McCarthy has new vision for Cowboys’ defense

MOBILE, Ala. – Mike McCarthy gets it: Parts of the Cowboys’ league- leading offense already work.

If it ain’t broke, no need to completely fix the scheme that raced to 431.5 yards per game and 27.1 points ( sixth most) under first- year offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in 2019.

So the longtime Packers coach plans to upgrade components of Dallas’ offense but keep parts – including Moore, the only member of the 2019 staff to maintain his position – the same. Forget that on defense.

“The defensive system is going to change,” McCarthy said last week in a sit- down with local beat writers. “The terminology, there is going to be a big change there.”

Sure, McCarthy reckons, the Cowboys’ defense will continue to present a four- man front under coordinator Mike Nolan, most recently the Saints linebackers coach, and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula.

But the trio of former NFL head coaches insist: First, find talent. Then match the scheme.

“Player acquisition and coaching instruction is a two- way street,” McCarthy said. “I think if you have a system of defense where you need a certain player to fit your scheme, you’re limiting your personnel department.

“Let’s get as many good football players as we possibly can. It’s our job as coaches to make sure our scheme boundaries are plenty wide enough to fit any excellent football player into our program.”

The philosophy is a pivot from what six- year defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli sought, vice president Stephen Jones said Tuesday.

“To some degree, it is,” Jones said from Senior Bowl practice in Mobile, where he joined Cowboys’ personnel to evaluate talent. “As you all know, Rod very ( much) knew what he wanted in his defense and the type of players he wanted. So there is some degree of flexibility there.”

Marinelli’s defense had successes, Jones emphasized. They played hard and hustled, Jones said, ranking at least top 11 in scoring and yards allowed in each of the last two seasons. Marinelli was committed to a 4- 3 zone defense that prioritized defensive linemen’s abilities to play fast and focus on one gap.

“We all got one job to do,” defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence described it in August. “We stop the run on the way to the quarterback. It’s all about our intensity, get- off.”

McCarthy says he wants his defensive scheme to mold to his roster. Defensive packages will adapt to each opponent.

“3- 4 and 4- 3 defense is how you’re identifying the player profiles,” McCarthy said. “I feel like player acquisition and coaching instruction is a two- way street. I think if you have a system of defense where you need a certain player to fit your scheme, you’re limiting your personnel department.”

Sure, he’ll seek length and athleticism in a defense from which management craves more takeaways. ( Dallas intercepted nine balls in 2018 and just seven in 2019.) McCarthy must better marry the rush and coverage and shore up a linebacking corps that struggled against screen plays.

But he won’t predetermine how to chase those results, he says.

“Let’s get as many good football players as we possibly can,” McCarthy said. “It’s our job as coaches to make sure our scheme boundaries are plenty wide enough to fit any excellent football player into our program. That’s always been a philosophy of mine on offense and that’ll continue to be so on defense.”

Cowboys’ leadership is on board. McCarthy continues to meet regularly with Stephen Jones, owner/ general manager Jerry Jones and vice president of player personnel Will McClay. Each has emphasized their intent to make “we” decisions as it relates to personnel. McCarthy did not bring his coaching staff to Mobile for Senior Bowl evaluations as they transition to new jobs. Stephen Jones and the scouting department evaluated talent on their behalf.

“Being a multiple defense and being able to do a lot of things as we’re starting to see around the league can be problematic for opposing teams, coordinators and quarterbacks seeing different plays,” Jones said. “To some degree, we’ll evolve into that type of defense.

“I think Mike said it best: He just wants to take players that can make plays. And scheme around those type of players.”

BRANDON WADE/ AP Mike McCarthy was introduced as the new Cowboys’ coach on Jan. 8.