Did the Dallas Cowboys do enough to repair defense?
By Brad Austin
LINEBACKER
Starters: Sean Lee, Justin Durant, Damien Wilson
Rotation: Jaylon Smith, Kyle Wilber, Mark Nzeocha
On deck: Anthony Hitchens (Week 5-8)
Key losses: None
Lee is a stud at WILL linebacker. His health remains crucial as always.
Wilson is having a phenomenal camp at SAM linebacker. But how long he remains eligible is anyone’s guess. He’ll likely face suspension at some point.
SAM has capable replacement options with past starter Wilber and Nzeocha.
At MIKE the loss of Anthony Hitchens seems harsh on the surface, but I’m not convinced. Sure it hurts depth, but the starting role may actually improve.
Dallas intends to use Smith as an early down option and Durant in nickel packages. The plan is a two-man replacement highlighting each player’s strengths.
Smith has already shown signs of an explosive defender in the box. Durant has the range and coverage skills for nickel as he’s displayed in Dallas before.
The Cowboys need both to stay healthy while Hitchens recovers through the bye. If so I can see the tandem being an even more effective 1-2 punch.
Health and Wilson’s suspension will decide how this unit fares. As long as the players who start the season stay on the field, there should be no drop-off.