Grey clouds continue to hover at the Dallas Cowboys camp as the new NFL season is almost here. With Dak Prescott’s contract extension up in the air, things aren’t exactly smooth sailing at AT&T Stadium. And that’s not even the biggest concern. Dan Quinn’s recent exit could spell disaster for Dallas’ rock-solid defense. The head coach position at the Washington Commanders was an opportunity Dan Quinn couldn’t refuse. Joining their biggest rival in the NFC East division, Dan’s departure might derail the Cowboys’ ambition for a Super Bowl run.

Speaking on that subject, Frank Schwab, an NFL analyst on “Yahoo Sports”, raised his concerns regarding deeper problems related to the Cowboys’ defense with Jason Fitz. He shared his concerns on Dan Quinn’s absence, stating, “My one big thing for the Cowboys look, what are we talking about all the time we talk about Dak Prescott’s contract, we talk about CeeDee Lamb’s contract, the offense, and all those stuff. What have we not talked about, like losing Dan Quinn? And it goes back to underrating losing coordinators. It is a big deal.”

Frank went on to support his view by citing the historical collapse of the Eagles last season. Pointing out how “they lost DC Jonathan Gannon and OC Shane Steichen before the Super Bowl” and even though everyone believed they will fine, “they weren’t fine”. For the Eagles, the 2023 NFL season will surely bring back nightmares as the team started at 10-1. But, racked up five-plus losses in the latter weeks, failing to win the division.

Dan, who took over as defensive coordinator for the Cowboys in the 2021 season, turned Dallas into a defensive powerhouse. Throughout his first season, they led the interceptions chart. Moreover, they ended up finishing fifth in consecutive seasons in terms of points allowed. While having players like Parsons, Diggs and Pro Bowlers like DeMarcus Lawrence and DaRon Bland turn Dallas into an aggressive defensive unit.

To sum up his departure, Dan shared a few words for his former team in an episode of “Pardon My Take,” “When I left, I texted them before I took the job. Just to say man like, a big piece of why I got this job is because of you guys. And so I wanted to make sure I shared that gratitude with them because like. I wouldn’t have been in this spot, to have chances, had it not been for them.” Within the Dallas dressing room, Dan was highly respected as he turned a talented defensive pool into Super Bowl contenders.

This takes us to the question of whether the new man replacing Dan in the 2024 NFL season can carry on his momentum. Or will the best defensive unit in the last few seasons lose its footing?

Is Mike Zimmer the right man to take over Quinn’s defensive revolution?

With Dan taking over the reins at the Cowboys’ nearest rival. Dallas had to bring someone loyal who knew his way around the Cowboys’ camp. And so, Mike Zimmer returned 18 years after his first stint with the team as the new DC. Zimmer opined on his return, “It feels outstanding. I’ve got two grandkids, twins, excited to be around them more. I’ve always loved Dallas, I’ve always loved the Cowboys.” Although it seems like a distant reunion coming true on the gridiron. The Zimmer that the Cowboys knew might not be the one currently with them.

Over the years, Zimmer has forged a notorious reputation, with some fans calling him an in-your-face, hard-nosed, old-school football coach. So, it’s not far-fetched to say Zimmer will bring a hard-intensity approach to the already aggressive Dallas defense. Furthermore, HC Mike McCarthy was visibly excited by having Zimmer in his backroom team, stating, “Mike brings so much to the table. And I think the fact that he’s older than me is probably number one.”

It remains to be seen whether Zimmer can build on the defensive base that Dan left over. Can he lead the Cowboys to dominate the Quinn-led Commanders this season?