Dallas Cowboys Dominate NFC East Defensive Team
Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (left) and Philadelphia Eagles free safety Malcolm Jenkins (right) confront each other at midfield during warm ups at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
LINEBACKER
Sean Lee, Dallas Cowboys
Rolando McClain, Dallas Cowboys
Kiko Alonso, Philadelphia Eagles
Sean Lee and Rolando McClain patrolling middle field for the Cowboys is one of the most anticipated sights of the upcoming season. After Lee was ruled out for the year after injuring his knee in last years opening OTA’s it’s hard to believe the Cowboys are actually in such a strong position with their linebackers now.
Now as tantalizing as it would be to field Lee, McClain and new Eagle Kiko Alonso there is one major concern that circles them all; injuries. Between them they’ve sat out nearly 35% of possible regular season games. Alonso is exactly 50/50, playing a full rookie season before missing all of 2014. Sean Lee is a little better, playing 46 of a possible 80. While McClain has missed 10 of his 64 games- not including 2013 when he ‘retired’.
McClain ranked second on the Cowboys for tackles last season with 74. Alonso led the Buffalo Bills in tackles in 2013 with Lee second on the Cowboys. Both men led the NFL’s inside linebackers for interceptions that year with 4.
SAFETY
Malcolm Jenkins, Philadelphia Eagles
Barry Church, Dallas Cowboys
The NFC East group of safeties is quite easily the weakest position of the lot. Both the Giants and Redskins have looked to improve their quality, with the Giants trading up to select Landon Collins at the top of the second round of the draft. Meanwhile the Redskins made an offseason move for Dashon Goldson formerly of Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers.
Collins could’ve been a legitimate target for any of the NFC East teams, the Cowboys reinforced their safety options by selecting Byron Jones in the first round. Although considered a cornerback in the main, he has the tools and athleticism to be an asset in Dallas at safety.
But with none of the rookies eligible in this Ultimate Team scenario that leaves me with Barry Church and Malcolm Jenkins. Neither Jenkins or Church would be considered one of the best at their position, but that’s the case here!
Nate Allen‘s departure was applauded by many of the Eagles fans. Much like the case with Byron Jones and the Cowboys, their newly drafted cornerback Eric Rowe may well be the man to partner Jenkins at safety.
Next: Cornerbacks & Summary