It turns out Dan Quinn likes linebackers after all. The former Cowboys defensive coordinator came under fire late in 2023 for not properly staffing the position on his defense. The defensive leader had built a reputation during his tenure in Dallas for favoring the safety position, often leaning on versions of his Big Nickel in situations most coaches would have fielded a base 4-3.
Extra safeties made the Cowboys stronger in coverage but proportionately made them vulnerable to the run. Their issues against the run were magnified when poor defensive line play frequently allowed 300-pound blockers to come head-to-head with second-level defenders. To many, the mismatch of personnel fell solely at the feet of Quinn.
He fell victim to the mismatches in personnel and he refused to alter course even when the mismatch was becoming quite obvious. National media discussed it, local media questioned his logic and fans stewed over it. Quinn’s safety-heavy schemes were getting exposed and his unwillingness to adjust was perceived as obstinance at best and foolishness at worst.
Two months after leaving Dallas for the greener pastures of the Potomac Drainage Basin and Quinn is putting old perceptions to bed. The new head coach of the Commanders has been busy signing free agents. Among them notable LBs, Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu and Anthony Pittman.
Wagner, a former Quinn player from their days in Seattle, was also available in free agency while Quinn was coaching the Cowboys. The decision makers in Dallas weren’t interested in Wagner at that time, whereas the decision makers in Washington clearly are today.
It’s become glaringly apparent the LB deficiency in Dallas last season, and all the personnel mismatches that came with it, was a front office decision rather than a Quinn issue. Quinn’s reliance on his safety room was his way of cooking dinner with the ingredients he was given.
His only alternative was elevating fringe practice squad players and playing them over legit NFL starters, simply because of the extra 10-20 pounds they may have. Knowing that would only expose coverage issues, he leaned on his better players even if they were undersized. He really didn’t have much of a choice.
The Cowboys notoriously sit most of free agency out. They rummage through the discount bins once the crowds have dwindled and seemingly have zero qualms about leaning heavily on the draft for any and all unfilled needs.
In 2023 that gamble came back to bite them at the LB…
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