Doomsday101
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Safety Damontae Kazee's two takeaways against the Bucs and Chargers have probably made the biggest impact of all the Cowboys' free agent signings. Kearse got the defensive game ball
Sunday for a reason, though. He started at strong safety for Donovan Wilson (groin) and played 69 of 71 defensive snaps against the Chargers, second most on the team, posting six tackles (one for loss), a pass breakup and a pressure. A second-quarter interception on Herbert was wiped out by a pass interference penalty. (Debate that call if you like.)
"I thought he was all over the field, No. 1," McCarthy said. "I loved his play style, his intensity, his production. He had the interception, in my view, that was a tough call to see that go against him. I thought he was in really good coverage on Jared Cook, played him outside leverage there. The utilization of him in matchups has been a real asset for us. Just love the way he played, both in the run and the pass."
Through two games, Kearse ranks second on defense with 15 tackles. He also leads the special teams with 2 stops. And as McCarthy referenced, Kearse (6-4, 222) can play anywhere on the field: box, deep, over tight ends or in the slot. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Kearse played both safety spots against the Chargers as part of the Cowboys' "big nickel" package featuring three safeties.
"He's always had a history of being able to guard tight ends," Quinn said. "But I think you saw the physicality in the blitzing and the tackling. I thought that was a really impactful part of our game."
Kearse was a core special teams player in his first five seasons with the Vikings and Lions, but he also started 12 games at safety. Between Kearse, Kazee, Wilson and Hooker, the Cowboys feel good about their depth and flexibility at the position.
3 & Out: “The Long Road” With Zeke & Tony Pollard (dallascowboys.com)
Sunday for a reason, though. He started at strong safety for Donovan Wilson (groin) and played 69 of 71 defensive snaps against the Chargers, second most on the team, posting six tackles (one for loss), a pass breakup and a pressure. A second-quarter interception on Herbert was wiped out by a pass interference penalty. (Debate that call if you like.)
"I thought he was all over the field, No. 1," McCarthy said. "I loved his play style, his intensity, his production. He had the interception, in my view, that was a tough call to see that go against him. I thought he was in really good coverage on Jared Cook, played him outside leverage there. The utilization of him in matchups has been a real asset for us. Just love the way he played, both in the run and the pass."
Through two games, Kearse ranks second on defense with 15 tackles. He also leads the special teams with 2 stops. And as McCarthy referenced, Kearse (6-4, 222) can play anywhere on the field: box, deep, over tight ends or in the slot. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Kearse played both safety spots against the Chargers as part of the Cowboys' "big nickel" package featuring three safeties.
"He's always had a history of being able to guard tight ends," Quinn said. "But I think you saw the physicality in the blitzing and the tackling. I thought that was a really impactful part of our game."
Kearse was a core special teams player in his first five seasons with the Vikings and Lions, but he also started 12 games at safety. Between Kearse, Kazee, Wilson and Hooker, the Cowboys feel good about their depth and flexibility at the position.
3 & Out: “The Long Road” With Zeke & Tony Pollard (dallascowboys.com)
