The Dallas Cowboys Markquese Bell has quite an interesting NFL story. He began his football career as a safety and converted to linebacker. Since this transition, he has found his way into Dallas’ starting defensive lineup. Weeks two through four were tough on Bell, but he has found his footing and his niche in their defense. The Cowboys defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-17, and it was thanks in large part to Bell. Here is how the Cowboys will use their linebacker/safety hybrid to the benefit of the team, and what his next steps are.
Markquese Bell Has the Game of His Life in 20-17 Cowboys Victory
Snaps at ‘Safety’
Cowboys fans, take a breath. The question marks surrounding the safety position last week have virtually disappeared. The safety position greatly let Dallas down last week, and Dallas can’t afford another game like that. With the great play from Bell and Safety Donovan Wilson, the Cowboys secondary held up much better than against the 49ers. Bell’s excellent physical play proves that he is ready to take consistent snaps at safety.
Dallas lost special teamer C.J. Goodwin to an injury against San Francisco. This had Cowboys fans worried, as Dallas’ safeties played poorly against San Francisco, and losing Goodwin left the depth chart looking paper thin. Bell remains one of Dan Quinn’s more exciting young guns, baring his teeth in the 20-17 victory. Bell finished the game with seven tackles, a season-high for him. Expect to see more of him dropping back and following the eyes of the quarterback like he did against the Chargers.
Hard Hitting & Pass Rush
There are very few things quite as special as a free rusher making a beeline to the quarterback. Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert was under heavy pressure from Demarcus Lawrence and Dante Fowler for the entire night. Dan Quinn’s four-man rush is as good as anyone’s, and it’s only getting better. Marquese Bell’s impressive play might secure his spot as a pass-rushing Cowboys DB. Not many other Dallas players can claim this badge, and Bell’s opportunities have proved he has earned it.
If there were any questions regarding Bell’s power, there should not be anymore. Bell was a major player in the Cowboys red zone defense, as he tattooed Austin Ekeler on a check-down that kept him short of the end zone. His ability to shed blocks quickly and hunt the ball carrier was major for Dallas.
There was no draft selection for Bell, as he was an undrafted player in 2022. He wasn’t even projected to be a starting-caliber player and look where we are now. Bell’s 4.41 speed proves that he is ready to run downhill and put the heat on. His sack against Justin Herbert showed how quick he can split the offensive line, and how quick his closing speed remains. While his blitz plays remain impressive, a more impactful way to incorporate Bell is to turn him into a defensive decoy. His impressive performance against Los Angeles proves that he is ready for a bigger workload and more snaps.
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