Matt Eberflus will have his work cut out in his first year as Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator. While he's saddled with exceptional high-end talent, the defensive personnel leaves a lot to be desired at certain positions, including linebacker.
Being that Eberflus is a former linebackers coach with Dallas, fans are hopeful he'll be able to accentuate the potential of Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray. All three players figure to benefit from Eberflus' teaching, but none other than former fifth-round pick Damone Clark (!) has been among the biggest early winners from OTAs.
You heard that right.
Per team reporter Nicole Hutchinson, head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters on Tuesday that Clark is diagnosing things at a faster rate and is building a strong connection with Eberflus and new linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi.
Cowboys linebacker Damone Clark looks reborn under Matt Eberflus
"I think the way he's diagnosing things looks quicker to me than maybe in the past. Maybe a little more command of it. The physical traits have always been there and I think the connection he has with Flus and Borgonzi ... that's important," Schottenheimer said of Clark.
With DeMarvion Overshown expected to be out until at least Thanksgiving, Clark potentially reasserting himself into the rotation would be a game-changer.
Even Patrik Walker of the team's official website has noticed a change in Clark's demeanor under Eberflus, noting on X that Clark "struggled mightily in Mike Zimmer's scheme and paid for it with playing time ... but early signs point to [him] trending upward under Matt Eberflus."
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Like clockwork, Clark intercepted a pass over the middle from backup quarterback Joe Milton in team drills during Tuesday's practice.
Again, it is incredibly early in the offseason program. Training camp, when players put the pads on and are allowed to tackle, will be the ultimate reveal as to whether Clark has made up some ground coming off a season in which he played just 18 percent of the defensive snaps.
It was hard not to write Clark off after he vanished from the game plan under Mike Zimmer last season. Some players just aren't a fit for Zimmer's system or coaching. Eberflus' scheme seems much more suited for Clark's skill set.
Clark doesn't have to be the 17-game starter he was two years ago under Dan Quinn. Just becoming a reliable role player would go such a long way for Micah Parsons and the defense. At the very least, that seems to be in the cards thanks to Eberflus.