Attitude isn't close to fact. This defense under Zimmer ...
Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer has a long history of successfully coordinating defenses in the NFL. His defensive philosophy emphasizes a 4-3 base defense with press-man coverage and aggressive, disguised blitzes, often featuring his signature "double A-gap" look. He also prioritizes stopping the run to force offenses into predictable passing situations.
While it's difficult to compile a definitive "Top 10" list without specific metrics and rankings for every year of his career, here are some notable seasons and characteristics of defenses he has coordinated or overseen as head coach:
- 2003 Dallas Cowboys: Ranked #1 in the NFL in points allowed and #2 in total yards under Zimmer as Defensive Coordinator.
- 2009 Cincinnati Bengals: Ranked #4 in the league in total defense, earning Zimmer NFL Assistant Coach of the Year honors.
- 2011 Cincinnati Bengals: Finished with the #7 ranked total defense and #9 in points allowed.
- 2012 Cincinnati Bengals: Finished with the #6 ranked total defense and #8 in points allowed.
- 2017 Minnesota Vikings: Finished the season #1 in the league in yards allowed, demonstrating a dramatic turnaround from the team's ranking prior to Zimmer's arrival in 2014.
*You don't even come close to having a clue.