How Will Mike Zimmer, Cowboys Defense Bounce Back vs. Ravens?
FRISCO — Mike Zimmer's first stint as defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys started with a major dud. The Philadelphia Eagles marched into Texas Stadium during Week 1 of the 2000 season and drilled the Cowboys 41-14, infamously remembered as the "Pickle Juice Game."
The Eagles players consumed pickle juice to stem off cramping in the Texas heat in that game. That seemed an unnecessary fuel source for Duce Staley who trounced the Dallas defense for 262 yards from scrimmage.
Jason Parkhurst - Imagn Images
Zimmer's second debut had a much better outcome, but his first call in the Cowboys' home stadium went the same as it did in that 2000 season.
This time, New Orleans Saints running back bludgeoned the defense to the tune of 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. That performance underscored a 44-19 domination.
Zimmer called back to that notorious 2000 game.
"We watched film together. We talked about things we need to do better, things I need to do better and we'll just keep working on it," he told media Monday. My first game here as coordinator was the Pickle Juice Game. I saw to fix it after that."
"If I didn't fix those, I wouldn't be standing here today."
In the grand scheme, Dallas has 15 games to right those wrongs and become the defense that many believed could turn around after last season's tumultuous close.
But change needs to happen fast with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town in Week 3. The visitors enter this contest amid their own identity crisis.
However, the 0-2 Ravens could be argued the more desperate team. That means Dallas will have to come prepared with a better effort, a better game plan and better results.
Though Baltimore suffered its own disappointing defeat in Week 2, Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson helped the team to a total of 151 rushing yards. A similar figure could have the Cowboys in trouble Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium.
Zimmer and this defense will need to regroup quickly and move past the "Pickle Juice" redux.
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