I would assume the results have all been in favor of Dez and I don't think at all they are skewed by your history at all.
The question itself is open to multiple interpretations.
What is "better"?
Production?
- If so, production favors Dez. Even though both have had injuries, Dez has missed fewer games and thus had produced. I wouldn't exactly point to his his first two seasons as being all that great but 2013 is likely where he gets the nod. I would probably say that Lee had the better 2nd year relative to what you would expect from their position but this seasons Dez was simply on another level for the second half. Furthermore, I would say that production potential favors Dez in that if he hits his ceiling he will be one of the top, if not the top, WRs in the NFL. While Lee is a very good player I don't think his ceiling is as high.
Knowledge and dependability when on the field?
- I think this goes to Lee and without question. Not really sure there's much more to elaborate on. When Lee is out there, he's the leader of the defense.
"It" Factor?
- By this I mean the ability to make plays when they are seemingly needed most. I think both are certainly capable but I think Dez has the advantage in that he gets significantly more chances.
Leadership?
- I already touched on it but I think this goes to Lee. He's the brain on defense. Dez might possess some emotional aspects in terms of leadership but as long as Romo is around, Romo will lead the offense.
"Better" player doesn't exactly articulate the vast differences between the two players themselves, aside from the positional aspect.
I think you can make arguments either way. Dez will most certainly show up in the highlight reel more often but that should be expected. Lee to a certain extent is limited in his ability to impact a game on an individual basis but his effect can also be more than that as far as the defense as a whole is considered. If he lines the defense up in the right position and it results in a turnover, Lee is the guy who put things in motion.
Who's the dousche LB that played for the Giants up until a couple years ago? I can't think of his name but he called an audible at the last moment on Romo one game and it basically resulted in an interception in the flat.
By the same token, that play was made by someone else regardless if that player was essentially told what to do.
For me, I think both are very good players. I think both could be great. Dez has the advantage of getting individual recognition for individual effort on a more regular basis. Lee has the disadvantage of possibly orchestrating a solid performance from the unit and nobody really noticing.
I picked Dez because ultimately if each were to reach their ceiling and play the rest of their careers at peak potential, Dez would be one of the best to ever play WR and Lee likely won't be in a similar discussion as far as LBs go.
