Cowboys have a great problem on defense they should hope goes unsolved
Trusted with the task of manning the slot in the Wild Card round of last season's playoffs, Dallas Cowboys defensive back Israel Mukuamu left no doubt: He belongs on the playing field. Although he barely played on defense during the regular season, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn called his name to play at nickel as the […]
Trusted with the task of manning the slot in the Wild Card round of last season's playoffs, Dallas Cowboys defensive back Israel Mukuamu left no doubt: He belongs on the playing field.
Although he barely played on defense during the regular season, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn called his name to play at nickel as the team navigated multiple injuries at cornerback down the stretch.
In a game in which he allowed Tom Brady four completions in 35 coverage snaps for a 69 passer rating, Mukuamu's highlight came in a pass breakup against Pro Bowler WR Chris Godwin. As Godwin broke inside running a slant, Mukuamu used his length and size to dive and get both hands on the football to knock down Brady's bullet pass. That led to a fourth down for the Bucs.
Paired with back-to-back strong preseason showings and good play in training camp, it's clear Mukuamu is ready for a bigger role on defense. But the Cowboys' problem – and it's a GREAT one to have – is that there are no openings on Quinn's secondary for him to fill.
It's really a loaded position group.
Outside, Stephon Gilmore and Trevon Diggs will take care of things. Inside, DaRon Bland has emerged as a productive nickel cornerback. And well, the Cowboys have a three-headed monster at safety in Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, and Jayron Kearse.
Barring any injury, it's tough to see where Izzy could fit. The question many of us have is if Quinn will opt for Mukuamu's unique size for specific matchups. Maybe in certain packages, the young versatile defender will be featured. After all, he is taller and longer than Bland. His height ranks in the 99th percentile and his length in the 98th percentile among NFL defensive backs.
However, we know traits don't necessarily translate into being the best player. Bland has done enough for us to believe that he's got what it takes to fend off Mukuamu's push for defensive snaps.
The good news for the third-year player out of South Carolina is he could be the next man up for any position across the secondary. Last year, he logged 72 snaps at nickel, 72 in the box, and 45 at free safety, including the playoffs per PFF. He can do it all.
I wonder if Quinn will try to get him on the field even if everyone remains healthy. After all, he's earned it and could reinforce that feeling in training camp. The Cowboys should hope the problem of him needing to play goes unsolved as staying healthy would be the most beneficial outcome for everybody.
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Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
