Cowboys: One crucial starter keeps delivering despite lack of respect
Every week, one defensive starter for the Dallas Cowboys seems to receive plenty of "hate" on social media. And while many will look you dead in the eye and tell you Leighton Vander Esch is a problem for Dan Quinn's defense, I've got to be honest with you. I don't see it when turning on […]
Every week, one defensive starter for the Dallas Cowboys seems to receive plenty of "hate" on social media. And while many will look you dead in the eye and tell you Leighton Vander Esch is a problem for Dan Quinn's defense, I've got to be honest with you. I don't see it when turning on the tape.
And no, I wouldn't go as far as saying he's a Top 5 player on this defense either. Or that the Cowboys couldn't use an upgrade at the position. I'm not here to argue any of that. But the guy is playing decent, good football.
It starts with how much is on his plate.
Despite the fact that Jayron Kearse wears the green dot, communication is everywhere for the Cowboys' defense. Every snap, Vander Esch is communicating with a defensive line that leads the league in stunts rate.
By the way, LVE has the fourth-highest snap count among Dallas' defenders. He's also fifth on the team in splash plays, as measured by The Athletic's Bob Sturm.
When watching Quinn's defense, which is one of the best in the NFL, plenty of players get recognized for their versatility. And while he mostly plays the traditional role of a middle linebacker, the trust the defensive coordinator has in Quinn couldn't be more evident.
He'll also ask the former first-round pick to walk up to the line of scrimmage and rush the passer.
Meanwhile, he's willing to run Tampa 2-like coverages with Vander Esch dropping into a deep zone over the middle. In those spots, you'll the Cowboys' linebacker running step for step with tight ends and even wide receivers.
And he's making plays, too!
Every week, we hear fans (and even some analysts) claim Vander Esch keeps missing assignments and defending the wrong gap.
Maybe we're reviewing different game film, but all I see is a solid linebacker playing solid football. For more on this and rising rookie Damone Clark, check out Thursday's episode of my nightly show A to Z Sports Primetime!
Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
