The two young linebackers who make the Cowboys’ defense hum
With each game, the foundation being cemented becomes more clear. And the future of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense is looking solid as rock. .
Linebackers Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch have quickly become a play-making duo with veteran Sean Lee injured. Both feed off of the other and their youth, Smith is 23 and the rookie Vander Esch is 21, seems to put the Cowboys’ defense in good hands for years to come. Both are big and fast, which allows the Dallas’ defensive scheme to flourish. Atlanta Falcons’ coach Dan Quinn, who will face the Cowboys at noon Sunday, is impressed with both, especially their ability to pass protect when necessary.
“Having the ability to matchup with the tight end or a back? That’s not so easy,” Quinn said. “Often times the bigger guys can matchup on the tight end but not often on the backs. So for them to have guys who can play tight ends and backs, that’s a pretty cool thing. I think they got a pretty good combination because of the speed they have.”
Vander Esch, who is coming off his first NFC Defensive Player of the Week honor after recording 19 tackles against the Eagles, credits both Lee and Smith for guidance.
“It’s an absolute blast playing with him. He’s a baller,” Vander Esch said of Smith. “He gets me right if I have something wrong or if I didn’t do something right on a play. We feed off of each other. We’re young, we’re going to make mistakes here and there but I feel like our athleticism makes up for some of those little mistakes. We just run to the ball every single play and taking pride in that.”
Vander Esch broke Lee’s Cowboys’ rookie record against the Eagles, says he feels like he’s known Lee his whole life.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. He’s like another coach out there,” he said. “I love the guy.”
Lee has been on the sideline during practice and games acting as an assistant defensive coach while he recovers from a hamstring injury. He’s likely to be out another month.
Vander Esch said Lee knows how to help each player in the middle of a game.
“Everybody is their own player so they’re going to do things differently and he understands that I think. And that’s the nice thing about our group is we understand we’re all different players,” Vander Esch said. “We understand we’re not all going to do things the same way. He’s very encouraging. He’s right there and gives me the answer. He’s an extremely good resource to have.”
Smith, who did not play his rookie 2016 season after surgery, is currently rated the No. 9 linebacker in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. His rookie teammate is No. 7.
“I’m proud of him. He’s prepared so much. He’s going to be around here a long time,” Smith said. “Our chemistry is amazing. It has grown tremendously. It started during OTAs, taking him under my wing and teaching him a lot. He loves football so It’s easy for him to learn and adjust. We all feed off of each other.”
This story was originally published November 16, 2018 at 12:17 AM.