FRISCO, Texas – The quarterback on the Cowboys’ defense, Sean Lee, has been dealing with hamstring tightness. He worked on the side during Wednesday’s practice but the coaching staff is anticipating more work in from the veteran strong-side linebacker toady.
The Cowboys are in a better place this season with their added depth to the linebacker position. Dallas acquired LB Leighton Vander Esch in the first round of the 2018 draft from Boise State. He is beginning to become more familiar with the Cowboys’ defensive scheme with mentors Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith. Smith and Vander-Esch worked closely throughout OTA’s and training camp at the middle linebacker position. Smith has continued to grow and looks more comfortable on the field after the snap and has created several quarterback pressures, including his impressive shoulder hit to Eli Manning’s chest that earned him the “NFL Way To Play “ award for Week 2.
Last season Smith recorded 81 combined tackles, 50 total, 31 assists, one sack, and two pass defends. So far this season he has had two big games with 14 combined tackles, 10 total, four assists, and a sack.
In Vander Esch’s first two debut games in the regular season as a Dallas Cowboy he amassed 10 combined tackles, 9 total, and one assist.
During the press conference Jason Garrett remarked on the progress of Smith and Vander Esch, “ Jaylon Smith has a year under his belt playing. He is a year further away from his injury and he looks more comfortable physically and mentally and a guy like Leighton Vander Esch: a high draft pick for us. We have given him some opportunities…feel good about that group. Obviously Sean is the leader of the defense and a great football player but depth is important on a team and the deeper you are, the better you are able to deal with adversities. “
