Los Angeles— One year ago, Dan Quinn was converting Markquese Bell to linebacker for a Dallas Cowboys defense that was desperate for depth at the position following the torn ACL of then-rookie DeMarvion Overshown. Mike Zimmer has moved Bell back to safety, and he is playing as if his hair is on fire and the nearest extinguisher is empty.
In the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Bell not only had a game-high nine combined tackles, but he also intercepted Stetson Bennett and just missed two other interceptions.
It appears that he is poised for a breakout season in 2024.
“I just had to pay credit to my teammates since they made my job In addition to Bell, Jason Johnson, Brock Mogensen, and fellow defensive back Eric Scott all intercepted passes.
They don’t appear to have slowed down in terms of giving their offense more possessions.
“That’s all we preach,” Bell replied. “We are a defense that gets the ball. If we don’t take the ball away, we feel like we haven’t accomplished our goal. We exceeded our objective of three for today.
“All of us.”
Zimmer’s plan for Bell is letting him to play freely, and it’s off to a scorching start, and the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator has everyone fully bought-in for a variety of reasons, including, according to Overshown, the fact Zimmer was calling plays against the Rams without looking at There is little doubt that he is doing just that, and Zimmer’s defense will assist ensure that he continues to do so.
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