Jourdan Lewis continues to get the job done despite the changing schemes and coordinators

The Dallas Cowboys had their struggles for years defensively. However, over the last several seasons, they’ve become a very opportunistic unit and one of the better ones in the NFL when they can pin their ears back and rush the passer with a lead. Throughout the different variations and schemes that have come through Dallas, cornerback Jourdan Lewis is one of the few players that have been on board for them all, and he’s given the Cowboys a return on the third-round selection they spent on him in 2017.

It started as a rookie under Rod Marinelli as Lewis would appear in 15 games with seven starts. The former Michigan Wolverine logged 54 tackles, an interception, and 10 pass breakups in his first year, laying the foundation for his reputation as a ballhawk. After not playing much in 2018 due to being in the doghouse of former passing game coordinator Kris Richard, Lewis returned to form a season later with 51 tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and four sacks. Despite the Cowboys’ defense being terrible as a unit in 2020 under Mike Nolan, Lewis registered a career-high 13 starts in 15 games and amassed 59 tackles (seven tackles for loss), two pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and two sacks.

The 2021 season kicked off the Dan Quinn era in Dallas, and Lewis once again adjusted to another scheme with flying colors. He tallied career highs in tackles (61), interceptions (3), and pass breakups (11), a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 1.5 sacks. After suffering a Lisfranc injury that reduced him to six games in 2022, Lewis was back to being a valuable contributor last season with one of the best all-around efforts of his career. He logged 52 tackles, an interception, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles (career-high), and two fumble recoveries.

It’s important to remember that Lewis is the Cowboys slot cornerback, so he is often left on an island patrolling the middle of the field. Lewis is sticky in coverage, and combining that with his natural ball skills, he’s the perfect CB3 behind a healthy Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. Also, he’s performed at a high level under several different coordinators, so he’s proven to be a very smart player as well who can adapt to any system.

Lewis re-signed with the Cowboys on a one-year deal back in March. This year, he’ll have to play in a different system again as Mike Zimmer has taken over as defensive coordinator. If history is any indication, Lewis will make the necessary adjustments and be a huge part of what Dallas does defensively in 2024.