Fansided

What every NFC East team needs do before Week 1

By Russell S. Baxter

ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 09: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team looks on during mandatory minicamp at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 9, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 09: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team looks on during mandatory minicamp at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 9, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: Micah Parsons poses onstage after being selected 12th by the Dallas Cowboys during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys: Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn must make his mark immediately

Debacle? Disastrous? Take your pick. There was no “D” in “Big D” this past season as the Cowboys were dreadful on this side of the football. The club gave up the fifth-most points in the league (473) and a ridiculous 54 offensive touchdowns – 34 through the air. Coordinator Mike Nolan was one and done and has been replaced by Dan Quinn.

The team used eight of its 11 draft choices on defense, including first-round linebacker Micah Parsons. Via free agency, Dallas brought in several veterans and the most notable was Keanu Neal. He will make the transition from safety to outside linebacker.

Of course, this unit could get a big assist from the offense. Quarterback Dak Prescott is back after missing the final 11 games of 2020. The offensive line also looks to make amends. Combine that will running back Ezekiel Elliott on the rebound from an off-year and Quinn’s unit hopes to spend less time on the field than Nolan’s contingent a year ago.

And talk about an acid test. Mike McCarthy’s second year at the controls of Jerry Jones’ pride and joy begins in the league’s season opener – a prime time clash with the reigning Super Bowl champion Bucs at Tampa.

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