Dallas Cowboys: Sean Lee, Byron Jones will lead defense
The Dallas Cowboys will have many new faces on their defense heading into 2017, but Sean Lee and Byron Jones can anchor and lead the unit.
Veteran linebacker Sean Lee and third-year cornerback Byron Jones will help keep the Dallas Cowboys defense steady for the 2017 season. Lee is the veteran captain and Jones is a leader in training from the secondary. The Cowboys defense is going through a bit of a rebuild or reloading with many new faces in the secondary and defensive line and even at linebacker as the team begins their 2017 training camp.
With that said, Lee and Jones must step up their performance, but also lead the way fro the young group around them. Dallas is very fortunate to have two players capable of being the best at their positions on the team, while also being guys teammates can rely on and follow.
As a captain and veteran, Lee must bring a calmness to the team. From what we’ve seen thus far throughout his career, he is a perfect defensive captain for this franchise. The outside linebacker played in 15 games one season ago, and it was the second-straight season he played in at least 14 games and the third-straight year in which he played in at least 11 games.
Lee has made 61 starts in his career, proving to be a natural leader on the field. He’s coming off a season where he totaled 93 solo tackles and 52 tackles with an assist. He also had a fumble recovery and one pass defended. Overall, Lee helped make others on the defense better with that play.
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Jones has been picked to be a leader on this defense as well. Thus far this offseason, he’s been very open about accepting that role and how it means a good deal to him to be looked up to by his teammates. Tyler Dragon of All22.com quoted the safety about being focused on football at the start of camp and how that will be good for him and his teammates:
"“Anytime you can just focus on ball, that’s what this team is about,” Jones said. “[We] just want to play ball and win games.”"
Jones, who totaled 88 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception last season, spoke like a true leader and seems focused coming into training camp. He’s ready to take the next step as a player and strong presence for teammates to look to.
Last year, the regular season was a great success with the Cowboys rising back to the top of the division and being one of the top teams in all of the NFL. This year will be different with the roster turnover, and of course with young players coming along. However, Lee and Jones are perfect for a defense in the midst of a rebuild of sorts.
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Even with the youth at some spots, depth issues and a suspension or two, the Cowboys are in good hands with Lee and Jones as captains and leaders. They will keep the defense focused and steady, and the Cowboys should realize just how fortunate they are to have those two leading the way.