4 Reasons the Dallas Cowboys defense will be improved in 2020
By Randy Gurzi
3. The interior of the D-line is finally stout
One of the big problems of the Rod Marinelli era on defense for Dallas was their intention to the interior of the defensive line. They did believe in having a good three-technique that could generate pressure but they weren’t as sold on the one-technique.
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Marinelli believed they could plug nearly anyone into this role and while he did have his share of success, it seems as though it would have been even easier for him to get more talent to work with. Now that he’s gone, it seems the front office and new staff would agree that this is the better way to go.
Dallas made it a priority to address the defensive tackle spot as they added a big nose tackle in Dontari Poe. They also did a good job replacing Maliek Collins ‚— an underrated player in his own rights — who left in free agency. With Collins out, the Cowboys landed Gerald McCoy on a three-year deal, which gives them two solid players in the middle of the line.
Of course, doubters will point to their lack of talent on the edge. With DeMarcus Lawrence locking down the left side, the Cowboys are rolling the dice opposite him with Aldon Smith (who hasn’t played in four seasons), Dorrance Armstrong, and veteran Tyrone Crawford.
While it’s true there are some unknowns there, the strength inside is something they haven’t had in many years. Not only will that help against the run but McCoy is more than capable of getting after the quarterback as well, which will surely help this defense.