Jordan Phillips, Carl Lawson eager to help defense; Cowboys are not done making moves
There is no question the Dallas Cowboys improved their defense with the additions of veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and defensive end Carl Lawson.
They both filled positions of need and both are familiar with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme, which should help them make a seamless transition and provide immediate help.
But the Cowboys may not be done adding depth to their defense.
At 6-foot-6, 341 pounds, it was a natural assumption that Phillips was coming to Dallas to rotate with Mazi Smith at nose tackle.
But Phillips said he is a 3-tech in Zimmer’s scheme which will have him rotating with Osa Odighizuwa.
That leaves the Cowboys with some unanswered questions about the depth at nose tackle. Unproven rookie seventh round pick Justin Rodgers and NFL journeyman Albert Huggins are all the Cowboys have behind Smith, who missed last Saturday’s game with allergic reaction and remains largely unproven himself.
Owner Jerry Jones are still looking for defensive line help.
The Cowboys could address the position after final cuts are made before the start of the season.
Phillips was actually surprised he was traded to the Cowboys from the New York Giants because it was a trade within the NFC East.
But he knew he wasn’t a good fit with the Giants and actually asked for trade. He signed with New York in early April after spending the past two seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
“The way it went down, we knew it wasn’t going to work there so we went up there and talked,” Phillips said. “I didn’t know it was going to happen that quick, I’m happy it did.”
Phillips, who has played 120 games with three teams during a 10-year NFL career, said he’s familiar with Zimmer’s defensive scheme because he has worked with some other coaches from Zimmer’s coaching tree.
“It’s just like riding a bike.” Phillips said. “The (3-tech DT) comes off the ball and they get to make a lot of plays, and that’s what I like to do.”
Phillips also understands that his job is help his linebackers make plays.
“I don’t care about stats, people look at stats and think you have a great game,” Phillips said. “For me, as long as my linebackers are making All-Pro, Pro Bowler, I did my job for the year. They didn’t do that by themselves, I kept people off of them and on the way I’m getting some sacks and tackles.”
The Cowboys are all too familiar what Phillips can do.
He had sack and a near interception against the Cowboys last season as a member of the Bills.
“We’ve had a good history with me playing the Cowboys,” Phillips said. “I’m not disappointed, I’m on this side.”
And he is bringing the right attitude to a team and defense needs find a way to be great together and when it matters most in the playoffs.
“It doesn’t matter how many tackles you make, it doesn’t matter how many sacks you get, as long as the defense is great,” Phillips said. “I’ve been a part of five or seven top five defenses and nobody cares about stats. As soon as we get there and stuff like that, that’s when this defense is going to become great.”
Lawson joined the NFL as a former fourth-round pick (2017) of the Cincinnati Bengals when current Cowboys’ defensive run game coordinator Paul Guenther was the defensive coordinator. Guenther had been elevated to replace Zimmer after he was hired as the Vikings head coach.
Lawson registered 8.5 sacks made the all-rookie team in 2017. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team to begin his NFL career.
He started 17 games and has seven sacks with the the New York Jets in 2022 before a back injury limited him to six starts in 2023.
He is healthy again and ready to prove that he can still get to the quarterback in a familiar scheme.
Pauly has always believed in me, so I just wanna give the best I possibly can. You can count on that,” Lawson said of Guenther. “Pauly just let me go, and it was to use my abilities to the fullest. Now we’re reunited and I’m excited about that.”
Lawson will rotate behind starters DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons at end with rookie Marshawn Kneeland.
He had other opportunities and was patient in waiting for the right one.
“This situation — the stars aligned,” Lawson said. “I’m happy to be here. It’s a breath of fresh air and I’m happy for the opportunity. I feel like a younger player. My potential hasn’t been reached due to injury, or situation, or teams that I’ve been on that haven’t clicked. I’ve been a very effective pass rusher in this league, but on losing teams. So this is an opportunity to get on a team that can be up in games and I can show my ability, now that I’m healthy, so I’m excited.
“It’s a blessing to be able to add to it and to such a historic franchise such as this.”
This story was originally published August 20, 2024 at 3:11 PM.
