking Joe Flacco move for Packers game
- Lions CB Terrion Arnold to return 'sooner than expected'
- The 'Most NFL QB two-rushing-TD games' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Bengals' Zac Taylor explains shocking Joe Flacco move for Packers game
Roughly 24 hours after outsiders learned that the Cincinnati Bengals were acquiring veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Flacco will start over Jake Browning when 2-3 Cincinnati plays at the Green Bay Packers (2-1-1) this coming Sunday. While speaking with media members, Taylor explained that somewhat surprising decision. Why Zac Taylor believes he can get Joe Flacco "up to speed quickly" "He's already spent a lot of time meeting with us, getting up to speed, so I feel really good about where he's at," Taylor said about Flacco, per Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "You just know him. ...Very comfortable with his style, concepts he's good at, things that we do. All of the terminology, there's a carryover, more so than I would have anticipated. So I feel like we can get him up to speed quickly." Flacco lost three of four September starts with the Browns before the Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player was benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. According to Pro Football Reference stats, Flacco began Wednesday ranked last in the NFL among qualified players with a 60.3 passer rating for the ongoing season. Additionally, he's 28th out of 32 signal-callers with a 36.7 adjusted QBR. That said, Flacco is a 40-year-old who has seen every defensive concept an opposing coordinator could and will throw his way. Back on Sept. 21, he helped the Browns earn a 13-10 win over the Packers in downtown Cleveland. Zac Taylor likes that Joe Flacco faced this Packers defense in September "It's different than a young quarterback coming in, trying to learn the system and understand what a defense is trying to do to try to challenge you," Taylor added about his decision to start Flacco versus the Packers. "Not only that, but he's played Green Bay this year, so he's already gone through a week of prep. ...Now the communication and the weekly rhythm is maybe different and unique, but he's already prepared for this opponent. So he gets a chance to refresh himself on that, while at the same time just learning our system and our terminology...and how we operate." Shortly after Taylor made his comments, ESPN BET had the Bengals listed as massive 14.5-point underdogs against Green Bay. Perhaps that line and the fact that he was discarded by Cleveland will give Flacco some extra motivation heading into the showdown that will take place at Lambeau Field.
North Carolina reportedly considering nuclear option with Bill Belichick, and that's justified
Cowboys list 18 players on their injury report but a couple of names steal the spotlight as their return appears very likely
The Dallas Cowboys just revealed their first injury report of Week 6 on Wednesday and it's a long one. The team listed 18 players on it ahead of their matchup against the Carolina Panthers, five of which were non-participants while 10 were limited. The remaining three players on the report were listed as full participants. Two of latter stole the spotlight amid the bitter updates as their "full" participation means they're close to making their 2025 debut very soon: Cornerback Caelen Carson and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. Neither of the them are currently on the 53-man roster but the Cowboys activated their 21-day practice window last week. Carson and Mingo were limited participants in each of last week's practices. To be upgraded to full on the first practice of the week is a promising sign for their chances of playing against the Panthers. The coaching staff would need to open up roster spots to place them on the 53-man roster. Other notes on Cowboys' initial injury report for Week 6 CeeDee Lamb was a non-participant once again as his chances of playing Week 6 remain up in the air. KaVontae Turpin also missed practice and told reporters he wasn't expecting to play. Right guard Tyler Booker also missed practice. The new additions to the non-participants were LB Jack Sanborn (concussion) and S Donovan Wilson (elbow/knee). Safety is starting to look like a serious concern. Malik Hooker was placed on Injured Reserve last weekend and now Wilson missed practice while Juanyeh Thomas popped up on the injury report as a limited participant. Other starters that were limited participants: CB Trevon Diggs, CB DaRon Bland, OT Tyler Guyton, LG Tyler Smith. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer suggested Guyton will start at left tackle if cleared. Thursday's full Cowboys' injury report window.addEventListener('message', function (event) {if (event.data.totalpoll event.data.totalpoll.action === 'resizeHeight') {document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-375').height = event.data.totalpoll.value;}}, false);document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-375').contentWindow.postMessage({totalpoll: {action: 'requestHeight'}}, '*');
Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Makes MLB History Against Yankees
The pressure is mounting for the Toronto Blue Jays to eliminate the New York Yankees on Wednesday after momentum swung in New York’s favor during Tuesday’s Game 3 loss. Toronto will look to close out the series and avoid a return trip home for a decisive Game 5. Although the Blue Jays’ pitching disappointed on Tuesday, allowing nine runs, the offense continued to thrive, led by the team’s superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The 26-year-old right-handed slugger has risen to the occasion so far and continued during the top of the first inning for Game 4. Guerrero slashed an 0–2 cut fastball from Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler down the right field line, driving in George Springer and giving Toronto an early 1-0 lead. That swing added to what’s already been an impressive stretch for Guerrero, who has consistently delivered in key moments throughout the series. He launched the first postseason grand slam in Blue Jays history during Game 2, and his production has helped keep Toronto competitive despite Tuesday’s pitching struggles. Guerrero’s presence at the top of the order has continued to loom large—and now, his impact has made MLB history. He is the first player in postseason history to record at least nine hits and nine RBIs through the first four games of a series, regardless of round (h/t Underdog’s Justin Havens). Most impressive of all, Guerrero reached that mark just one at-bat into Game 4 of the ALDS. Guerrero signed a 14-year, $500 million contract in April of this year and responded by leading Toronto to its first AL East division title in a decade. Over 156 games, Guerrero owned a .292 batting average, .381 on-base percentage, .848 OPS, 23 home runs and 84 RBIs. Guerrero has spent all seven seasons of his career with the Blue Jays after debuting in 2019. He earned his fifth consecutive All-Star selection this year and has continued to be a finalist for AL MVP. With the series still hanging in the balance, Guerrero’s dominance has become the biggest storyline. If he stays hot, Toronto’s October could stretch much further.
NASCAR 25: Release Date, Pre-Order Info and Gameplay Trailers
Highlights Console release: October 14, 2025 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) Steam version arrives November 11 Gold Edition grants 72-hour early access Digital-only release confirmed Multiple gameplay trailers showcase new physics and career realism If patience isn’t your strong suit, you might want to buckle up now—because NASCAR 25’s hype train is moving faster than a last-lap Daytona draft. NASCAR 25 is set to launch this fall, and fans won’t have to wait long to get behind the wheel. The console edition arrives October 14, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, while the Steam version will follow on November 11. This marks the first NASCAR console title under iRacing’s full development control—and judging by the gameplay footage, the upgrade is massive. Players who opt for the Gold Edition ($79.99) will unlock three days of early access, along with 10,000 Career Bonus Dollars, 1,000 Rep Points, and exclusive VIP employees for career progression. The Standard Edition ($59.99) includes 5,000 Career Dollars, 500 Rep Points, and three additional paint schemes based on the cover drivers. Meanwhile, the Season Pass ($24.99) delivers three DLC packs featuring more than 230 paint schemes and firesuits, extending the customization even further. According to the official NASCAR 25 website, the game will be a digital-only release with no physical discs available. The title supports full career integration, sponsor upgrades, and detailed vehicle tuning—all wrapped in a next-gen presentation built on iRacing’s refined engine. Fans can catch a glimpse of what’s to come through the latest trailers, which highlight both the intense on-track action and the career-mode grind that content creators like Jeff Favignano have praised for its realism. From fine-tuned setups to small-team struggles, NASCAR 25 looks set to deliver the most authentic stock-car racing experience yet. Trailers to Watch: Hype Trailer Career Mode Trailer Gameplay and First Impressions
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
