News: Dan Quinn impressed by the Wolf Hunter

[Hadenough]

Peeps can knock all they want, this back seven can be really tops in league if just a couple pieces drop right, ya we hear that every year so I get it, but if Kazee brings something and Neal, communication alone elevates the back seven just with those two.
Not trying to get anyone overly excited, but the back seven has improved hands down, a very interesting camp is brewing and this very young defense has a few stars in the making.

I really hope so! Im tired of watching this defense get pushed around. I think they have plenty of talent I just hope the coaches can get them playing hard and fast with results.

 

[Hadenough]

I hope LVE has a great season along with Jaylon Smith. This defense must get better and Quinn needs to fix things or the Cowboys will sitting home during the playoffs.

 

[Whirlwin]

If hecould learn how to tackle with his head up . I’m watching and he’s dropping his shoulders most of the time. Got to keep your head up young man

 

[Whirlwin]

I expect big thing from LVE this year. He is going to surprise us all and shut up his critics.

I didn’t realize people were criticizing him. I thought he was fighting through injuries. If you could learn how to tackle with his head up I have no issues with him

 

[DuncanIso]

I don't underestimate a reawakening in him when he wasn't optioned for that 5th year. He came on the scene and made a splash and then began to decline, primarily from injury and poor coaching.

From what he said when the off season started and how he has followed through, I think he realizes just how hard it is to keep a high level going.

I am pulling for him because 6'4" LB's with his wingspan don't grow on trees and he can be a real problem for QB's.

agree.

broken bones happen in the NFL.

he has a Pro Bowl on his resume.

its cheaper for Dallas to do a long term deal.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

In an all-important prove-it season, the player nicknamed the "Wolf Hunter" is attempting to establish himself as the alpha of the linebacker pack for the Dallas Cowboys. Leighton Vander Esch saw the organization decline to exercise his fifth-year option for 2022 immediately after drafting Micah Parsons in the first round and Jabril Cox in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, each variable sending a clear-and-present message to Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith. A former first-round pick himself, the former is already off to the races in impressing newly hired defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and that's key to helping secure his playing time in 2021 and his future in North Texas in years to come.

© Provided by CBS Sports
Quinn, speaking in early June about players who jumped out at him in his first round of Cowboys offseason works, raved about what he's seeing thus far from a determined Vander Esch -- a player the team has received trade interest for recently but ignored due to their plans for him this coming season.

"I've been really impressed, [and] not just from the OTA time," Quinn told media. "Every once and a while you can just see a person that's on a mission, and I think that's what I've seen from Leighton from the time I arrived. You could just feel the energy, the intensity that he's putting into his workouts to change his body to get as strong as he could.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nf...-of-training-camp-hes-on-a-mission/ar-AALhqfX

well, this may end up as one of those win win situations for us....if LVE shows up, then he gets a new contract (bye bye Jaylon) and we have a very strong LB group. or if he plays well, then some team gives him a nice large contract...we get a 3rd round pick (or 4th out of it)...I think LVE is going to show up....hopefully over is injuries that slowed him down and no more injuries.....he was utterly confused in Nolan's defense, often hitting the wrong holes.....the ravens game and Jackson's long TD run comes to mind as an example

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm glad LVE is looking good and Quinn is impressed by what he is seeing thus far, good sign. No doubt what he does during the season is all that matters. No one will care about how any player looked in May and June, it is what you do when it becomes real and games start counting. We have seen what LVE is capable of, if he can get past injuries then I have no doubt he is capable of being a big factor on defense.

 

[INCowboysFan]

Not really

Yes, really

72 tackles, 1 TFL in 2019
60 tackles, 1 TFL in 2020

During the last 2 season, he's given up 81% completions, 9.4 ypc. He has 2 career forced fumbles, 1.5 career sacks.

He had a missed tackle rate of 15.3% in 2019 and 16.7% in 2020.

And for what it's worth, he had a lower PFF rating than Jaylon Smith in 2020.

He has not been good at all when he's been on the field.

I hope like hell that LVE and Smith can rebound and have good seasons this year. This defense needs them to. But I need to see them both before I buy into the hype.

 

[fredp22]

The LVE hate is unreal on this forum.

When that hate backfires on most of you for the 2nd time in his career after you wrote him off on draft day remember that I was never a doubter.

curious-would you draft him again with your first round pick?

 

[9darter]

"the alpha of the linebacker pack"

This won't sit well with a contingent of people here.

 

[CATCH17]

curious-would you draft him again with your first round pick?

That's a good question but it completely depends on his health that we have not been given enough information on.

If the Cowboys doctors say he is perfectly fine then yes. If not then no.

As a player? Yes. He's a great space player and also has size and length. He's a better talent for this era of football than 99% of players at his position in the league.

 

[MyFairLady]

His entire financial future depends on this season. I have no doubt he is on a mission. I hope and pray he stays healthy and dominates. Then I hope and pray Jerry is smart enough to let him walk away. But we all know the drunken clown will reward him with the largest linebacker deal in NFL history and we will regret it for the rest of LVEs days in Dallas.

 

[fredp22]

That's a good question but it completely depends on his health that we have not been given enough information on.

If the Cowboys doctors say he is perfectly fine then yes. If not then no.

As a player? Yes. He's a great space player and also has size and length. He's a better talent for this era of football than 99% of players at his position in the league.

no rewind to 2019-u have 19th pick-do u take him? Think thats why so many are frustrated with him. He has talent but hasnt been on the field enough to justify the 19th pick. It also isnt a shock. He had injury concerns going into draft

 

[DuncanIso]

His entire financial future depends on this season. I have no doubt he is on a mission. I hope and pray he stays healthy and dominates. Then I hope and pray Jerry is smart enough to let him walk away. But we all know the drunken clown will reward him with the largest linebacker deal in NFL history and we will regret it for the rest of LVEs days in Dallas.

nothing wrong with his ability to play football.

He broke his collar bone. An uncommon injury in the NFL.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I expect big thing from LVE this year. He is going to surprise us all and shut up his critics.

Well you got one thing right. The ONLY way he will shut up his critics is to play great. Have you been happy with his play the last 2 years?

 

[CowboyRoy]

there is no “LVE hate “

the guy is talented but has serious neck issues at a position that requires constant collisions

why anyone would advocate giving him a top LB contract even if he stays healthy and performs well is beyond me

haven’t we learned anything from previous bad contracts given after suddenly good play in contract years?

we better move on after the year no matter how well he plays

So if LVE plays at a pro bowl lever you wouldnt sign him to a reasonable short term contract?

 

[visionary]

So if LVE plays at a pro bowl lever you wouldnt sign him to a reasonable short term contract?

I’m still waiting for you guys to grow up

Do you really think LVE will sign up for a “reasonable short term contract” if plays at a pro bowl level?

if you do I have some prime oceanfront property to sell you in Phoenix

 

[Dalmations202]

I am a LVE fan, but
1) tackling form is atrocious, and the cause of most of his injuries.
2) instincts for the position are average at best - doesn't seem to understand when to stack, slip, or go around blocks.
3) doesn't seem to read and understand what offenses are trying to do at a high level - tries to use athleticism and length instead of brain and brawn.
4) is not overly intimidating like I like LB's to be
5) has not, IMO, been put in the best position to succeed with is skillset

With this said, I am a fan, and hope he does awesome this year if/when Quinn utilizes him to his strengths.
I hope he plays at a Probowl level and gets a good contract.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I’m still waiting for you guys to grow up

Do you really think LVE will sign up for a “reasonable short term contract” if plays at a pro bowl level?

if you do I have some prime oceanfront property to sell you in Phoenix

Probably not. That doesnt mean I wouldnt do it if he will.

YOU said you wouldnt resign him for any reason. I gave you one where we SHOULD sign him.

 

[MyFairLady]

So if LVE plays at a pro bowl lever you wouldnt sign him to a reasonable short term contract?

If he plays at a pro bowl level you think he and his agent are gonna settle for 2 years at 5 million per year? You gotta be more specific than a reasonable short term contract. I am willing to sign any player uin the entire NFL to a reasonable short term contract. He is gonna be looking for mega bank.