Dallas Cowboys: 3 standout players from Week Nine

#2 – Sean Lee, Linebacker

Usually, a backup is a downgrade from the player he is replacing. Anytime the backup replicates the same or more production, it is a great sign. Linebacker Sean Lee shows the league yet again his capabilities when he is healthy.

He was filling in for injured linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who has emerged as a phenomenal replacement for Lee. Lee had once been the leader of Dallas’ defense, but injuries got the best of him. It’s great to see him pick up where he left of in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The stat line looks really good. He has 12 tackles (nine were solo tackles), one tackle for loss, and one pass defended. Lee is looking just like he did when he was playing at his Pro Bowl level.

At 33-years-old, Lee still appears to have a lot in the tank. I would expect him to again have a reduced role once Vander Esch is back. It is great to have that kind of production from a starter, never mind a backup.

His one-year contract is going to give the Cowboys a good problem. If they choose to give him another short-term contract, they know what they can get. If not, then Lee would be a good candidate for a coaching opportunity with the Cowboys organization.