Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn talked to 105.3 The Fan about key players who have already taken significant steps for the season and the identity he wants the defense to have.
Dan Quinn Highlights Micah Parsons’ Improvements
Quinn quickly pointed out that Micah Parsons was already talented but is now getting more skills to match that talent.
“As a young guy coming in super gifted and had great explosiveness, but now his hand use is so much better, his knowledge of what to see is getting better, and so that’s the thing that has jumped out to me is just adding the skill work, you know, at the line of scrimmage, especially with his hands,” said Quinn.
Quinn talked about Parsons’ transition to EDGE, saying that there was an indication when he was in college that he could play at the position because of how much they blitzed him. They knew early on that Parsons could be a “pressure player.”
Dan Quinn Talks Trevon Diggs-Stephon Gilmore Pairing
Quinn talked about cornerback Trevon Diggs’ return to the field after dealing with a bruised toe, saying he was “chomping at the bit to get back” and, although he doesn’t say much, he is “a real competitor.”
Of course, Quinn mentioned the addition of cornerback Stephon Gilmore and the bond he and Diggs have built.
“One of the very first things I noticed was him even talking to a receiver about a route or a release. So he’s not somebody that just keeps all the information to himself,” said Quinn, explaining that Gilmore will work with both the defense and offense if he sees something he can help with.
Quinn stated that Gilmore fits right into the locker room that he describes as already having good energy. He also mentioned that having Gilmore and Diggs allows him to lock in both guys to a side for the most part.
Quinn discussed the importance of being a physical team and establishing an identity, saying when people watch them play, they should know what they will see.
“When you get a chance to acquire somebody to be on the team, you want to make sure ‘hey, do they fit the standards and the identity that we want to be about?’ Because if you don’t, then you’re kind of up and down as a group,” said Quinn, who noted there is no shortage of connection, competitiveness, and toughness that goes around the entire room.
As for cornerbacks Nahshon Wright and Kelvin Joseph, Quinn said he’s proud of them for the work they have put in during the offseason to get better.
Quinn said that Wright had a much-needed moment of pride with an interception he caught early on in camp, and Joseph has handled the challenge well of being on the inside and the outside.
Defensive Toughness and Players on the Rise
Quinn was asked who the younger guys should mirror if they want to emulate toughness; he said safety Donovan Wilson and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins.
“When you talk about Donovan, that is how he’s featured how he does, he’s one of our best hitters, one of our best tacklers, and we put him into those spaces to do that,” said Quinn.
As for Hankins, he said, “he really plays in a really physical style, and so you see him going for it.”
Quinn gave credit to two guys for leveling up: linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and safety Malik Hooker. He said that their offseason training contributed to their current level.
“Both of them are a little leaner, but I just feel their speed, their communication on the field, and so when you’re already a good player leveling up to the next one — didn’t know it was that easy — but I see those two taking that spot,” he said.
Cowboys Defense vs. Offense
In the matchup between his defense and the head coach Mike McCarthy-called offense, Quinn said he has to “get it going fast,” knowing McCarthy’s play-calling history.
“He’s sharp; he’s on it. He calls it quick. That’s been his history, so you better be ready to get it going fast,” said Quinn.
Lastly, Quinn talked about quarterback Dak Prescott, saying that he is “that guy” who is not just an offensive leader but a leader for the entire team.
“He’s certainly one of the very best leaders that I’ve been around as a player through all my time in the NFL. He’s got that kind of it factor around him,” said Quinn.