Progression of the Defense under Mike McCarthy

[Jumbo075]

It is very fashionable to give coordinators all the credit for the success and/or failure of Mike McCarthy. First, it was Kellen Moore who got the credit for the high powered offense with all his youthful creativity. Things came to a head when Mike decided he wanted to call the plays, and there was much angst among the fans. Talking heads heaped scorn on the talent of Mike McCarthy, saying he was out-of-date, etc. What McCarthy has proven is that he still knows how to call a game, and he has led an offense to really excel. (Note: This isn't to say that Kellen Moore is not a talented OC. He may cause problems for the Cowboys now that he's in Philadelphia.

On the defensive side of things, McCarthy started badly, with the Cowboys having the worst defense in the NFL under Mike Nolan. (Maybe Nolan is a better head coach than Defensive Coordinator, as he just won the UFL Coach of the Year award.) But the Cowboys rebounded strong under Dan Quinn. Quinn built a very good defense that led the league two years in a row in causing turnovers, and the Cowboys blossomed into a top tier defense. But Quinn's philosophy had some flaws - mainly run defense, and he needed to play from ahead - although having a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl with Atlanta against Tom Brady is a serious stain on his resume, much worse than the Green Bay game earlier this year.

Now comes Mike Zimmer - the last defensive coordinator who headlined a #1 defense for the Cowboys in the 2004 season. It has been 20 years since the Cowboys had a #1 defense, and I believe McCarthy was a key player in bringing Zimmer into the fold this year. Again, people don't want to give McCarthy credit for the Zimmer hire, instead calling it a Jones' hire that only increases the hot seat that McCarthy is sitting on this year. But I don't believe McCarthy would sign off on the hire if he's truly on the hot seat (after 3 consecutive 12 win seasons.) I think he really does believe that Zimmer can help improve what was already a pretty good defensive team. I think that McCarthy wants Zimmer to build on the foundation laid by Quinn, to become stronger at the 2nd level, that is the linebackers, and stronger in the middle to stop the run attack of opponents.

I don't understand why McCarthy doesn't get the same respect as Sean Payton. They have very similar records, both being one-time Super Bowl winners who each had a special QB when they won. Neither has been able to get back to the big game, but McCarthy has a much better record post-Packers than Payton has post-Saints. Just as pundits are overblowing the contract situations for Dak, CeeDee and Micah, I think they are overblowing the contract situation of McCarthy. I would be loathe to try to find a better head coach than McCarthy - especially if he produces yet another 12 win season in Dallas this year, which is something I think is highly likely.

My great hope for this year is that the defense will continue to improve under the oversight of McCarthy. If it does, then we won't see as many catastrophic collapses like we saw when Quinn was here. I honestly believe McCarthy is a key factor in that improvement. In my lifetime of experience, making the right hire is the biggest factor in my personal success, and EVERY failure I've had boils down to choosing the wrong person for a key role in my life and business. I think McCarthy made a good decision bringing Zimmer back to the Cowboys, and I believe the defense will improve this season.

 

[Brax]

It is very fashionable to give coordinators all the credit for the success and/or failure of Mike McCarthy. First, it was Kellen Moore who got the credit for the high powered offense with all his youthful creativity. Things came to a head when Mike decided he wanted to call the plays, and there was much angst among the fans. Talking heads heaped scorn on the talent of Mike McCarthy, saying he was out-of-date, etc. What McCarthy has proven is that he still knows how to call a game, and he has led an offense to really excel. (Note: This isn't to say that Kellen Moore is not a talented OC. He may cause problems for the Cowboys now that he's in Philadelphia.

On the defensive side of things, McCarthy started badly, with the Cowboys having the worst defense in the NFL under Mike Nolan. (Maybe Nolan is a better head coach than Defensive Coordinator, as he just won the UFL Coach of the Year award.) But the Cowboys rebounded strong under Dan Quinn. Quinn built a very good defense that led the league two years in a row in causing turnovers, and the Cowboys blossomed into a top tier defense. But Quinn's philosophy had some flaws - mainly run defense, and he needed to play from ahead - although having a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl with Atlanta against Tom Brady is a serious stain on his resume, much worse than the Green Bay game earlier this year.

Now comes Mike Zimmer - the last defensive coordinator who headlined a #1 defense for the Cowboys in the 2004 season. It has been 20 years since the Cowboys had a #1 defense, and I believe McCarthy was a key player in bringing Zimmer into the fold this year. Again, people don't want to give McCarthy credit for the Zimmer hire, instead calling it a Jones' hire that only increases the hot seat that McCarthy is sitting on this year. But I don't believe McCarthy would sign off on the hire if he's truly on the hot seat (after 3 consecutive 12 win seasons.) I think he really does believe that Zimmer can help improve what was already a pretty good defensive team. I think that McCarthy wants Zimmer to build on the foundation laid by Quinn, to become stronger at the 2nd level, that is the linebackers, and stronger in the middle to stop the run attack of opponents.

I don't understand why McCarthy doesn't get the same respect as Sean Payton. They have very similar records, both being one-time Super Bowl winners who each had a special QB when they won. Neither has been able to get back to the big game, but McCarthy has a much better record post-Packers than Payton has post-Saints. Just as pundits are overblowing the contract situations for Dak, CeeDee and Micah, I think they are overblowing the contract situation of McCarthy. I would be loathe to try to find a better head coach than McCarthy - especially if he produces yet another 12 win season in Dallas this year, which is something I think is highly likely.

My great hope for this year is that the defense will continue to improve under the oversight of McCarthy. If it does, then we won't see as many catastrophic collapses like we saw when Quinn was here. I honestly believe McCarthy is a key factor in that improvement. In my lifetime of experience, making the right hire is the biggest factor in my personal success, and EVERY failure I've had boils down to choosing the wrong person for a key role in my life and business. I think McCarthy made a good decision bringing Zimmer back to the Cowboys, and I believe the defense will improve this season.

MM had input to bring in his buddy MN and it was a disaster especially when MM mandated he run a D that MN did want to and then his buddy MM used him as a scapegoat, MM has zero input on coaches JJ hired DQ and MZ because as bad a HC and game manager that MM is he’s a even worse talent evaluator of coaches simple as that, the only thing MM is good at is stuffing his face and doing as little as possible and saying yes Jerry you’re right, thanks for the big check.

 

[blueblood70]

It is very fashionable to give coordinators all the credit for the success and/or failure of Mike McCarthy. First, it was Kellen Moore who got the credit for the high powered offense with all his youthful creativity. Things came to a head when Mike decided he wanted to call the plays, and there was much angst among the fans. Talking heads heaped scorn on the talent of Mike McCarthy, saying he was out-of-date, etc. What McCarthy has proven is that he still knows how to call a game, and he has led an offense to really excel. (Note: This isn't to say that Kellen Moore is not a talented OC. He may cause problems for the Cowboys now that he's in Philadelphia.

On the defensive side of things, McCarthy started badly, with the Cowboys having the worst defense in the NFL under Mike Nolan. (Maybe Nolan is a better head coach than Defensive Coordinator, as he just won the UFL Coach of the Year award.) But the Cowboys rebounded strong under Dan Quinn. Quinn built a very good defense that led the league two years in a row in causing turnovers, and the Cowboys blossomed into a top tier defense. But Quinn's philosophy had some flaws - mainly run defense, and he needed to play from ahead - although having a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl with Atlanta against Tom Brady is a serious stain on his resume, much worse than the Green Bay game earlier this year.

Now comes Mike Zimmer - the last defensive coordinator who headlined a #1 defense for the Cowboys in the 2004 season. It has been 20 years since the Cowboys had a #1 defense, and I believe McCarthy was a key player in bringing Zimmer into the fold this year. Again, people don't want to give McCarthy credit for the Zimmer hire, instead calling it a Jones' hire that only increases the hot seat that McCarthy is sitting on this year. But I don't believe McCarthy would sign off on the hire if he's truly on the hot seat (after 3 consecutive 12 win seasons.) I think he really does believe that Zimmer can help improve what was already a pretty good defensive team. I think that McCarthy wants Zimmer to build on the foundation laid by Quinn, to become stronger at the 2nd level, that is the linebackers, and stronger in the middle to stop the run attack of opponents.

I don't understand why McCarthy doesn't get the same respect as Sean Payton. They have very similar records, both being one-time Super Bowl winners who each had a special QB when they won. Neither has been able to get back to the big game, but McCarthy has a much better record post-Packers than Payton has post-Saints. Just as pundits are overblowing the contract situations for Dak, CeeDee and Micah, I think they are overblowing the contract situation of McCarthy. I would be loathe to try to find a better head coach than McCarthy - especially if he produces yet another 12 win season in Dallas this year, which is something I think is highly likely.

My great hope for this year is that the defense will continue to improve under the oversight of McCarthy. If it does, then we won't see as many catastrophic collapses like we saw when Quinn was here. I honestly believe McCarthy is a key factor in that improvement. In my lifetime of experience, making the right hire is the biggest factor in my personal success, and EVERY failure I've had boils down to choosing the wrong person for a key role in my life and business. I think McCarthy made a good decision bringing Zimmer back to the Cowboys, and I believe the defense will improve this season.

That might be true but I'm not sure after Nolan that Jerry Jones didn't hire and fire the DCs..He gave DQ a chance to stay right, wouldnt have MM fired DQ quickly and made change? if he doesn't accept the WAS job he's still here..isnt that the truth? so Zimmer and ex DC here with Jerry makes me believe it was jerry hire and decision.

Good, bad, or ugly i can get on board with those last thoughts on Zimmer... less flash, more consistency, hes a system guy , do your job and do it well or get an ear full on the sideline. no hero ball.

Like to add to it I believe Mike Zimmer his defense is more capable of handling a loss like we just did with bland more so than Dan Quinn's man type defense when we lost Gilmore and the panic set in and Dan Quinn did not know how to adjust in my opinion I believe Mike Zimmer does a lot more zone or a lot more too deep safety there'll be a lot more help for our corners where he can adjust to this... That's just my opinion but that's what I see... I don't think he's gonna leave our corners too much on an island...

 

[KJJ]

I want to see the defense show some fight and not quit in games this season. If there’s one thing that’s really discouraged me over the past three decades it’s been our defense. It’s the number one reason we haven’t had playoff success. There’s been too many games where we get manhandled upfront. We have to become more physical. We can’t allow opponents to pound the ball down our throats. We also have to improve our tackling. The worst games we’ve played defensively during the regular season show up in the playoffs and it’s been very frustrating.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I don't understand why McCarthy doesn't get the same respect as Sean Payton.

Because Sean was always seen as young and cool, and he goes out of his way to promote himself in the media.

Mike looks like a fat ex-offensive lineman and he doesn't care about self-promotion.

That's why. It's as simple and shallow as that.

 

[Mikexike]

It is very fashionable to give coordinators all the credit for the success and/or failure of Mike McCarthy. First, it was Kellen Moore who got the credit for the high powered offense with all his youthful creativity. Things came to a head when Mike decided he wanted to call the plays, and there was much angst among the fans. Talking heads heaped scorn on the talent of Mike McCarthy, saying he was out-of-date, etc. What McCarthy has proven is that he still knows how to call a game, and he has led an offense to really excel. (Note: This isn't to say that Kellen Moore is not a talented OC. He may cause problems for the Cowboys now that he's in Philadelphia.

On the defensive side of things, McCarthy started badly, with the Cowboys having the worst defense in the NFL under Mike Nolan. (Maybe Nolan is a better head coach than Defensive Coordinator, as he just won the UFL Coach of the Year award.) But the Cowboys rebounded strong under Dan Quinn. Quinn built a very good defense that led the league two years in a row in causing turnovers, and the Cowboys blossomed into a top tier defense. But Quinn's philosophy had some flaws - mainly run defense, and he needed to play from ahead - although having a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl with Atlanta against Tom Brady is a serious stain on his resume, much worse than the Green Bay game earlier this year.

Now comes Mike Zimmer - the last defensive coordinator who headlined a #1 defense for the Cowboys in the 2004 season. It has been 20 years since the Cowboys had a #1 defense, and I believe McCarthy was a key player in bringing Zimmer into the fold this year. Again, people don't want to give McCarthy credit for the Zimmer hire, instead calling it a Jones' hire that only increases the hot seat that McCarthy is sitting on this year. But I don't believe McCarthy would sign off on the hire if he's truly on the hot seat (after 3 consecutive 12 win seasons.) I think he really does believe that Zimmer can help improve what was already a pretty good defensive team. I think that McCarthy wants Zimmer to build on the foundation laid by Quinn, to become stronger at the 2nd level, that is the linebackers, and stronger in the middle to stop the run attack of opponents.

I don't understand why McCarthy doesn't get the same respect as Sean Payton. They have very similar records, both being one-time Super Bowl winners who each had a special QB when they won. Neither has been able to get back to the big game, but McCarthy has a much better record post-Packers than Payton has post-Saints. Just as pundits are overblowing the contract situations for Dak, CeeDee and Micah, I think they are overblowing the contract situation of McCarthy. I would be loathe to try to find a better head coach than McCarthy - especially if he produces yet another 12 win season in Dallas this year, which is something I think is highly likely.

My great hope for this year is that the defense will continue to improve under the oversight of McCarthy. If it does, then we won't see as many catastrophic collapses like we saw when Quinn was here. I honestly believe McCarthy is a key factor in that improvement. In my lifetime of experience, making the right hire is the biggest factor in my personal success, and EVERY failure I've had boils down to choosing the wrong person for a key role in my life and business. I think McCarthy made a good decision bringing Zimmer back to the Cowboys, and I believe the defense will improve this season.

Great post Jumbo! I believe the def will be much improved

 

[shabazz]

It is very fashionable to give coordinators all the credit for the success and/or failure of Mike McCarthy. First, it was Kellen Moore who got the credit for the high powered offense with all his youthful creativity. Things came to a head when Mike decided he wanted to call the plays, and there was much angst among the fans. Talking heads heaped scorn on the talent of Mike McCarthy, saying he was out-of-date, etc. What McCarthy has proven is that he still knows how to call a game, and he has led an offense to really excel. (Note: This isn't to say that Kellen Moore is not a talented OC. He may cause problems for the Cowboys now that he's in Philadelphia.

On the defensive side of things, McCarthy started badly, with the Cowboys having the worst defense in the NFL under Mike Nolan. (Maybe Nolan is a better head coach than Defensive Coordinator, as he just won the UFL Coach of the Year award.) But the Cowboys rebounded strong under Dan Quinn. Quinn built a very good defense that led the league two years in a row in causing turnovers, and the Cowboys blossomed into a top tier defense. But Quinn's philosophy had some flaws - mainly run defense, and he needed to play from ahead - although having a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl with Atlanta against Tom Brady is a serious stain on his resume, much worse than the Green Bay game earlier this year.

Now comes Mike Zimmer - the last defensive coordinator who headlined a #1 defense for the Cowboys in the 2004 season. It has been 20 years since the Cowboys had a #1 defense, and I believe McCarthy was a key player in bringing Zimmer into the fold this year. Again, people don't want to give McCarthy credit for the Zimmer hire, instead calling it a Jones' hire that only increases the hot seat that McCarthy is sitting on this year. But I don't believe McCarthy would sign off on the hire if he's truly on the hot seat (after 3 consecutive 12 win seasons.) I think he really does believe that Zimmer can help improve what was already a pretty good defensive team. I think that McCarthy wants Zimmer to build on the foundation laid by Quinn, to become stronger at the 2nd level, that is the linebackers, and stronger in the middle to stop the run attack of opponents.

I don't understand why McCarthy doesn't get the same respect as Sean Payton. They have very similar records, both being one-time Super Bowl winners who each had a special QB when they won. Neither has been able to get back to the big game, but McCarthy has a much better record post-Packers than Payton has post-Saints. Just as pundits are overblowing the contract situations for Dak, CeeDee and Micah, I think they are overblowing the contract situation of McCarthy. I would be loathe to try to find a better head coach than McCarthy - especially if he produces yet another 12 win season in Dallas this year, which is something I think is highly likely.

My great hope for this year is that the defense will continue to improve under the oversight of McCarthy. If it does, then we won't see as many catastrophic collapses like we saw when Quinn was here. I honestly believe McCarthy is a key factor in that improvement. In my lifetime of experience, making the right hire is the biggest factor in my personal success, and EVERY failure I've had boils down to choosing the wrong person for a key role in my life and business. I think McCarthy made a good decision bringing Zimmer back to the Cowboys, and I believe the defense will improve this season.

Oh, I thought Al Harris gets all the credit......but no blame after the Pack hung 41 on them....Dakota gets credit for 6 though

 

[Bobhaze]

It is very fashionable to give coordinators all the credit for the success and/or failure of Mike McCarthy. First, it was Kellen Moore who got the credit for the high powered offense with all his youthful creativity. Things came to a head when Mike decided he wanted to call the plays, and there was much angst among the fans. Talking heads heaped scorn on the talent of Mike McCarthy, saying he was out-of-date, etc. What McCarthy has proven is that he still knows how to call a game, and he has led an offense to really excel. (Note: This isn't to say that Kellen Moore is not a talented OC. He may cause problems for the Cowboys now that he's in Philadelphia.

On the defensive side of things, McCarthy started badly, with the Cowboys having the worst defense in the NFL under Mike Nolan. (Maybe Nolan is a better head coach than Defensive Coordinator, as he just won the UFL Coach of the Year award.) But the Cowboys rebounded strong under Dan Quinn. Quinn built a very good defense that led the league two years in a row in causing turnovers, and the Cowboys blossomed into a top tier defense. But Quinn's philosophy had some flaws - mainly run defense, and he needed to play from ahead - although having a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl with Atlanta against Tom Brady is a serious stain on his resume, much worse than the Green Bay game earlier this year.

Now comes Mike Zimmer - the last defensive coordinator who headlined a #1 defense for the Cowboys in the 2004 season. It has been 20 years since the Cowboys had a #1 defense, and I believe McCarthy was a key player in bringing Zimmer into the fold this year. Again, people don't want to give McCarthy credit for the Zimmer hire, instead calling it a Jones' hire that only increases the hot seat that McCarthy is sitting on this year. But I don't believe McCarthy would sign off on the hire if he's truly on the hot seat (after 3 consecutive 12 win seasons.) I think he really does believe that Zimmer can help improve what was already a pretty good defensive team. I think that McCarthy wants Zimmer to build on the foundation laid by Quinn, to become stronger at the 2nd level, that is the linebackers, and stronger in the middle to stop the run attack of opponents.

I don't understand why McCarthy doesn't get the same respect as Sean Payton. They have very similar records, both being one-time Super Bowl winners who each had a special QB when they won. Neither has been able to get back to the big game, but McCarthy has a much better record post-Packers than Payton has post-Saints. Just as pundits are overblowing the contract situations for Dak, CeeDee and Micah, I think they are overblowing the contract situation of McCarthy. I would be loathe to try to find a better head coach than McCarthy - especially if he produces yet another 12 win season in Dallas this year, which is something I think is highly likely.

My great hope for this year is that the defense will continue to improve under the oversight of McCarthy. If it does, then we won't see as many catastrophic collapses like we saw when Quinn was here. I honestly believe McCarthy is a key factor in that improvement. In my lifetime of experience, making the right hire is the biggest factor in my personal success, and EVERY failure I've had boils down to choosing the wrong person for a key role in my life and business. I think McCarthy made a good decision bringing Zimmer back to the Cowboys, and I believe the defense will improve this season.

Excellent thread.

 

[Praxit]

Excellent thread.

.....I agree, with Bob. Jumbo, good post mate. That espresso you drink, is good $hite ...

PS. I dont know why, but also feel Zimmer was great hire.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Defense is good or was good because of the players Quinn wanted, and Al Harris

 

[malbis030347]

It is very fashionable to give coordinators all the credit for the success and/or failure of Mike McCarthy. First, it was Kellen Moore who got the credit for the high powered offense with all his youthful creativity. Things came to a head when Mike decided he wanted to call the plays, and there was much angst among the fans. Talking heads heaped scorn on the talent of Mike McCarthy, saying he was out-of-date, etc. What McCarthy has proven is that he still knows how to call a game, and he has led an offense to really excel. (Note: This isn't to say that Kellen Moore is not a talented OC. He may cause problems for the Cowboys now that he's in Philadelphia.

On the defensive side of things, McCarthy started badly, with the Cowboys having the worst defense in the NFL under Mike Nolan. (Maybe Nolan is a better head coach than Defensive Coordinator, as he just won the UFL Coach of the Year award.) But the Cowboys rebounded strong under Dan Quinn. Quinn built a very good defense that led the league two years in a row in causing turnovers, and the Cowboys blossomed into a top tier defense. But Quinn's philosophy had some flaws - mainly run defense, and he needed to play from ahead - although having a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl with Atlanta against Tom Brady is a serious stain on his resume, much worse than the Green Bay game earlier this year.

Now comes Mike Zimmer - the last defensive coordinator who headlined a #1 defense for the Cowboys in the 2004 season. It has been 20 years since the Cowboys had a #1 defense, and I believe McCarthy was a key player in bringing Zimmer into the fold this year. Again, people don't want to give McCarthy credit for the Zimmer hire, instead calling it a Jones' hire that only increases the hot seat that McCarthy is sitting on this year. But I don't believe McCarthy would sign off on the hire if he's truly on the hot seat (after 3 consecutive 12 win seasons.) I think he really does believe that Zimmer can help improve what was already a pretty good defensive team. I think that McCarthy wants Zimmer to build on the foundation laid by Quinn, to become stronger at the 2nd level, that is the linebackers, and stronger in the middle to stop the run attack of opponents.

I don't understand why McCarthy doesn't get the same respect as Sean Payton. They have very similar records, both being one-time Super Bowl winners who each had a special QB when they won. Neither has been able to get back to the big game, but McCarthy has a much better record post-Packers than Payton has post-Saints. Just as pundits are overblowing the contract situations for Dak, CeeDee and Micah, I think they are overblowing the contract situation of McCarthy. I would be loathe to try to find a better head coach than McCarthy - especially if he produces yet another 12 win season in Dallas this year, which is something I think is highly likely.

My great hope for this year is that the defense will continue to improve under the oversight of McCarthy. If it does, then we won't see as many catastrophic collapses like we saw when Quinn was here. I honestly believe McCarthy is a key factor in that improvement. In my lifetime of experience, making the right hire is the biggest factor in my personal success, and EVERY failure I've had boils down to choosing the wrong person for a key role in my life and business. I think McCarthy made a good decision bringing Zimmer back to the Cowboys, and I believe the defense will improve this season.

I agree 100%…. Mike may not be a good clock manager but look at what he did with Dak this past year post Kellen moore

 

[DuncanIso]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2828649-what-happened-in-green-bay