Signed by Cowboys Durant signs with Dallas

[DTown214]

 

[AbeBeta]

Concussions?

Suffered two last year when he wasn't playing in the middle.

Next?

 

[AbeBeta]

There are articles that insist that health played a factor, such as this one:

That's a stretch. The reporter makes the claim. The quotes do not.

 

[perrykemp]

This is a good move.

Team needed depth at LB and Durant is a decent player, when healthy.

 

[The Quest for Six]

Hitchens might be our best option at SAM.

that's not saying much

 

[gimmesix]

That's a stretch. The reporter makes the claim. The quotes do not.

Wasn't my story, but there are others that say the same thing. (I can't find any with direct quotes, but stories like the following come from people covering the team.)

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones recently expressed hope that Dallas could retain McClain and plug him in at middle linebacker--his position in 2014, when he finished second on the team in tackles--while Lee moves from the middle to the weak side. Head coach Jason Garrett has said weakside linebacker is Lee’s natural position, and believes the move could help keep him healthy.

There were several factors in Lee moving to the weak side. Health was one of them because he would be better protected from blockers, not having to take them on as much, and better able to flow to the ball instead of having to fill the hole as much. Having McClain also played a role because McClain is truly a middle linebacker, which allowed Dallas to move Lee to a spot that better suits his abilities.

Not having McClain might change that, but the fact that Lee was able to stay mostly healthy last year might also convince the front office that the team is better off leaving Lee at WLB. Lee and Durant both have some flexibility, though, so it might come down to what's the better fit for the corps. I like Lee as a MLB so I have no problem with Dallas moving him bakc there,

 

[StarBoyz83]

Good. Durant > McClain

 

[MrMom]

Not sure who plays MLB in base, probably Hitchens. But our nickel LBs will definitely be Durant and Lee.

 

[AsthmaField]

Yay

 

[Rogerthat12]

 

[jobberone]

A healthy in shape McClain is a Pro Bowl type player at MLB is > Durant. Durant is faster but not the thumper nor much better if at all in coverage. Durant is more reliable. LBs get hurt and you need depth.

Wilbur is a versatile player who can sub at DE on rush downs and play the SAM as well as MIKE in a pinch. His problem is he is as good as he will get and that is a marginal to at best serviceable player who is not a playmaker or quality starter. He should be replaced when possible looking at his depth versatility and STs play. The fact he's still on the team is a testament to that but also to the lack of quality depth on the team. That may come to an end this year. He's on the bubble AFAIC.

Lee can play anywhere back there including the NICKEL. He was moved to WILL because McClain can play the MIKE as well and WILL is pivotal in this defense. My guess is they will give Hitchens the chance to play the MIKE although signing Durant gives me pause they will just move Lee to M and make Durant the W.

This is a quality signing IMO due to adding depth and a player the younger guys can emulate. My concern is he is a progress stopper and there are interesting players trying to make the team. I'm sure the team considered this and made the decision depth and vet experience was worth it for now. The positive is I doubt he has much of a contract so IF a couple of young guys push him off the roster or down the depth chart then so be it.

 

[Denim Chicken]

A healthy in shape McClain is a Pro Bowl type player at MLB is > Durant. Durant is faster but not the thumper nor much better if at all in coverage. Durant is more reliable. LBs get hurt and you need depth.

.

Reliable is not a word I would use to describe Durant. Not sure if he's ever played a full 16 games.

 

[Alexander]

What's the deal on Tulloch?

Slow two down LBer. Not much else to say.

 

[Alexander]

Yah, and thats a problem.

Not unless you have that player vying for a starting spot. Bad news is, we have him vying for starting spot.

 

[jobberone]

Reliable is not a word I would use to describe Durant. Not sure if he's ever played a full 16 games.

Get you but injuries to LBs are the most common injury in the NFL. It just has to be expected. More reliable than McClain definitely is a relative term.

 

[KingintheNorth]

Reliable is not a word I would use to describe Durant. Not sure if he's ever played a full 16 games.

We just need him for 10. Can he muster 10 games?

 

[Risen Star]

You maximize Sean Lee's intelligence and instincts playing him in the middle where he can roam sideline to sideline.

 

[dogunwo]

Keeping him sends an abysmal message to the locker room. A guy can not show up with his teammates, take drugs, be suspended for 10 games and still be your starter? I get he's talented, but he's not THAT talented. I would rather deal with everyone else and keep a good team chemistry than bring that tool back. If he doesn't care enough to stay on the field, what makes you think he cares about actually winning for this team?

I always wonder why fans think the minds of the players in the locker room are so feeble that they wouldn't understand the business. This isn't high school football. Guys like Romo and Witten know that McClain is an elite talent and don't give a crap what he does if when the guy suits up on Sundays he helps them win. Players care much more about winning and how that can turn into better contracts for them, then this idea that "the coaches are allowing McClain to ruin the locker room". It is different than a Terrell Owens situation where he is actively pitting players against each other.

 

[Risen Star]

that's not saying much

My man.

 

[Floatyworm]

Not unless we move Lee to Mike.

I'd bet that is the plan....IMO it seems like Marinelli has soured on Hitchens. He's always gotta have somebody to kick around. Ask Bruce Carter how that works.