(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)
How big is it that the Cowboys hired a defensive coordinator who comes from a division rival and knows the other two teams in the NFC East well? Also, does he supply inside info the Eagles had on the Cowboys' tendencies? – Walter DeBell/Troy NY
Nick: I would say the NFC as much as the NFC East. Sure, you play the division twice a year, but for someone who has been in this conference for the last few years, Parker has also seen quite a bit of the other teams such as the 49ers, Packers, Bears, Seahawks, Rams, etc. He knows the whole NFC and those are the teams you've also got to beat if you want to truly get to your goals.
So yeah, Parker should have a good idea how to play the Giants and Commanders and yes, the Eagles as well. Maybe that's the biggest part of it all. He's seem Jalen Hurts and that offense every day in practice. And considering they've won the last two NFC East titles, that's a great place to start if you want to start turning things around.
But yes, it's a good question and good thinking. Right now, this defense just needs the basics once again. Figure out how to line up, communicate with each other, make the solid tackle, rush the quarterback, maybe find a way to get some turnovers. That's where it all starts but when you need to start game-planning for opponents, I do think Parker's experience in the NFC East and the entire NFC will help.
Kurt: That Christian Parker knows the NFC East so well, including your biggest rival intimately, I'm sure played an important part in the decision to hire him.
You're right, as the Eagles' passing game coordinator who had to prepare for the Commanders and Giants twice a season, Parker already has in-depth scouting reports on two of the more exciting young quarterbacks in the league, Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart. He also has first-hand knowledge of Philadelphia veteran Jalen Hurts, having faced him daily in practice. Just for good measure, he's even had to prepare for Jordan Love and the Packers, an ongoing Dallas nemesis, three times over the last two years. That all adds up to a huge bonus for the Cowboys.
And as you mentioned, Parker is also well-versed in Dak Prescott and this team's offense, so he'll be able to provide a different perspective on how Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams were trying to attack opponents in 2025, which will definitely help as well.
So while was his knowledge of the NFC East may not have been THE deciding factor in bringing him on board, you can bet it was A deciding factor for sure.
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