The Dallas Cowboys are under some pressure to succeed in 2024 and get over their current slump. If not, during the 2025 offseason, significant adjustments might be done.
This summer, the only thing on everyone’s mind has been impending contract renewals. Both wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, the team’s top target, and quarterback Dak Prescott are waiting on new contracts from the organization.
Lamb has not attended the Cowboys’ offseason program, although Prescott has. The offensive strategy of the squad would be significantly altered if holdouts materialized.
The defense would then be under a great deal of pressure. The Cowboys’ defense was ranked fifth in 2023 in terms of both yards allowed and points allowed. However, Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator, is no longer with the group.
Mike Zimmer, who has some voids to fill, will take his place. One of those gaps is at linebacker, where the club lost Leighton Vander Esch, a veteran, to an injury-related forced retirement.
Though DeMarvion Overshown, a second-year player, will be the center of attention, Erik Kendricks was signed to assist cover the hole. Overshown, a Texas native selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, is a converted safety.
Prior to suffering an ACL tear in the second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, he was performing at a high level last summer. He was on the verge of starting for the Cowboys before to the setback.
Overshown is on Marcus Mosher’s list of defensive player breakouts for 2024 here at The 33rd Team, and he’s ready to get back into the fight.
“As we enter Year 2, Overshown is in good health and prepared to play again. In order to better compete with offensive linemen in the run game, he has gained considerable mass. Even yet, he makes even more sense for Mike Zimmer, the new defensive coordinator, than he did for Quinn’s unit.
The Cowboys boast one of the strongest secondaries in the league and a wealth of skill up front on their defensive line. However, the play of their linebackers has been their weak point and has cost them in the playoffs. If Overshown is the solution to that issue, the Cowboys might once more have a top-tier defense in 2024, according to Mosher.
It’s difficult to play linebacker in a defense directed by Zimmer. He frequently uses blitzes to cram the line of scrimmage. While pursuing the quarterback is crucial, it’s equally critical to be able to drop into coverage.
In the NFL, that is a distinct skill set. However, a player like Overshown, who began his career as a safety, ought to be able to adjust to its demands.
Overshown can strengthen the Cowboys’ weaknesses from previous seasons. He is exactly what they need to bolster their defense at the second level.
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