Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer took responsibility for the team’s 44-19 defeat to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
“I think the biggest thing is, like last week, don’t get too high, and this week, don’t get too low,” Zimmer said, according to team reporter Patrik Walker.
“We’ve got a lot of areas that we need to improve in. Obviously, in the NFL, it’s kind of like that – a bunch of ups and downs.”
He added: “Tough people fight through it … I’ve got to do a better job.”
The Cowboys’ defense surrendered 432 yards and 24 first downs to the Saints. Quarterback Derek Carr threw for 243 yards and two scores on only 11 completions, averaging 15.2 yards per attempt.
However, the biggest issue with Dallas’ defense was its inability to stop the run. Alvin Kamara racked up 115 yards and three touchdowns while totaling 5.8 yards per carry. The Cowboys allowed 190 yards total on the ground, 97 more than in their season-opening win over the Cleveland Browns.
Star edge rusher Micah Parsons said after the loss that the team didn’t try its hardest in Week 2.
“The effort was not there … That wasn’t the Dallas Cowboys that I saw or I knew that showed up last week … I’m determined to get this thing right,” Parsons said on his podcast, “The Edge with Micah Parsons,” per Jon Machota of The Athletic.
However, Zimmer disputed Parsons’ comments on the team’s supposed lack of effort in the contest.
“I don’t know that’s the case. I think we got lined up fine. We were trying to move the front some, and they caught us a couple times, and when they were moving guys, so I’ve just got to do a better job.”
Dallas will face off against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3.
