Markquese in Zimmer's Scheme, Cowboys' 'Physical' Defense

Despite the 13-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys defense showed out in its debut under Mike Zimmer. The new defensive coordinator did not have his expected treasure trove of assets suited up, but impressed with the pieces available.

The positive reaction to the team's first preseason performance not only beamed from the outside spectators but within the locker room as well.

One of the stars of the game, safety Markquese Bell, glowed about Zimmer and the new scheme after the game. Bell shined on Sunday, totaling nine tackles with an interception.

While encouraged about the new leader of this defense, he provided some insight into the mindset and culture of this defense .

"We're a physical group. From the front end to the back end. If we don't play physical, we don't play to our play style," he said.

He expanded with some thoughts on the younger players among the group.

"Y'all see them. They flying around, they hitting, they be active. Having those young guys up there ready to learn they're always asking questions, always trying to get better."

The Cowboys defense has certainly impacted the team's last three winning seasons and been a reliable unit. But "physical" would not be a fit description of their style in the past.

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Dallas did not match the physicality of teams like San Francisco and Green Bay in key moments the previous two seasons. One preseason game does not prove change on that end, but it appears the players are motivated to manifest that into their on-field performance.

If that is a motivation among players like Bell who have been through those failures and seen a different system, then one should assume the hungry young players that Bell speaks of will absorb that mentality.

Through the time in training camp and one game, Zimmer has seemingly struck a chord among this group. The starters have yet to experience and demonstrate this style in game, but the exciting results from the preseason opener have built the anticipation for that debut.