Dallas Cowboys: 5 players that must step up in 2021
player. 123. . . . Jaylon Smith - LB. 3
The most disappointing player during the 2020 season for the Dallas Cowboys has to be linebacker Jaylon Smith. While he played very well statistically, he missed a lot of reads.
What makes the linebacker a good player is his speed, ability to make reads, and securing the tackle. In coverage, he will get his hands on the ball and will chase down a scrambling quarterback.
How did Smith go from a Pro Bowl 2019 season to such a disappointing 2020 season? Look no further than a forever underwhelming coach in former defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.
Nolan wanted the defense to attack and overwhelm offenses. With the way Smith plays, you can’t do that. At least not the way Nolan wants.
Making early reads and jumping into a play is not what Smith likes to do. He is the type of player to sit back, read what is going on, then attack. For Nolan, Smith had to jump into plays before he could make a read.
Nolan wanted the defense to force the offense to make a quick decision rather than letting them choose. The issue with that is it is a hit or miss. That is why Jaylon either made a perfect stop or let the running back run away in open space.
With new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Smith will return to his conservative style of defense. Maybe that will bring the linebacker back to his 2019 Pro Bowl form.
It was a year where he racked up 142 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one interception, and nine batted passes. The linebacker might have to put up those numbers to stay in Dallas. Many people were calling for his name during the 2020 season. This season is an opportunity to put the poor season behind him.
The defensive line should be more organized, and his other half, Leighton Vander Esch, will hopefully stay healthy. Everything is in line for Jaylon Smith to play as one of the best linebackers in the NFL once again.