INGLEWOOD, Calif. — A year ago, Markquese Bell was converted to linebacker by Dan Quinn for a Dallas Cowboys defense that desperately needed depth at the position after then-rookie DeMarvion Overshown suffered a torn ACL. Now that Mike Zimmer has moved him back to safety, Bell is playing like never before.
In the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Bell not only made a game-high nine combined tackles but also an interception of Stetson Bennett and nearly missed two others.
He looks primed for what could be a breakout season in 2024.
“I just have to give credit to my teammates because they made my job a lot easier,” he said after the matchup against the Rams. “Being out there with elite athletes and great teammates allows me to fly like I like to do.”
Zimmer’s defense, in total, had four interceptions on the day, and immediately any doubts about the normally interception-savvy unit seeing any regression in that category this season were dismissed.
In addition to Bell, Jason Johnson, Brock Mogensen and defensive partner Eric Scott all had interceptions.
They don’t seem to have missed a beat when it comes to giving their offense extra possessions.
“That’s all we preach,” Bell said. “We’re a ball-winning defense. If we don’t get the ball away, we feel like we’re not accomplishing our goal. Our goal [hoy] There were three of us, and we got through it.
Zimmer’s plan for Bell is to let him play free and he’s off to a blistering start, and the Cowboys defensive coordinator has everyone completely sold for a variety of reasons, including, according to Overshown, the fact that Zimmer was calling plays against the Rams without looking at his call sheet.
He often called plays based on what he saw of the Rams’ offense in real time.
“It’s the type of defense he brings and the type of culture he brings to the team,” Bell said of his new coordinator. “He’s got a great scheme and we love it. We love it. It’s going to work, it’s going to work.
“We’re implementing it and it’s new, and we have our edits about it, but when you see it in real life, it works.”
Bell, a FAMU product, continues to prove there is talent outside of the nation’s largest college programs and is helping to bring attention to HBCUs across the country, one play at a time.
“I’m glad I can shine a light on HBCUs because there are a lot of kids that are there that deserve an opportunity and they don’t really get it,” he said. “I just hope I can shine a light on those HBCUs.”
There’s no doubt he’s doing exactly that, and Zimmer’s defense will continue to allow him to do so.
