Dallas Cowboys: Leighton Vander Esch is changing Sean Lee’s future

Even when injured, Sean Lee is still contributing to the Dallas Cowboys. Owner Jerry Jones needs to help Lee smoothly transition from player to coach.

I have always believed that a strength of the Dallas Cowboys organization was the transition process involving younger players. That process works when players are committed to the success of the franchise.

Even with heartbreaking moments that prove the NFL is a business, Cowboy Nation loves when players display loyalty to “The Star”. This is how former players like cornerback Deion Sanders can play for 20 (okay, 5) different teams, but is regarded as a “Cowboy for Life”.

I won’t discount the value of coaching. The proper coach is very important, but players spend more time learning from other players. There are examples from all over the league – as a 22-year-old rookie, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones learned from 30-year-old receiver Roddy White. Outside the league, most new employees are trained by senior employees, not management.

The Cowboys first-round selection of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch from the 2018 NFL draft was a fantastic selection. Unfortunately, many members of Cowboy Nation felt that the Cowboys should have parted ways with oft-injured linebacker Sean Lee. That would’ve been a grave mistake because Sean Lee is a team captain, loyal to “The Star” and definitely a “Cowboy for Life” type of player.

Every week, safety Jeff Heath proves why he is a future Hall of Fame inductee, but the young linebacker combination of Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith have been very impressive as well. Vander Esch’s performance against the Philadelphia Eagles earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. After the game, Vander Esch didn’t give thanks, praise or credit to linebacker coach Ben Bloom.

In the post-game interview, Vander Esch said, “First, you have to give credit to Sean (Lee), he’s helping us the whole week.” You don’t get rid of those kinds of guys. Even when injured, Sean Lee is contributing to the team’s success.

I don’t know what Lee’s future plans are, but owner and general manager Jerry Jones needs to help Lee smoothly transition from player to coach. That brings me to another injured Cowboy for Life – receiver Dez Bryant.

I will ignore the double standard of passion displayed on the sideline. Bryant animated on the sideline is called a distraction. Meanwhile, passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Kris Richard is called the greatest coach ever. I want to add that the storyline on Bryant changed when the audio was released and he was simply telling the best passer this team has ever seen – quarterback Tony Romo – that the defense couldn’t stop them.

Is Bryant a team player? Absolutely!

I recall a catch by former wide receiver Brice Butler in the end zone while Bryant was injured. The defensive back knocked the ball out of Butler’s hands. When Butler ran to the sideline, Bryant was there explaining and demonstrating to Butler how to rotate his body and the ball away from the defender. – If you remember this game, mention it in the comments.

The Cowboys 2019 NFL draft first round pick – wide receiver Amari Cooper – is good. The Cowboys 2018 NFL draft third round pick – wide receiver Michael Gallup – is good. Wide receiver coach Sanjay Lal and his assistant Kyle Valero may be good too, but who’s most likely to be in the NFL’s Hall of Fame – Bryant or Lal and Valero?

The same way that Sean Lee is helping Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch develop into a dynamic duo. I would like to see Dez Bryant given a chance to help Cooper and Gallup become great. What about you?

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