Mike Zimmer has an interesting strategy for young Cowboys defenders

Mike Zimmer has an interesting strategy for young Cowboys defenders

Dan Quinn left to become the Commanders’ head coach two months ago, and Dallas hired coaching veteran Mike Zimmer to replace him. Since the February hiring, we’ve witnessed Zimmer’s influenceDan Quinn left to become the Commanders’ head coach two months ago, and Dallas hired coaching veteran Mike Zimmer to replace him.

Since that February hiring, we’ve seen Zimmer’s influence appear in various ways.

Starting in free agency, the former Vikings leader got to work on luring his former defensive captain, Eric Kendricks, to the Cowboys.

The 2024 NFL Draft also had Zimmer’s fingerprints all over it.

Bringing in rookies like Marshawn Kneeland, Marist Liufau, and Caelen Carson are all textbook “Zim” moves.

Listening to Zimmer.

The Kneeland pick makes so much sense now. Dallas isn’t going to keep Micah Stationary so you need a Physical D End to replace where Micah may be leaving.

Overshown’s Muscle Gain
Ever since this former Longhorns star went down with an ACL tear, his return has been hyped up by Cowboys fans.

Now, that hype is as strong as it can be.

During this week, it was reported that Overshown added close to 15 lbs of muscle during his recover

However, with actual on-field practice on the horizon, we’re learning about his defensive approach for the club in 2024. Aside from his signature fiery, passionate style and scheme, Zimmer is also focusing on the physical aspect. He has been particularly focused on two of the team’s most crucial young defenders. DeMarvion Overshown and Mazi Smith, both second-year athletes, are bulking up.

That is a major bulk-up from the young linebacker.

Many have noted that “Agent 0” was already muscled up in college, and that is true.
With his athleticism, speed, and range, that size is deadly.

Bulking Overshown up during his recovery wasn’t all Zimmer’s work, as he was hired late into that process.

But it still shows a commitment from him to get these guys bigger.

The Dallas linebacker corps, even with adding Kendricks and Liufau, isn’t great.

If Overshown can come in with a stronger build and ball out, that will be a great help. Now the question is: will he live up to the hype?

Smith’s weight is For the former 26th pick in the draft, 2023 was the worst possible outcome. He didn’t contribute much, lost a lot of weight, and sustained a shoulder injury that he is now healing from. This time around, he wants to rewrite the “bust” narrative. Smith is regaining weight with Zimmer’s support and advice.

Zimmer will not specify his desired weight, although it is far higher than what he played at last season. Rumors circulated about why he lost so much weight in the first place. What matters is that the idea failed, regardless of who came up with it. Smith’s weight loss prevented him from competing at nose tackle, which is where he was picked. Zimmer’s scheme requires a nose tackle to function properly, and he plainly believes a bigger Smith can do so.

Let’s not mince words here.

Osa Odighizuwa heads the bunch, but following him, there’s no clear best alternative. This provides this previous first-round pick a fantastic opportunity to make his selection worth it, and adding back some weight is the first significant step. Dallas might finally receive production from Smith in 2024.

Read more on sportchannel.co.uk