It appears that Mike Zimmer has been rather impactful in landing certain free agents.
If you don’t have quality bodies on your defensive line, your defense will not succeed. It’s that simple. For the Dallas Cowboys, it was essential that this particular group was addressed, especially on the interior. Dallas made a big addition, literally, when they traded for Jordan Phillips, who is 6’6″ and 340 pounds with flexibility to play all across the defensive line. However, the Cowboys still needed an anchor at the one-tech who could clog up lanes and take on double teams. That’s where Linval Joseph comes into play.
The Cowboys added the 6’4″, 330-pounder to the mix as well. Joseph is no stranger to new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. After four years with the New York Giants, Joseph signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, the same year Zimmer took over as head coach. Joseph had his only Pro Bowl campaigns under Zimmer in 2016 and 2017. So, this was a natural fit for all parties involved.
Joseph isn’t the player he used to be. However, his experience can’t be denied, and the familiarity with what Zimmer wants to do is like riding a bike for Joseph. When it comes to getting Joseph to Dallas, Zimmer was a huge influence on the former second-round pick.
I know Zimmer. I know this defense and I’m just glad to be a part of this defense again. I played six years in this defense and it really helped my development in my game.
Mazi Smith, the Cowboys’ second-round pick from a year ago, was looked at to take the next step in 2024. There’s been flashes, but Smith still hasn’t found the consistency the Cowboys need to have full faith in him. Because he’s a draft pick, it wouldn’t be surprising if Smith got the nod to start initially, but Joseph and his experience in Zimmer’s system could limit his snaps. After all, as we speak today, Joseph is the better player.
Joseph broke down what it means to play under Zimmer earlier this week.
So being a D-tackle in this system, you have to be selfless. If you’re selfish, it won’t work for you. You just have to be able to give it your all, help others, and let plays come to you.
This is the 15th NFL season for Joseph. He has some juice left in the tank, but after all the battles for a decade and a half, his career is certainly nearing an end. While he’s in Dallas, which for the moment will be just for one year, the Cowboys will need Joseph to help their run defense, which has left much to be desired lately. Also, there’s another role he gets to play, mentor.
Along with Smith, the Cowboys have Osa Odighizuwa, who has been the main three-tech in Dallas for the last several years. Joseph has a reputation for mentoring younger players, and he plans to do the same in Dallas.
I love it. I embrace it. It’s not going to last forever, one, but two, young guys look up to me and I just want to make sure I put my best foot forward and guide them any way I can.
The regular season is right around the corner, and it’ll be interesting to see what impact Joseph can have under Zimmer at this stage in his career.
