Dan Quinn could see a better opportunity open up for himself after this season comes to a close. He has improved the defense in one season for them.
How will they stack up next season? With the schedule the Cowboys have, I think the defense plays in their favor. They have more depth than they did last year.
DeMarcus Lawrence only played seven games last season so expect him to have a solid year. I trust Quinn to tweak all the problems and make them a point of emphasis. I think he addresses Trevon Diggs just playing a little more conservative and not taking so many chances.
We know Micah Parsons is going to be a game-changer. I predicted earlier this week he would have a better season than last. It helps to have a player who can line up everywhere and make an impact. After one year under Quinn, I think he will have a few schemes drawn up for Parsons to attack the opposing quarterback from the linebacker spot.
A sleeper for this defense is Defensive tackle Neville Gallimore who added 16 pounds of muscle mass this offseason. The third-round pick has a chance to earn a spot as an every-down defensive tackle in Quinn’s scheme, which favors strong DTs with quick pass-rush ability.
With the combination of speed and strength Quinn has to work with, I think all these guys should be productive. We may even see someone have a breakout year like Dante Fowler or rookie Sam Williams. I am excited to see them go to battle.
Overall, we will have to wait and see if everyone can hold up and stay healthy. Grabbing some guys through the draft to help backload the defense, I expect them to be a solid group again and make enough plays to help them win some games.