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After defeating the Detroit Lions 20-19 on Saturday night, the Dallas Cowboys returned to The Star on Monday to start the new year. With a victory over the Commanders on Sunday afternoon, they may win the NFC East, and their confidence is strong.
On Monday afternoon, special teams coordinator John Fassel, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn met with media to talk about the last few games of the regular season.
These were the main points of the discussions.
News about Quinn
It’s no secret that Dan Quinn declined head coaching opportunities the previous offseason in order to stay on as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator for at least one more season. Today, he provided some insight into the decision-making process behind that decision as well as his approach to the potential for those opportunities to arise again this coming offseason.
“I think it’s important to know how to compartmentalize,” Quinn stated. Luckily for me, any preparation you would undertake for it would take place throughout the summer. I would be more than willing to talk about that right away if and when that time comes. Separating things now days is not that difficult. To be honest, I wanted to come back here because of the guys I get to coach, so I’m not going to let that opportunity pass by.”
“I had unresolved business with these men, and I didn’t want to see anybody else train them. I knew I had unresolved business with them because of it, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to follow through as much as possible. I really do feel that way once more. Staying here now makes compartmentalization simple. It’s not as complicated as you may assume because I already live in that area.”
More attention is being directed toward the worst aspect of the Dallas offense, even in spite of Tony Pollard and the other rushing options putting up yet another lackluster showing in the running game. Brian Schottenheimer maintained his belief in the staff and their potential for improvement when questioned about it.
“Our running game is not a cause for concern,” Schottenheimer stated. “There is no doubt that there are problems that need to be cleaned up. We are conscious of it. Do we have all the necessary parts to succeed? Indeed. Are there any areas that require tightening up? Of course. We’re close, in my opinion, because of the offensive line when they’re all together, Tony’s ability to get things moving, and the receivers’ excellent blocking.
Not flinching away in defense
After a highly contentious illegal touching penalty against the Lions, an offsides call against the Cowboys, and a stop by the Dallas defense to secure the victory, the Dallas defense faced three two-point attempts from Detroit in the closing minutes of the game.
“What we were looking for in those moments was no flinching,” Quinn stated. “I knew who the flag was on when we jumped [offsides].” I informed the boys that we would be returning. I didn’t even hesitate to think that we would go back and fight for it.”
Ron’s Defense on the Riverboat
The Commanders fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and assigned head coach Ron Rivera to oversee the defense for the remainder of the season after their Thanksgiving Day 45-10 loss to the Cowboys. Schottenheimer believes his organization will succeed once more, despite the fact that some schemes and personnel groups have changed.
Schottenheimer remarked, “I think you see Ron’s fingerprint.” Three off-the-ball linebackers are frequently seen. They still have a really great playing style. They maintain their aggressiveness and allow the linebackers to rush through and penetrate up front. On the back end, you see a lot of shell coverage with their safeties and corners changing things up by playing a lot of quarters. When they played San Francisco yesterday, they played a lot of one-high. There is a strong emphasis on execution.
Claimed to be
After Detroit feigned a sweep to the right, the Cowboys allowed a fake punt intended for starting gunner Jalen Tolbert to be blocked for the second time in four games. Detroit then proceeded to pop up and complete a 32-yard ball over Tolbert’s head for a first down conversion.
Fassel remarked, “It was a good fake—it was different.” “Jalen Tolbert came up to play in run support while we were in our defensive alignment, and the gunner bluffed him, slipped past him, and they dumped it over the top. He kind of ran a fake sweep.” He threw it really well.Without a doubt, we’ll continue to evaluate every member of staff throughout every stage.”