Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming Zimmer by any means. Love the guy as a defensive mind, but you're right. He doesn't have the players to fit his scheme. Not going out and signing more of his guys, or guys that fit was the biggest fail of the offseason. His defense isn't similar to Quinn's.
It's clear that Micah isn't a fit in this scheme, at least at edge, so the choices should've been to either build around Micah, meaning hiring a DC that can get the most out of him, or trading him and using the picks to update the defense as needed. Bringing in Zimmer on a 1 year deal and keeping Micah at DE was nothing short of idiotic, and i have a feeling that one was JJs call. Now Zim is taking unnecessary heat when he was put in a no win situation, but I suppose it's also on him for taking the job.
Part of this is definitely on Zim. Similar to big Mike I think he just wanted a job and seen that there were good pieces.
Part of this (a big part) is on Jerry for not using Free Agency.
Part of this is on Micah for his arrogant attitude toward change and self awareness.
What psses me off is that even with the current roster Zim can still run a competent defense. But Micah playing edge fcks everything up.
Under Zims scheme here is what it’s supposed to look like
Starting Edges
Dlaw/Kneeland
Starting Tackles
OSA/Mazi
With Phillips and Joseph rotating
Then with the base packages
You’d have Micah, Kendrick’s and Overshown at the 3 LB spots.
So now when you’re dealing with 12 and 21 personnel teams that like to run you have a much much better chance.
The lineman don’t need to make any plays, just set the edges , stack the opposing lineman and then allow Micah and the guys to run free and tackle.
Once that’s done they would find themselves in better 3rd down situations and then Zim can get deeper into his play sheet and Micah can get some of his stats and they wouldn’t have to rely on the offense to get a lead (which they can’t).
Then you’d see more performances like the Steelers game where the D holds up for 4 Quarters giving Dak time to get the INTs outta his system and give the team a good drive to win it. Cowboys should be 4-2 honestly with a much better outlook but nah.