Lee replacing Wilson. Still haven't seen a good answer

[sureletsrace]

I consider myself to have an above-average knowledge of defense. I keep seeing the notion that Lee cannot play Wilson's spot at LB.

Can anyone give me some reasons why? From what I understand, Wilson is our SLB, there mostly to fill gaps and stop the run, with the occasional drop back into coverage.

Is Lee not an absolute monster behind the LOS? I'd love some real discussion regarding Lee's inability to play SLB.

Thanks in advance for thoughtful, fruitful discussion without this turning into a nightmare thread about X or Y player. Go Cowboys.

 

[Wood]

I consider myself to have an above-average knowledge of defense. I keep seeing the notion that Lee cannot play Wilson's spot at LB.

Can anyone give me some reasons why? From what I understand, Wilson is our SLB, there mostly to fill gaps and stop the run, with the occasional drop back into coverage.

Is Lee not an absolute monster behind the LOS? IsI love some real discussion regarding Lee's inability to play SLB.

Thanks in advance for thoughtful, fruitful discussion without this turning into a nightmare thread about X or Y player. Go Cowboys.

technically I think All 3 starting LBs can play all three positions (Lee, Smith, Esch). I wouldn't stress it because they will find what works best. Lee is still very very good player and he won't make this defense worse once he returns.

 

[sureletsrace]

your most physical LB usually plays SLB. Wilson is more physical than most realize. He is underrated. Once Lee returns, I think it will look like this:

SLB: Jaylon Smith (more physical than he was at ND)
MLB: Esch
WLB: Lee (you want Lee here because its least wear/tear of the three LB positions.

I'm ok with this as long as Jaylon can handle it. Regardless, I just want our three best LBs on the field when in a base set. I feel like our 3 best do not include Wilson. He's a solid player but there's no comparison between him and Lee.

 

[Chrispierce]

I consider myself to have an above-average knowledge of defense. I keep seeing the notion that Lee cannot play Wilson's spot at LB.

Can anyone give me some reasons why? From what I understand, Wilson is our SLB, there mostly to fill gaps and stop the run, with the occasional drop back into coverage.

Is Lee not an absolute monster behind the LOS? IsI love some real discussion regarding Lee's inability to play SLB.

Thanks in advance for thoughtful, fruitful discussion without this turning into a nightmare thread about X or Y player. Go Cowboys.

Great question,and one I’ve been asking myself. What’s the deal with not being able to get Lee,Smith and LVE all out there at the same time? I didn’t understand the decision the first time around,because speaking for myself...I would like to terrorize the league with that trio as a lineup.

 

[sureletsrace]

Great question,and one I’ve been asking myself. What’s the deal with not being able to get Lee,Smith and LVE all out there at the same time? I didn’t understand the decision the first time around,because speaking for myself...I would like to terrorize the league with that trio as a lineup.

That is, hands down, the best LB trio in the NFL. I trust in Marinelli and Richard to figure it out.

 

[Wood]

I'm ok with this as long as Jaylon can handle it. Regardless, I just want our three best LBs on the field when in a base set. I feel like our 3 best do not include Wilson. He's a solid player but there's no comparison between him and Lee.

Wilson is also free agent after season but Dallas will need to find solution for Lee next year because I think he is only part-time player at this stage and that contract wont be justified.

 

[sureletsrace]

Wilson is also free agent after season but Dallas will need to find solution for Lee next year because I think he is only part-time player at this stage and that contract wont be justified.

I agree. Do you think Joe Thomas could factor into this at all?

 

[Wood]

I agree. Do you think Joe Thomas could factor into this at all?

I see Lillard taking Wilson spot at SLB. Thomas would back up MLB & be core special teamer.

 

[darthseinfeld]

With the SLB, you probably want more of a downhill player than a sideline to sideline one. Thats where Wilson

As for the OP, I think Lee, Smith and LVE all have that downfield ability. Playing all three together should be viable.

What you do on passing downs is a more interesting question. Good problem to have as all three are playmakers on passing downs. Lee may still be the best pure coverage backer we have. Smith is our best blitz threat. LVE needs to be on the field period, because he is the right now dictating offense.

To me the awnser is you play all three in base, and you use Smith or Lee in 2 LB sets based on situation. I think I would use Lee at SAM in base. I think there is too much side to side speed you arent using if you put Smith or LVE there. Thats been a trademark of our defense this year and you dont move away from that.

 

[darthseinfeld]

I see Lillard taking Wilson spot at SLB. Thomas would back up MLB & be core special teamer.

Thomas is a good jack of all types you want in reserve IMO

 

[dsturgeon]

Wilson is pretty good.

 

[Bullflop]

Providing Lee is healthy, he'll be able to do anything Wilson can do and more.

Lee possesses all the knowledge and talent necessary to fill in expertly there.

Sean Lee studies enough film to know in advance what the opposition will do.

 

[DallasDW00ds0n]

Lee can fill in any where. Limting his snaps is the perfect situation TBH. Keeps him good for the long run. If this team makes the post season, we will need a vet like Lee; make no mistake.

 

[tm1119]

I think it has to do with why they moved Lee from MLB to WIL. He’s just not built to consistently take on blockers. SLB requires a lot physicality and Sean is for sure a finess player at this point in his career, needs to be kept clean of o lineman and TE’s. COULD he do it? Sure, but it’s probably not best for Lee or the team