Eric Kendricks was brought in to be a leader and it looks like he has accepted the challenge.
When new coaches are hired in the NFL, they typically bring their ‘guys’ with them, whether it is coaches on their prior staff they’re familiar with or players they know and trust. The Dallas Cowboys‘ new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, is certainly no different.
With coaches like Jeff Zgonina and Greg Ellis coming to mind, Zimmer has officially had his hands all over the makeup of this defensive unit. However, one of the most important additions Zimmer has made is not a coach but a player—Eric Kendricks.
The long-time Minnesota Viking and Zimmer confidant was brought in to lead this defense, and as he settles into that role, his message this week needs to be understood by all.
Kendricks’ message and leadership will be put to the test on Sunday
By now, we have all attempted to turn the page from the abysmal effort that was the Cowboys Week 2 showing against the Saints. However, as the Cowboys prepare for the Ravens in Week 3, it is that performance and that taste in the mouths of the NFL world that has made this a much more contentious third game than many had initially thought it would be.
With Micah Parsons talking in the media about leadership and the need to step up, some may look at Kendricks, the man who was brought in from the outside, to do just that this week.
At every step of the way, Kendricks has been an excellent addition to this Cowboys team in 2024. From being a friendly face in the locker room to having an infectious personality among fans and his teammates, it’s easy to see why Zimmer sees him as his guy.
However, beyond likability and the off-the-field stuff, Kendricks’s main purpose in being here is to help transition this group into the new scheme and lead the unit while doing so. Unfortunately, by all accounts, last week appeared to be an epic fail for not only Kendricks, but the entire unit.
With a new week and a fresh opportunity, Kendricks understands that the opportunity to be better is there.
“Man, this is a great opportunity we have. We’re playing the Baltimore Ravens, you know what I mean? So it’s like, this is a team we’ve known these past couple of years to be a serious contender, and this is a huge opportunity for us to show what we’re made of as a linebacker group.”
Kendricks was speaking about his position group specifically, but the message resonates all over the roster.
“So, have a smile in your face when we’re preparing. This is a great opportunity. This is what we love doing. This is what we want to do. Let’s go out and do it. You’re going to get hit in the mouth, but wipe the blood off and get going. Let’s go.”
There is no bigger opponent this week for the Cowboys than the man in the mirror. How does this group respond to a historically bad performance? What do they do with their opportunity to rectify it? All the answers provided to us this Sunday will go a long way in telling us just what this team is made of.
Either way, Kendricks appears to have the right message for his team, and it would behoove them to listen to his words.
