Blogging The Boys
The Cowboys defensive coordinator search may have to wait some more.
The NFL playoffs just threw a wrench into the Dallas Cowboys’ search for a new defensive coordinator.
After an intense matchup between the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills that went to overtime, one of their perceived top candidates will be unavailable for hire for at least one more week.
With the Broncos beating the Bills 33-30 in overtime, Broncos pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard will continue to coach in the postseason, which means he can’t be hired by the Cowboys nor any other team. Leonhard is one of the nine known candidates for the defensive coordinator opening in Dallas, and he’s seen as one of the favorites.
If the Cowboys want to move quick, they’ll have to hire someone not named Leonhard, however. The Broncos will play the winner of tomorrow’s matchup between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
Cowboys insider Bobby Belt said earlier in the week he thought Leonhard would be the team’s pick for defensive coordinator. However, you can expect him to be a contested target, starting with a division rival.
This edge talent would be a sneaky-good pickup for the Cowboys in the draft.
Every draft, there’s one player I end up defending more than anyone else. This year, that player is Gabe Jacas, and he’s quietly one of my favorite EDGE fits for the Dallas Cowboys. Jacas is not perfect, but I can already see how he would be used on Sundays. He isn’t showing up on a lot of highlight reels, he’s not a guy people argue about on draft night.
But, when you actually watch him play, you start to understand why he keeps winning snaps. Jacas plays strong, stays disciplined, and finishes more reps than he loses. Those types of traits matter more than flash once the season grind ends. What I like most is how his game could translate to the NFL. He is not built on one move or pure speed. If you watch him, he wins with leverage, timing, and all out effort.
Why He Makes Sense for Dallas
Dallas has always been best when the defensive line plays downhill and attacks. I see Jacas fitting that mindset because he wants to get upfield, make contact early, and force quarterbacks to move. He is not a player you ask to read the backfield or play in space. You let this man do what he does best, play forward and play physical. This is a player who doesn’t need to be featured to be effective. He is a lunch pale player who comes to work...
