Cowboys' Dan Quinn is about to pull off yet another genius move
Since he arrived at the Dallas Cowboys, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has shown his genius in so many ways. He led Micah Parsons' transition from off-ball linebacker to (nearly full-time) pass rusher. He's forced the organization to value the safety position like never before. And he's turned his defense into a position-less unit in so […]
Since he arrived at the Dallas Cowboys, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has shown his genius in so many ways.
He led Micah Parsons' transition from off-ball linebacker to (nearly full-time) pass rusher. He's forced the organization to value the safety position like never before. And he's turned his defense into a position-less unit in so many ways.
Jayron Kearse is a safety. But he's also kind of a linebacker, isn't he? Pretty much every edge rusher can work from the interior defensive line whenever they're asked to. And we know Parsons can do many more things than just get to the quarterback.
Now, Quinn is set to solve one of the biggest problems facing the franchise with another genius decision: Fixing the lack of depth at linebacker by adding linebacker duties for safety Markquese Bell.
Following a season-ending injury to rookie DeMarvion Overshown, who was projected to be the primary backup to Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark, the Cowboys have little to bank on at the position. But on Quinn's defense, safeties can take on linebacker duties almost seamlessly.
Bell in particular could thrive in this area. Out of 92 defensive snaps he's played in the preseason, 44 have been in the box and 18 at the line of scrimmage, per Pro Football Focus. Asked what position he thought of himself in, the second-year player offered a perfect response.
"I think I'm a football player honestly," Bell told reporters after Wednesday's open practice at The Star. "Whatever they need me to do."
Quinn's decision is likely to boost Bell's roster chances. Entering the preseason finale, Bell seems to be in a battle for the fifth and probably last roster spot at safety. His rival is Juanyeh Thomas, who's more of a free safety than a box safety. Thomas has had a strong training camp and a couple of preseason games with flashes of what he can be.
But the team's need to replace Overshown could be enough to make Bell the undisputable favorite.
Cowboys: 3 potential replacements for DeMarvion Overshown
The in-house option could be best.
Featured image via Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
