It has been fascinating to track all of the tweaks Mike Zimmer has made to the Dallas Cowboys defense since the start of training camp. Reporters have raved about Zimmer's disguised blitzes and coverages (just ask Dak Prescott), but he has also experimented putting players in different roles.
The biggest takeaway in that regard is Micah Parsons, who has seen extensive reps at off-ball linebacker. Parsons is obviously going to rush the passer, but Zimmer has taken the initiative to line Parsons up all over the line of scrimmage to make it even harder for opposing offenses to game plan for him.
Zimmer has also said that defensive lineman Chauncey Golston will play more on the edge this season than the interior. Golston will get some snaps inside, as he did in practice on Tuesday, but he has been disruptive against the run coming off the edge.
Golston seems primed for a big year, but there is a forgotten Cowboy who is experiencing a complete revival under Zimmer's watchful eye.
Mike Zimmer is getting the best out of Cowboys DB Israel Mukuamu
Israel Mukuamu has been an interesting (confusing) case study to say the least. Drafted as a safety, Mukuamu shined at slot cornerback in the Cowboys' 2022 playoff win over the Buccaneers when he locked down former Pro Bowler and four-time 1,000-yard receiver Chris Godwin.
Coming off that performance, Mukuamu seemed primed for a big role last season. However, he played just 75 defensive snaps despite being active for 14 games. Of those snaps, only five were in the slot compared to 33 as a free safety and 35 as an outside cornerback, per Pro Football Focus.
Mukuamu's disappearance and usage were baffling, but he is back playing nickel cornerback under Zimmer. The returns have been overwhelmingly positive.
Mukuamu has intercepted multiple passes in training camp. A groin injury halted his momentum, but he returned for Saturday's preseason game and stood out. He didn't allow a catch on three targets and showed excellent closing speed and strength to break up a pass. He allowed a 39.6 passer rating and was Dallas' fourth-highest-graded defensive player.
The former sixth-round pick is clearly best suited in the slot. It didn't take long for Zimmer to recognize that and it may end up saving Mukuamu's Cowboys career.
Unfortunately for Mukuamu, the team is stacked at cornerback. Andrew Booth made a strong impression on Saturday in his first action after he was acquired from the Vikings and journeyman Kemon Hall registered a pick-six in the game.
There's only so many spots to go around. One will undoubtedly be reserved for special teams ace C.J. Goodwin. However, Mukuamu isn't someone to forget about. Thanks to Zimmer, the 24-year-old is making it very difficult for Dallas to keep him off the roster.
