Cowboys Signing Dontari Poe Symbolizes True Change in Philosophy on Defensive Line
By Brady Williams
With the signing of Dontari Poe, first-year head coach Mike McCarthy has shown he's truly committed to revitalizing the Dallas Cowboys' defense. Poe, a 6-3, 346-pound veteran of the NFL is a genuine nose tackle, and his frame makes him a menace against a rushing offense.
That size is a full departure from what the Cowboys have looked for in the past. Former defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli leaned toward players that were smaller and quicker. McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have hinted that they prefer a larger line to stuff things up. It doesn't get much larger than Poe.
The #Cowboys have agreed to basic terms on a deal for free agent DT Dontari Poe, source said. They are finalizing the language on the deal, but it will get done. Another big-name former #Panthers DT in free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 25, 2020
Poe isn't the only big-name addition for the defensive line. Earlier in the offseason, Dallas signed Poe's former teammate in Carolina, Gerald McCoy. McCoy himself is another player tipping the scale around 300 pounds, and they're both players that can make an instant impact. In 2019, McCoy had 37 tackles and five sacks, while Poe had 22 tackles and four sacks.
The #Cowboys Defensive Line...
— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) March 23, 2020
Demarcus Lawrence: 6’3”, 265 lbs
Gerald McCoy: 6’4”, 300 lbs
Dontari Poe: 6’3”, 346 lbs
Randy Gregory: 6’5”, 255 lbs
McCarthy has stated that he wants to run a defense with four down linemen, but he'd like to have the versatility to run a 3-4 as well. With Poe's experience as a true nose tackle and more experience in a 4-3 scheme in Atlanta and Carolina, he'll be able to run whatever Mike McCarthy wants.
Poe is just the latest piece that shows Dallas wants a big, athletic defensive line, and between McCoy, Poe, and DeMarcus Lawrence, they certainly have one.