The Cowboys already know Caleb Downs can wear the green dot because they gave him reps during training camp. That keeps going through my head now that DeMarvion Overshown is hurt and rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham is green dot.
I don’t mind that Barham getting it, that makes sense. He’s the MIKE in the middle of the defense, and Dallas spent part of camp getting him ready for this situation. If you’re trying to replace Overshown without changing much else, Barham is probably the guy.
But Dallas also spent time preparing Caleb Downs.
Caleb Downs Got Green Dot Work
Brian Schottenheimer talked during the offseason about making several defenders comfortable with the green dot instead of having it all lie on the shoulders of one linebacker. Defensive back was a part of that green dot experience, specifically Caleb Downs.
Dallas clearly had a reason for trying it, and I’m all for it.
Christian Parker has talked about Downs’ instincts, how quickly he sees things developing, and his ability to direct traffic. Those are pretty useful traits for a player getting the defense organized before the snap.
When I really thought about it, the thing that bothered me a little was the distance.
A linebacker is standing five yards off the ball and a safety can be 10 to 15 yards deep. How is Caleb Downs supposed to help get everything straightened out up front from back there?
Then I looked at other safeties who have done it in the past.
The Safeties Who Made the Green Dot Work
Eric Weddle was the first safety I came to who wore the gren dot during his career. In Baltimore in 2018, the Ravens finished first in the NFL in total defense and second in scoring defense, allowing 17.9 points per game.
Then he came out of retirement and played a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams and wore the green dot.
I’m not saying Weddle having the green dot made Baltimore or Los Angeles good. They had talent all over that defense. But his calls adjusted the defense and, at the very least, it proves the distance isn’t enough to kill the idea.
Derwin James is the comparison I like the most for Caleb Downs wearing the green dot.
The Chargers moved James all over the place. Safety, slot, down around the line, sometimes almost functioning as a linebacker. That, to me, looks like what Dallas will try to do with Downs.
James having the green dot didn’t suddenly turn the Chargers into a top defense though. They finished 23rd in yards allowed and 29th in points allowed in 2021.
So there’s your reminder that none of this means much if the rest of the defense isn’t doing its job.
Jaishawn Barham Still Makes Sense Too
He is the MIKE, close to the front, and worked on the communications side during camp. If everybody gets lined up and the defense looks clean with him handling it, I’m not changing anything.
My only hesitation with Caleb Downs is how much Dallas is already asking of this kid.
One snap he’s deep, then in the slot, and later Parker brings him down into the box or sends him after the quarterback. The movement is a big part of what makes Downs valuable.
I don’t know if I want him worrying about whether everybody else got the call while he’s trying to diagnose what the offense is doing.
For now, Barham deserves a chance.
Dallas Knows Caleb Downs is an Option
If Dallas starts having guys looking around before the snap, getting caught by motion, or struggling to get aligned, a change isn’t too difficult to make. At least we know Downs is familiar with having the green dot.
That may end up the case, but until the time comes, let’s just enjoy some Cowboys football and see if the game against the Commanders is some better football for the Cowboys.
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