The Dallas Cowboys are heading into a matchup against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams, this Sunday with a 3-1 record, riding the wave if a three-game winning streak. And that’s due in large part to the play of their defense.
The Cowboys defense, lead by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, has been formidable through the team’s first four games of the season. They possess some very talented players on all three levels of their defense highlighted by big names like linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and cornerback Trevon Diggs.
And while the defense is being given much of the credit for this early run, the Cowboys offense has had to overcome a couple major obstacles to allow them to be effective as well. Dallas lost several big names this offseason either via trade or free agency. That included key offensive players like wide receivers Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson Jr. plus offensive tackle La’el Collins.
Not only has the Dallas offense had to compensate for those losses, but injuries have sidelined major contributors like quarterback Dak Prescott, offensive tackle Tyron Smith, and wide receiver Michael Gallup, with the latter only making his season debut against the Washington Commanders last Sunday.
The one man who has tied it all together has been head coach Mike McCarthy. And while many believed McCarthy was on the hot seat in Dallas entering this season, he’s proven to be a calming force behind the team’s current winning streak.
Here’s how Quinn responded in a recent presser this week when asked about the imprint McCarthy has on this team and the fact that despite the ups and down they’ve experienced this season, the head coach doesn’t seem fazed by it all.
“I think one of the things we all admired about Mike [McCarthy] so much is he’s just so steady. He doesn’t ride the roller-coaster, doesn’t go the up and downs. You know what you’re going to get everyday. And that’s a good quality to have from your leader to make sure in the tough games here’s there and the ones that you’re doing well he’s there. But he’s just such a consistent person for all of us. Not everybody has that. So, through the storms he can kinda see right through it and keep everyone on a level field. And I think that’s one of his superpowers that probably doesn’t get spoken about enough.”
Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator on head coach Mike McCarthy
The Dallas Cowboys head into a major battle with the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. A win could prove the team to be a legitimate playoff contender despite having backup quarterback Cooper Rush under center. A victory could also further cement Mike McCarthy as the right choice as the now and future head coach of America’s Team.
