Dallas Cowboys: 5 Reasons they can win Super Bowl 53
By Randy Gurzi
2. They have a game-changer on defense
There have been some serious praises heaped this season on linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence — and rightfully so. Lawrence has recorded double-digit sacks in back-to-back seasons which is something this defense has been missing ever since DeMarcus Ware left following the 2013 season.
Vander Esch led the team in tackles this season with 140 and had two interceptions. In the process, he quieted a lot of doubters who thought the Cowboys erred in drafting the Boise State linebacker at No. 19. Both are great, but there’s another difference maker who is coming on at the right time, and that’s third-year linebacker Jaylon Smith.
More from Dallas Cowboys
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Zack is back, good news for Dak and the Cowboys
- Dallas Cowboys: Are Dak’s interceptions cause for concern?
- Cowboys: Micah Parsons will be even more impactful in 2023
- 2023 NFL Season: It’s now or never for the Dallas Cowboys
After redshirting his rookie season due to a knee injury suffered at Notre Dame, Smith played in 2017 with an AFO brace as he dealt with nerve damage. This season, he’s had no brace and he’s been all over the field. Smith finished the season with 121 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered, and a touchdown in Week 16 against Tampa Bay.
What really stood out in his first career touchdown was how fast Smith flew down the sideline for his 69-yard score, something that showed how far removed he is from the devastating injury suffered in Jan. 2016.
Smith is a game wrecker who makes life hard on opposing offenses with his speed and instincts. And what’s b even better is he’s still trending up and improving every week. He can be a huge factor as Dallas looks to make a big run.