From Weakness To Strength: The Cowboys 2015 Linebacking Corps

[waving monkey]

It was expected to be one of the reasons Dallas would have a terrible defense this season, but under Matt Eberflus, the linebackers have stepped up big time.

There are some arguments being made (including this one) that Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys deserves consideration as the Coach of the Year for leading his team to the NFC East title despite the low expectations for the team. Both Scott Linehan and Rod Marinelli have been praised, deservedly so, for their contributions this season. And no one should forget the offensive line that Bill Callahan has forged into arguably the best in the NFL.

But perhaps the most impressive job done by anyone on the Dallas coaching staff has been that done by Matt Eberflus, the linebackers coach. While Callahan has created a true monster with the offensive line, he did have three recent first-round picks as raw material. Eberflus had far less to work with on paper, and yet as the playoffs draw near, his group is playing at a surprisingly high level, and have become a real strength of the overachieving defense.

link/http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2014...cking-corps-rolando-mcclain-anthony-hithchens

 

[dwreck27]

Can't deny the job being done by the coaching staff up and down on the defense. ..

We lost high profile guys from last year's worst of all time defense and replaced them with a bunch of "JAGS" and boy it's made a big difference in performance

 

[dogunwo]

It appears they took the players took it personally and have responded very surprisingly well.

 

[gmoney112]

Talks about Hitchens and says his best work is when Hitchens is at WILL and McClain is at SAM?

I don't really watch that closely pre-snap, McClain is playing SAM? I thought he was the Mike?

 

[JBell]

It's amazing what depth can do for you. Last year we had a couple of starters go down at LB and we had Ernie Sims and Cameron Lawrence playing meaningful snaps.

This year we have a few guys go down and we have a pro bowler and a promising rookie step in.

 

[xwalker]

Talks about Hitchens and says his best work is when Hitchens is at WILL and McClain is at SAM?

I don't really watch that closely pre-snap, McClain is playing SAM? I thought he was the Mike?

No, I don't think McClain played any snaps at SAM.

 

[JohnsKey19]

If they can bring McClain and Durant back to pair with Lee and Hitchens, you have potentially a very strong group in '15. I'm one of Carter's few remaining fans but he'll sign elsewhere for more playing time. I'd like to upgrade the reserve depth as I don't believe Wilbur or Cam Lawrence are guys who ever have a chance of being reliable NFL LBs.

 

[MWH1967]

If they can bring McClain and Durant back to pair with Lee and Hitchens, you have potentially a very strong group in '15. I'm one of Carter's few remaining fans but he'll sign elsewhere for more playing time. I'd like to upgrade the reserve depth as I don't believe Wilbur or Cam Lawrence are guys who ever have a chance of being reliable NFL LBs.

me thinks carter will be back...Much easier to keep them when they can see potential in the team to be special, plus i wanted you to argue with me a little so you could get all those dreadful 6's off your post count...

 

[JohnsKey19]

me thinks carter will be back...Much easier to keep them when they can see potential in the team to be special, plus i wanted you to argue with me a little so you could get all those dreadful 6's off your post count...

Hahaha I just noticed!

 

[ghst187]

If they can bring McClain and Durant back to pair with Lee and Hitchens, you have potentially a very strong group in '15. I'm one of Carter's few remaining fans but he'll sign elsewhere for more playing time. I'd like to upgrade the reserve depth as I don't believe Wilbur or Cam Lawrence are guys who ever have a chance of being reliable NFL LBs.

totally agree with all!

 

[reddyuta]

Its an accurate statement that they are a strength of this defense but they are not a dominant unit,a healthy Lee would have really brought the unit together but i dont think Lee will ever be the same again.

 

[supercowboy8]

If they can bring McClain and Durant back to pair with Lee and Hitchens, you have potentially a very strong group in '15. I'm one of Carter's few remaining fans but he'll sign elsewhere for more playing time. I'd like to upgrade the reserve depth as I don't believe Wilbur or Cam Lawrence are guys who ever have a chance of being reliable NFL LBs.

I think we will have to pick between carter or Durant. If so I pick Durant.
Also I would love to pick Paul Dawson in the draft. Perfect back up with potential. Can play any position.

Also I think Hitch is best at the Sam.

 

[supercowboy8]

Its an accurate statement that they are a strength of this defense but they are not a dominant unit,a healthy Lee would have really brought the unit together but i dont think Lee will ever be the same again.

Why. Lee has had this knee injury before on the other knee. I think with his work ethic he will be better.

 

[FLcowboy]

Its an accurate statement that they are a strength of this defense but they are not a dominant unit,a healthy Lee would have really brought the unit together but i dont think Lee will ever be the same again.

I agree re Lee's effectiveness. Just how many injuries to a knee, or knees does it take to render them ineffective. He'll be slower, and susceptible to more injuries. McClain is the new Mike, and Hitchins as Will.

 

[Bowdown27]

Lee has been working w hitchens this whole season. Kid has progressed remarkably. Lee definitely has some part in that. Lee is one of the smartest and could have been one of the best if he ever stayed healthy. It won't happen obviously with his track record