While I appreciate the massive improvement in our D during his time, I'm not sure I'm a big fan of the undersized high risk against the run approach. Would prefer bigger linebackers and not playing man coverage all the time. I do think DQ has a presence and commands respect from the players. But I think it's those games against the 49ers, the Bills that makes me wonder if the Cowboys could use a change in defensive philosophy. What say you?
I agree that Dan Quinn has brought a notable improvement to our defense, and his impact cannot be overstated. His ability to command respect is vital for any coordinator's success. However, your concern about the size of our linebackers and the defensive strategy, especially against powerhouse running teams like the 49ers and Bills, is valid. In the modern NFL, versatility and speed are prized, but they shouldn't come at the cost of being overpowered in the trenches.
A shift towards a more physical front could help in those tough matchups. Incorporating bigger linebackers who can still move well laterally might offer a balanced approach between maintaining speed on the field and not getting bullied by the run game. Moreover, while man coverage does allow our defensive backs to use their athleticism, mixing in more zone coverages could help in reducing the risk of big plays, which seems to be a concern during high-stakes games.
It's a delicate balance, but investing in some larger personnel up front and tweaking the defensive philosophy to adapt to the strengths of these power running teams might just be what the Cowboys need to solidify their defense as a consistently dominant force.