Dallas, TX

Breaking down the front seven of new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2024

Breaking down the front seven of new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme

The Cowboys have found their defensive coordinator, making the decision Thursday night to hire Mike Zimmer. The former Vikings head coach returns to Dallas, where he coached for 13 seasons between the 90’s and early 2000’s. But what does Zimmer’s scheme look like? Let’s take a deep dive into how his front seven operates.

So many simulated pressures

The pass rush has become more important than ever in recent years, as the talent gap between pass rushers and pass protectors has become wildly unbalanced in favor of the defense. However, with the corresponding uptick in lightning-fast passing concepts and intentional creation of YAC opportunities on offense, the notion of blitzing to generate a pass rush has become riskier than ever.

Zimmer practically built his career out of generating pressure without blitzing. Simulated pressures have been around for ages, but Zimmer – as well as a multitude of Ravens defensive coaches in the early 2000’s – was one of the first to fully embrace the concept. The most basic definition of a simulated pressure is having a non-traditional pass rusher go after the quarterback while dropping a traditional pass rusher into coverage; however, as the NFL has become more positionless in recent years, the application of the term can often be applied to any look that bluffs a blitz but actually only sends four rushers.

The thinking behind this is that offenses usually will make adjustments to their pass protection based on the look that a defense shows before the snap. Different offenses have different rules for handling a suspected blitzer, but simulated pressures are designed to trick the offense into adjusting their pass protection scheme to account for a player that isn’t actually blitzing. This then creates more favorable matchups for the real pass rushers, and coaches like Zimmer will often pair this with defensive line stunts to exploit the weaknesses of the pass protection that were created by the fake blitz look.

Simulated pressures have taken the league by storm in the last few years, but Zimmer has been the king of simulated pressures for decades now. He makes frequent use of fake blitz looks and stunts that wreak havoc on the offensive line, and he often succeeds in getting pressure on the quarterback without actually blitzing. Zimmer’s defenses are usually near the bottom of the league in blitz rate (defined as more than four pass rushers) even though he frequently sends linebackers or defensive backs after the quarterback.

Quinn made frequent use of simulated pressures in Dallas, especially after Micah Parsons’ emergence as a premier pass rusher. Zimmer brings a similar mindset, though with a little more routine behind it. While Quinn usually broke out his simulated pressure package in obvious passing downs, Zimmer will usually utilize his on just about any down, which makes it harder for offenses to adjust.

The split mug front

When talking about Zimmer and simulated pressures, the best example is the split mug front, something that became a calling card of his and has since become a staple for NFL defenses all over. The split mug front, also known as the double A gap front, features both linebackers lined up in the A gaps and the slot corner and one safety walked up to the line of scrimmage, threatening to blitz.

For context, this video is 6 years old…
Here’s Jon Gruden breaking down what he loved about Mike Zimmers’ defense in Minnesota.
It’s his “Double-A Package.”
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Seems like this could fit the skill set of #Cowboys Micah Parsons and Donovan Wilson very well
( : @espn YT) pic.twitter.com/ggV3u8OSYY
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) February 4, 2024

In showing this look, offenses potentially have to account for up to four pass rushers on either side of the field, which puts maximum stress on the pass protection. Zimmer rarely sends the house in these looks, but it’s anyone’s guess as to who is bailing into coverage and who is rushing the passer.

Oftentimes, this is determined by the offensive line. A frequent call from the split mug front is the center read, where the two linebackers in the A gaps read the center and determine their pass rush from there: if the center turns to the linebacker on his right, the one on his left rushes while the other drops into coverage, and vice versa. Zimmer also has a similar read for outside blitzes from either the slot corner or safety. This makes it extremely difficult for the offense to read things pre-snap and – when executed well – makes it impossible for the offense to be right post-snap.

Every defense has this look in their playbook these days, and Quinn utilized it at one of the highest rates in the league the last few years. But Quinn and others mostly use this front on obvious passing downs, where it’s been highly effective. On the contrary, Zimmer has a wide variety of different packages built out of this look, which only expands its utility and applications in a game.

Big bodies on run defense

Run defense was a consistent issue for the Cowboys under Quinn, though it was often by design: Quinn was dedicated to stopping the pass at all costs, and often felt okay with compromising his run fits for better pass rush opportunities. That will certainly not be the case under Zimmer.

Stopping the run is a top priority for Zimmer. The former defensive backs coach has built a career out of his unique ability to affect passing schemes, which is why Zimmer puts a premium on stopping the run. The goal is to make offenses one-dimensional, thus allowing his pass rushers to pin their ears back and get after the quarterback.

Since Zimmer’s scheme often uses aggressive, attacking techniques along the defensive line, the coach has frequently sought out bigger bodies to aid in run defense. When Zimmer first became the Vikings head coach, he went out and signed the 330 pound Linval Joseph to plug the middle of the defensive line. Joseph served as Zimmer’s nose tackle for six seasons, at which time he was replaced by the 350 pound Michael Pierce. It’s likely that one of Zimmer’s first priorities will be getting Mazi Smith into a workout routine with trainers named Ben and Jerry.

Zimmer also prefers more heft at the linebacker position, a departure from Quinn’s preference for leaner second-level players. While Zimmer makes frequent use of nickel packages with just two linebackers, he primarily relied on the duo of Anthony Barr (who hovered around 245 and 255 pounds) and Eric Kendricks (who was usually around 235 pounds). The Cowboys were fairly light at the position, both from a numbers perspective and a size perspective, but Zimmer will likely look to change that moving forward.

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Dallas, TX

This North Oak Cliff neighborhood is Dallas’ friendliest

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2025

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This North Oak Cliff neighborhood is Dallas’ friendliest

Nextdoor, the social media platform that connects neighbors through shared recommendations and local updates, recently released its ranking of the friendliest places to live in Dallas. At the top of the list is South Winnetka Heights, an Oak Cliff neighborhood of about 95 homes, many of which date back to the 1920s and ’30s.

Lists like these are subjective, to put it mildly, but in a sprawling city like Dallas, friendliness can feel like a lost art. It’s heartening to see neighborhoods that value connection where the neighborly spirit is thriving.

Last year, the neighborhood just a few streets away from Bishop Arts became an approved conservation district. The ordinance protects the roughly four blocks of Craftsman and bungalow-style houses south of 12th Street, which divides South Winnetka Heights from the Winnetka Heights historic district.

In December, the historic district hosts a holiday home tour, when residents open the doors of their Craftsman homes to visitors. It’s clear that residents take pride in showing off their neighborhood and its Prairie-style and Craftsman houses.

Michael “Patty” Evans has called South Winnetka Heights home for over 20 years and was among the residents who pushed for its conservation district status. He explained that the rules are looser than those of their northern neighbors in the Winnetka Heights historic district — protecting the character of the homes without stricter material or design regulations.

Nextdoor determines neighborhood scores based on factors like posts with positive or negative tones, fulfilled neighbor requests and posts expressing neighborhood pride or dissatisfaction. But that community feel isn’t limited to online.

Evans described the streets around him as a “tight neighborhood.” He said neighbors take the time to introduce themselves to new residents, and that this creates a network of people who know one another and keep tabs on what goes on in the neighborhood.

As much as Chicago or New York are cities of neighborhoods, Dallas is also a city of neighborhoods, and we should try to preserve this sense of community where we can.

As new developments and luxury apartment complexes come to Bishop Arts and more residents and businesses gravitate toward areas like Uptown, finding ways to stay connected to the local community feels increasingly important.

Evans said that sitting on his porch in South Winnetka Heights, especially when the leaves begin to fall, he can see downtown Dallas.

The city is a lot smaller than it can feel, especially when neighbors take the time to talk to each other, and not just online, but also by waving from their porches.

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Dallas, TX

Trade rumors heating up as Dallas Mavericks could make major move after awful start

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20 hours ago

November 21, 2025

Press Room

Trade rumors heating up as Dallas Mavericks could make major move after awful start

The Dallas Mavericks are in a tough spot. Through the early stages of the 2025-26 campaign, the Mavericks are a mere 4-12 and have one of the worst records in the NBA.

An unbalanced roster and plenty of injuries are making it more and more likely that the Mavericks won’t be able to dig out of this hole, even if Kyrie Irving is able to return from an ACL injury.

At this point, focusing on the future should be Dallas’s primary objective. The franchise only controls one of its own first-round picks through 2030, and that selection will fall this summer.

READ MORE: Mavericks deliver tough season-ending update on failed Nico Harrison signing

If there’s a path to regaining assets, the Mavericks must explore possibilities, including major moves that would break up the current team.

Trade Rumors Heating Up Around Mavericks’ Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson

Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) and guard Klay Thompson (31) celebrates after Davis dunks the ball during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

It’s no real secret that the Mavericks would part with just about any player on their roster for the right price, including Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson.

According to Dallas Hoops Journal’s Ashish Mathur, Davis and Thompson are aware there’s reportedly “a high chance” the franchise trades them. Both players have been quite disappointing since being acquired by the Mavericks.

Davis was obviously the “crown jewel” in the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s only played in 14 regular-season games since the deal due to a variety of injuries.

So far this year, Davis has appeared in five games, averaging 20.8 points, – tied for the second-lowest mark of his career – 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He’s missed the last 11 outings due to bilateral Achilles tendinosis and a calf strain.

Davis is signed through the 2027-28 season and is making north of $54 million this season. The 32-year-old is a 10x NBA All-Star and won a championship with the Lakers in 2020.

Thompson is in the second season of a three-year/$50 million contract, joining the Mavericks via sign-and-trade from the Golden State Warriors in 2024.

The veteran sharpshooter has fallen off a cliff this season. Thompson was removed from the starting lineup earlier this season. He’s averaging a career-low 9.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Thompson is only shooting 34.7% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range.

Thompson is a 5x NBA All-Star and he won four titles with the Warriors.

Parting ways with a handful of veterans would give the Mavericks an opportunity to fully focus on building around Cooper Flagg.

READ MORE: NBA expert believes Mavericks’ situation is most ‘dire’ it’s ever been

Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2025-26 season

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter

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Dallas, TX

FC Dallas 2026 Match Schedule: Every Game, Every Date

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2025

Press Room

FC Dallas 2026 Match Schedule: Every Game, Every Date

Major League Soccer today announced FC Dallas’ 34-match schedule for the 2026 MLS regular season. FC Dallas opens its 31st season at Toyota Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 21, against Toronto FC.

Beginning in 2026, all FC Dallas MLS matches will be available to stream for Apple TV subscribers at no additional cost.

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Key items of the schedule

Long road stretch: Dallas will play nine consecutive road matches during Toyota Stadium renovations, the longest stretch in club history. This will kick off before the league’s pause for the 2026 World Cup in May and wrap up at the end of August.

FIFA World Cup break: The league will pause its schedule for the World Cup from May 25 through July 16.

No interrupted playoff schedule: Following Decision Day 2026 on November 7, the league will observe the November FIFA window before beginning one month of uninterrupted 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs action, culminating in 2026 MLS Cup. The complete postseason schedule will be announced at a later date.

First time against Charlotte: While the two clubs met in the 2023 Leagues Cup, FC Dallas will get its first match against Charlotte FC in league play when they visit the Queen City in early October.

Against the East: Including Charlotte and the opener against Toronto, Dallas will also face Nashville SC, D.C. United, the New York Red Bulls, and the Columbus Crew. Dallas last faced Toronto, D.C. United and the Red Bulls in the 2024 regular season and last faced Nashville and Columbus in 2023. Dallas will visit Charlotte FC for the first time.

Copa Tejas: There will be a pretty long stretch between games against the Houston Dynamo in 2026, with the first coming in March and the follow up in Houston in October. On the other hand, Dallas will see Austin twice within a month’s time.

Halloween game: Yes, Dallas will play a game on Halloween night. I believe this could be the first league game for Dallas on Halloween, but don’t hold me to that.

Wednesday night soccer: There will be seven mid-week games in the regular season for FC Dallas in 2026.

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