Cowboys Conversation: Linebackers – Rolando McClain, and the Actual Solution

Dec 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek (87) catches a pass while defended by Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker DeVonte Holloman (57) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. The Eagle beat the Cowboys 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Don: Here is what I wanted to know before that news broke: why aren’t we hearing much about DeVonte Holloman getting a shot at weak side linebacker? Nearly all the talk about him has been around replacing Lee in the middle, but consider:

• After Lee, he appears to be our best natural playmaker at linebacker, with an ability to always be around the ball, similar, though not equal, to Lee. It’s an innate skill set — some players just have it, and most do not. Albeit, I’m basing this on a small sample size, but he seems to have it.
• We’ve heard ad nauseam (but accurately) that the key playmaking spot on the second level in this defense is the weakside (Will) linebacker, not the middle linebacker.
• Rod Marinelli and Co. clearly do not believe in Bruce Carter at Will — thus Ryan Shazier was going to be the top pick in this year’s draft.

Now add that up: We lack confidence in the player manning our key playmaking slot and we have a young player who has exhibited the rare skills to be a difference maker in the position — why not give him chance there?

Meredith: His performance at the end of last year was impressive — especially given that he had been thrust into a starting role at a position he never played before. He was a key reason Dallas was able to contain the Philadelphia Eagles, who had one of the league’s most explosive offenses down the stretch. And he maintained his composure while doing so. That combined with his pre-season play — where he got in there and caused turnovers — makes me think that you might be onto something here.

Don: I would reaaaaaaaally like to believe the light bulb will turn on for Carter this year, similar to what happened in mid-2012 when he finally got comfortable in Rob Ryan’s defense. I’d love it for that to happen. But I have to operate under the assumption that Rod and Co. know what they are talking about — they have a lot of tape on him and they seem to not trust him.

Meredith: But don’t you think that we will improve this year just because everyone is going to get more comfortable with this defense? That just seems like it should happen naturally.

Don: Even if we improve significantly from last year’s abomination, we are going to give up boatloads of yards on defense. I think anyone who believes otherwise is kidding themselves. The only way the defense will be able to help us win is by creating turnovers, similar to the 2009 Saints or 2010 Packers — soft defenses that gave up yards, but could turn you over. So we need to put guys on the field that can make some splash plays and get that done, even if it means some growing pains. I really believe it’s the only way they can succeed. So let’s try our potential best playmaker in the key turnover producing position — Holloman at Will linebacker.

Meredith: Are you going to start a hashtag and get that trending? But really, managing expectations is good. Though…this seems somewhat more negative. We should talk more about that.

Don: This isn’t therapy, Mer. Oh wait, I forgot to ask you — did you vote?

Meredith: Vote? What do you mean? In the primary last week? Don’t be ridiculous. No one votes in primaries.

Don: Way to uphold your civic duties. Did you vote in the poll about whether it is a deal breaker that someone you are going out with is a fan of a NFC East Rival? I’m sure people are dying to know how it went last week.

Meredith: Ha. It was awful. Without dishing too many details, suffice it to say that while I typically don’t put much stock into rankings of the worst fans in America, this made me believe in their validity. That said, I still voted no. Mainly because I can’t whittle down the eligible dating pool in NYC that much right off the bat. Whatever. I’m more focused on the 4th and getting to the beach. I’m sure you are too, so stop replying. Have a great vacation!

Don: You too. Avoid Philly fans and talk next week.