New defensive coordinator Christian Parker comes from a scheme that makes heavy use of the penny front, which uses five-man fronts to overwhelm and confuse offensive lines. With the trio of defensive tackles - Odighizuwa, Williams, and Kenny Clark - the Cowboys had the perfect interior for that package.
Christian Parker isn't installing a static defense. The Cowboys are shifting toward a multiple-front system with 3-4 principles layered in. That means linebackers must think, adjust, and operate in space. Under Parker, Dallas linebackers need to cover running backs and tight ends, handle disguised fronts and late movement, maintain gap discipline, tackle efficiently in space, and process quickly without freelancing.
The biggest culprit for Prescott's regression in these talks is not himself: it is his league-worst, atrocity-of-a-defensive-unit. Dallas knows this, so they tried to fix it. Their next games will feature a slew of fresh faces on the defense, including external additions Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson. They will also get guys like DeMarvion Overshown, Shavon Revel, and Malik Hooker back to full speed this month.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Diggs asked for and was granted his release. Diggs was in his second season with the Titans. This is actually the second season in a row in which Diggs won't finish the season for Tennessee. Diggs' 2024 campaign came to a close after eight starts when he suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury. He played one more game for the team this year before being granted his exit.
