The Dallas Cowboys made a significant move to strengthen their defensive line by trading for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips from the New York Giants. As the Cowboys look to dominate on defense, Phillips’ addition brings experience and a proven track record of helping top-tier pass rushers rack up sacks.
1. A Crucial Acquisition for the Cowboys’ Defensive Line
The Cowboys, in need of more depth on their defensive line, particularly on the interior, found a valuable asset in Jordan Phillips. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 340 pounds, Phillips brings both size and athleticism, making him a formidable presence in the middle of the defense. With nine seasons in the NFL, including stints with the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Arizona Cardinals, Phillips has consistently proven his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
2. Phillips’ Mission: Empowering Edge Rushers
Upon his arrival in Dallas, Phillips wasted no time in setting his goals. His primary mission is to help fellow defenders Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence increase their sack totals. Phillips has a history of anchoring defensive lines and creating opportunities for edge rushers to excel. He expressed his excitement about contributing to the Cowboys’ defense, stating, “I’m excited to help them get some more sacks.”
3. Proven Track Record of Success
Phillips has a history of helping elite defensive players reach new heights. During his time with the Dolphins, he played alongside Ndamukong Suh and helped Cameron Wake achieve back-to-back double-digit sack seasons. In Arizona, he contributed to Haason Reddick and Chandler Jones’ success, both surpassing 10 sacks in a season. Last year, he played a key role in Ed Oliver’s 9.5-sack season with the Bills. Phillips’ ability to push the pocket and command attention in the middle creates one-on-one opportunities for edge rushers—a skill that will be invaluable to the Cowboys.
4. Versatility and Impact on the Cowboys’ Defense
Phillips is not only a space-eater but also an incredibly versatile player. He can line up in multiple positions on the defensive line, including zero, one, three, or five-technique. However, in Dallas, he’ll primarily be used as a one-technique, rotating with 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith. His presence will allow other players, like Osa Odighizuwa, to use their leverage and agility to capitalize on mismatches, ultimately leading to more sacks for Parsons, Lawrence, and others.
5. Veteran Leadership and Immediate Impact
While the Cowboys have high hopes for rookie Mazi Smith, Phillips’ experience and proven ability make him a strong contender to start as the one-technique. His familiarity with the league and his ability to adapt quickly could see him taking a leading role when the Cowboys kick off the season against the Cleveland Browns.
Phillips, who grew up in Kansas and played collegiate football at Oklahoma, is well-acquainted with the Cowboys’ reputation. He acknowledges the unique pressure and attention that comes with playing for Dallas, stating, “It’s different to be on a national stage like this, with the Cowboys.” Now, he’s eager to make his mark by enhancing the Cowboys’ run defense and helping their linebackers and edge rushers shine.
As the season approaches, Dallas fans can look forward to seeing Jordan Phillips clogging up running lanes, keeping the linebackers clean, and setting the stage for Parsons, Lawrence, and the rest of the defense to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
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