Losses are generally hard to face. But thankfully, preseason losses don’t feel as painful as most. The Cowboys’ loss to the LA Rams still shows us a lot about what kind of defense Mike Zimmer is shaping. And right now, it’s looking pretty good.
Successes and Mistakes of Zimmer’s Defense
The Cowboys’ Defensive Line Played Well
Although the defense could’ve been more competitive at the line of scrimmage, this wasn’t a bad scene for them. They created two sacks, showing the ability to put the quarterback in pressure situations.
There were also several moments where they were inches away from Rams quarterback, Stetson Bennett. Before the game-winning touchdown, the defense had performed miraculously, holding the Rams and Bennett to an impressive six points. Zimmer should be proud of what has been created here.
Mike Zimmer: A Master of Disguise
Although the defensive secondary did an incredible job at being in the right place and making plays, a lot of their greatness stems from the fact Bennett made the same, careless mistakes every other drive. If you repeat his interceptions, they all start to resemble each other.
However, Zimmer’s defense can’t be discounted. It’s his ability to create the space for interceptions to happen that he’s been applauded for in interview after interview. Brandin Cooks mentioned in an interview that Zimmer’s defense is going to “test pretty much every area of the offense”. Jalen Brooks went so far as to say that “their disguise now is insane” when asked about the defense.
Maybe this is the mistake that Bennett made playing the Cowboys. It looked like the backs weren’t around, but they always stepped up just in time to make the play.
It’ll be big next week to spot who will step up to shape this defense into an even better machine. If the players who had amazing games this week repeat their success, it’ll speak loudly for those who doubt the Cowboys’ strength in the defense.
Late-Game Penalties Cost Zimmer’s Defense and the Cowboys
The Cowboys had four picks, each coming from a different player. The first came from Markquese Bell in the 2nd Rams possession of the game. The next was by second-year CB, Eric Scott Jr. right before half-time. The 2nd Rams possession of the third quarter resulted in a pick from rookie Julius Wood. And lastly, a fourth interception by the rookie LB Brock Morgensen before the final Rams possession of the game.
However, there should have been five interceptions and no touchdowns by the Rams’ offense. What happened? A holding penalty called against the Cowboys’ defense reversed the interception and led to the points the Rams needed to pull a comeback.
What’s hurtful about the penalties is that until this point, the Cowboys’ defense had played a very clean game. Only one other penalty was called on the defense back in the second quarter. The other two penalties happened in the 4th quarter and resulted in the Rams’ offense getting to repeat a down and continue their drive. In crunch time, the goal is to play at peak. This is something Mike Zimmer still has to work on with these rookie players.
A majority of players during this time were third and fourth string guys. These mistakes would probably not have happened with the vets, but it is a concept to reiterate. Especially when it creates losses from games that should’ve been victories.
Main Photo: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
