We just met new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Here are our first impressions - starting with the absence of ubiquitous owner Jerry Jones.
FRISCO - The first “first impression’‘ of the Christian Parker introductory press conference here inside The Star on Wednesday?
The new defensive coordinator was center-stage. Alongside him was the man who hired him, head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
And a third chair on the dais? The one from which ubiquitous owner Jerry Jones usually dominates these media meetings?
It did not exist.
Jerry’s absence freed the two coaches to talk football - no “Jerry Jibber-Jabber’’ allowed … and that kept things crisp … and productive.
1: What’s The Scheme?
The Cowboys have generally been a 4-3 defense during the recent runs of Mike Nolan, Dan Quinn and Matt Eberflus. Parker, though, has worked under Vic Fangio for most of his career, so as we have reported, this is going to be what we’ve called a “3-4 Hybrid.’’
Parker confirmed that.
“We’re going to be multiple,’’ he said. We’ll be a 3-4 by nature.”
But there will be 4-3 elements and five-man front elements as well.
Parker said he’s committed to fitting the scheme to the players … but he is bringing his scheme to the Cowboys.
2: How Do The 3 Defensive Tackles Fit?
Much has been made of Dallas having signed Osa Odighizuwa, then trading for Kenny Clark, and then trading to acquire Quinnen Williams.
Some critics think the Cowboys now have too many pricy D-tackles. My response? Clark is a nose tackle in a 3-4; the other two are not.
Parker’s general view on what he currently has on defense?
"The game is definitely won and lost upfront,’’ he said.
3: Will The Cowboys Really Spend In Free Agency/Blockbuster Trades?
The subject of adding talent from the Eagles - Parker’s previous employer - was broached humorously.
Will Christian bring some Eagles (like Nakobe Dean or Reed Blankenship or Jaelen Phillips) to Dallas?
“We’ll see,’’ Parker said with a smile before turning serious by mentioning that his priority is to work with the incumbent Cowboys.
A smart answer. For now.
And what will he do on a personal level with his guys? A sharp take on his teaching style: He said a coach has to know "when to correct, when not to correct. Sometimes players gotta touch the stove. You just want to do it in a controlled environment."
4: Did The Cowboys Give Him A Promise About Roster Upgrades?
Dallas has made that promise to Cowboys Nation. But Parker held back on answering in the affirmative here, saying something generic about how “teams always want to get better.’’
I think he knows the drill here. But just in case, Coach?
In Dallas, “always wanting to get better’’ has too often been nothing more than a bumper-sticker cliche.
5: Can He Make Shavon Revel and DaRon Bland Successful?
Parker has a history of guiding star corners, from Pat Surtain to Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Can he do it again? He was asked specifically about DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel and offered a generic answer here. But I know that in his job interviews, he spoke positively about the pair.
He’d better be right.
6: Will Dallas Use Two First-Round Picks To Fix The Defense?
The Cowboys are picking twice in the first round at 12th overall and 20th overall.
Will Parker push for the team to use both picks on D?
“Absolutely,’’ he said … and good for him.
Even though it’s his first time serving as a coordinator in the NFL, he will have a big voice in personnel; that’s a Jones thing, and it’s a good thing.
Nevertheless, “B.A.A.’’ is always the best way. And Parker is smart enough to know that.
7: Why Is This New Defensive Coaching Staff So Young?
On the 34-year-old Parker, Schottenheimer said, “He’s wise beyond his years.’’
And on his assistants also being a collection of guys in their 30’s and early 40’s?
Schottenheimer said they conducted 40 total interviews to put this group together. (He added how pleased he was that Jerry was involved in each of them.)
“Energy and connection,’’ said Schottenheimer, noting that Cowboys players are already fired up to work with the new bosses.
Dallas feels like it turned over every stone here. … and that Parker was the last of their nine interviews for the coordinator job, pointing out how impressed he was with his “calm demeanor.”
How did “CP’’ feel after his initial interview?
Like he "nailed it,’’ he said.
8: But Can Youth Be A Disadvantage?
When asked if his youth is an advantage (or maybe a disadvantage, Parker quipped that he sort of didn’t know.
Why not? Because, he said, “I’ve always been young.”
9: But Really, Where Are Jerry and Stephen?
Schottenheimer grinned and replied to that question by saying, “You’ll have to ask them!’’
I would say this should not be taken as some sign that the Joneses are “handing over the reins’’ of the team.
Frankly, it’s more likely they’re on vacation or cutting an oil-or-gas deal or something.
But the two chairs is … different.
10: The Final Word
Christian Parker on if he's ready for this opportunity with the Cowboys: "I'm ready. Confidence comes from preparation."