After the dismissal of Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn has come to occupy the position and big changes are expected for the 2021 campaign. Especially in the schemes, which in 2020 were not exactly the best and even ended with a record negative on the franchise. In total, they awarded 473 points in the regular season, something never before seen in the organization.
Now, here we are not only talking about changes in the technical aspects and the positioning of the players, but also about the change of mentality in the dressing room. Since Quinn is characterized by being a great mentor and motivator behind closed doors. In fact, some of the professionals who have worked with him see him as a second father and a figure of admiration. That is how positive his reach is in the organizations in which he has been. Especially in the case of the Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons.
An example of this is the reaction of some Dallas players upon learning of the signing. As were the cases of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and defensive tackle Antwaun Woods.
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— Antwaun Woods Sr. (@AntwaunWoods_) January 11, 2021
All these positives aside, you also have to focus on what Quinn could bring to the Cowboys defense. There are some schemes and styles of play that can be seen for this year. And they are essential to improve the numbers and put Dallas in the postseason.
From the point of view of the plays, Dan is looking for his elements to recover the ball. During his time in Seattle when he managed the renowned “Legion of Boom”, in his first season he managed to get his defenders to create 39 recoveries. Aside from eight more in the postseason, making them Super Bowl XLVIII champions by crushing the Broncos 43-8.
From a defensive line standpoint, Quinn is more than putting four men up front. Of course, with a high safety to add an extra element to any situation. The objective of this scheme is to cover as many spaces as possible. In this way, rival ground play can be exceptionally neutralized.
Another fundamental aspect is that Quinn loves to cover any gap that the opposing offense may use to make its plays. Therefore, in a four-man front you can place three players close by to be vigilant in any eventuality. We’re talking there could be up to seven men near the line, and six offensive blockers on the other side. Either way, Quinn will have an extra man in her scheme so she doesn’t miss any details.
— All22Hype (@All22Hype) January 12, 2021
Regarding the backline, Quinn is most likely going for a Coverage 3 scheme. When we talk about this, we mean three defensive backs each covering a third of the back of the field. This scheme seeks to defend the rival passing game and recover the ball from deep passes from the enemy QB to his receivers.
There is also the possibility that you use Cover 1. This aspect is totally different since you will only have one man in the background to cover any eventuality. Given the fact that there is only one deep in the background, the other is totally free to act on the field. He even has the opportunity to search for the opposing quarterback and help with coverage. As a result, the Cowboys will have to search for a high-quality free safety in the offices. Since for Quinn’s schematics, this element is extremely important.
Likewise, Quinn can work a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, even a 4-3 hybrid with the defensive talent he has on the Cowboys. Here elements such as DeMarcus Lawrence, Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith and Randy Gregory may benefit. In the case of the latter, thanks to its speed, speed and explosion, it could well play in the “LEO” position. This means that he would work as a hybrid between defensive end and linebacker. For Gregory it is perfect as he would have the possibility to play many more snaps.
On the coverage side, Dan has a philosophy of playing fast and thinking less. Unlike other defensive coordinators who are much more technical in their handling, Quinn seeks to do things in the simplest ways possible. In short, the goal is for the defense to have a freer idea of how the opposing offense is going to attack. With a Coverage 3 scheme, this is most likely what you will see.
Apart from the schemes, another great detail of interest is the development of young players. This is a huge aspect of importance to Quinn as he seeks to get the coaches to spend more time with the guys after practice. The goal is for them to keep practicing to improve their skills and play a much bigger role as the season progresses. In addition, the intention is that they understand the schemes and the different nuances of them.
Certainly the extra time coaches spend with young talents will pay off. It’s something that has worked for Quinn in his time in the NFL.
Generally speaking, Dan Quinn’s defense is expected to be fully physical, attentive and make as much of a recovery as possible. A total change in the parameters that were handled in 2020. Therefore, positive results are expected for the next campaign.
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