Dallas Cowboys: 3 things to watch for in their season opener
1. The Cowboys new linebacker group
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense looks a little different than it did a season ago especially with their linebackers. Dallas has four new linebackers added to their roster for 2021 which includes signing Keanu Neal and bringing up Azur Kamara to the official roster. They also drafted players like rookie Micah Parsons and rookie Jabril Cox.
The 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft will look to make an immediate impact on this defense in game one. His speed is something that likely makes him one of the most dangerous pieces on this Cowboys’ defense already.
Another key addition to this linebacker core is former Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal. Neal is transitioning to linebacker this season after he joins his former coach and current Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. The former first-round pick could have a big part in this defense especially since he has had a solid training camp/preseason.
These players will compete with former Pro Bowl linebackers, Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith. Not only will it be interesting to see how Dallas’ new linebackers will perform, but also how Smith and Vander Esch will play.
Both players will look to bounce back in 2021 in different ways. Vander Esch will look to stay healthy this season. The former Boise State star has missed a combined 13 games in the past two seasons.
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On the other side, Smith was possibly one of the worst players on the team last season. According to PFF, he received a grade of just 54.2, which was way down from his 2019 grade of 70.2. The former Notre Dame product will have to show up this season or he could be on the trading block. This group will probably be better than it was in 2020. With all the new additions, watching this linebacker unit against this talented Buccaneers’ squad could be something to look forward to.