As a defensive lineman on the Cowboys in the 1990s, Leon Lett was a Pro Bowler. Now Lett is the Cowboys’ assistant defensive line coach, and he thinks the new 4-3 Dallas defense is going to produce some more Pro Bowl linemen.
Lett was added to the Cowboys’ staff last year and has been retained for this season under new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. And he says Kiffin’s system will allow him to teach his defensive linemen to play the position the same way he played it.
“In a 3-4 you did more of a read-and-react. This is more of a react-on-the-run -- rush the quarterback and then react to the run on the way to the quarterback,” Lett said, via the Star-Telegram. “Kind of the same thing I did as a football player, so I’m kind of used to it, and I’m looking forward to teaching it and coaching it.”
Lett said the Cowboys’ defensive linemen are going to make more plays this season, and they’re excited about that.
“The 4-3 is more about a penetrating, we-get-to-eat-first type of deal. That’s what we’re calling it. We’re at the front of the food chain,” Lett said.
If the Cowboys’ defensive linemen play the game the way Lett played at his best, Dallas will be in good shape. Just as long as no one is taking cues from Lett on what to do after recovering a fumble or blocking a field goal.
