When we talk about the 2021 Cowboys, we certainly have to talk about a great defensive restructuring after the poor results of the 2020 season. Starting with the firing of Mike Nolan, a defensive coordinator who did not know how to deal with what he had under his charge. Consequently, the organization signed Dan Quinn to take charge of this entire body on the team. So far, the results have been positive in practice.
For one thing, we have a ton of free agents signed during the offseason. In addition to the selection of eight defensive eleven elements in the Draft. Everything suggests that the Cowboys want to avoid all the mistakes related to last year and stay with the NFC East once and for all. Objective that they have not been able to achieve since the 2018 campaign.
Now among the free agency elements they signed is defensive end Tarell Basham. Who without a doubt, has gone under the radar. Especially if we take into account that not much was said about him during the organized activities or the minicamp.
Tarell Basham has been in the NFL since 2017, when the Colts selected him in the third round of that year. After disappointing seasons in his first two seasons as a professional, Indianapolis released him and the defensive end would end up playing three seasons with the Jets.
However, his time in the AFC East franchise did not go under the table. Especially last season, where he participated in all 16 games, starting nine of them. It is also worth noting that he had 3.5 sacks by Marshal, along with three fumbles and 36 tackles combined.
???? Tarell Basham forces a Baker Mayfield fumble on this sack, and John Franklin-Myers recovers in the RedZone! #TakeFlight
???? @beinsports_FR #nflextra
???? #NFLGamePass pic.twitter.com/LTZUrayEv3— NFL France (@NFLFrance) December 27, 2020
Of course, one of the big things Basham may not have sounded like he should be is that there are other defensive ends making bigger headlines. As is the case with the incumbent DeMarcus Lawrence, and in recent times Randy Gregory. In the case of the latter, he is called to be the starter along with D-Law, after the departure of Aldon Smith to the Seattle Seahawks.
Either way, what Basham could bring to the team cannot be underestimated. After all, he signed a two-year, $ 5.5 million deal with the franchise. Besides that he can adapt to any type of position in defense, such as “Sam” linebacker or even what is known as “Leo”, which is a hybrid between defensive end and linebacker.
Likewise, the player thinks that the vibe and atmosphere in The Star is very different from the teams they have been on. “What’s crazy is that I didn’t even know what the atmosphere was like,” Basham said. “It didn’t feel like that while you were in it. But then you walk into a good place like this, and from anywhere from head office to staff, we all hope to win in this building. And that can be felt, it is the big difference ”.
Likewise, he also affirmed that the Cowboys are the perfect place to regain a winning record as a player. “I don’t see why not,” Tarell said of his decision to sign a two-year contract with the Cowboys this offseason. “Team America, publicity, knowing that you have a better chance than most to go to the postseason every year. Just knowing the exposure and ability they have on this team, the explosion they have on offense is spectacular. I feel like it’s been a long time since I’ve played a really explosive offense that can complement a really good defense. It just seemed like the best opportunity to get there and be successful. “
New Cowboys DE Tarell Basham (former Jet/Colt) seems excited to be in Dallas. Two telling quotes in the first few moments of his press conference:
“It’s been a while since I’ve played with an explosive offense.”
“I think I’ve done enough losing.”
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) June 3, 2021
As a detail that cannot be overlooked, Basham boasts long arms. And this is precisely what new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has been looking for in all the defensive elements that have come to the franchise this year.
He may not have the spotlight or headlines on some other Dallas elements, but Tarell Basham can be a great backup player who can help the defense erase the rough patch of 2020. So it’s not far-fetched to say he could have. a very good first year with the lone star team. Of course, you have to wait for the results of training camp in Oxnard, as well as see Basham’s performance in preseason games. That as expected, he will have many opportunities in these preparation meetings.
