When the Dallas Cowboys need someone to stop the opposing offense in the middle of the field, linebacker Sean Lee is there for the stop.
Lee, who has developed into a premier linebacker, has 50 tackles, good for second in the NFL. He is only behind veteran Lance Briggs by just one tackle. However, Lee has an interception for a touchdown and a fumble recovery while Briggs has no interceptions, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
In 2011, Lee got the chance to become the starting linebacker, taking the job and not looking back. He broke out, emerging as one of the best young linebackers in the NFL. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones felt the same way in signing the former Penn State standout to a new six-year $42 million extension thru the 2019-20 season.
Just three weeks into the season, Lee already had over 30 tackles along with two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. This phenomenal start of the season earned him the title of NFC Defensive Player of the Month in September.
The following year, Lee started off strong, but after six weeks, he was placed on the injured reserve with an injured toe which required season-ending surgery. Now, in 2013, Lee is out for vengeance, and has done that so far with his 50 tackles and pick six.
At first glance, Lee’s stat line isn’t appealing because he has never had a sack in his NFL career. But, the Cowboys have him stay back and defend the pass while DeMarcus Ware goes in for the sack.
Throughout the game, Lee is always there for a big stop or to deflect the ball away. Those are not as captivating as a sack, but without him, the Cowboys defense would be much weaker.
Defensive players are overshadowed by the offense because most people believe offense wins games. That may be true to one standard, but the team’s defense are a huge factor. Offense can win games here and there, but in the end, defense wins championships – or in this case, Super Bowls.
When fans discuss the top linebackers in the NFL today, many names come up like Luke Kuechly, Brian Cushing, and even Jerod Mayo. Rarely ever is Lee’s name brought into the equation because of the lack of sacks.
That should not be overlooked because on the field, Lee is a leader, helping the Dallas defense come up with big stops. Lee is a top-notch linebacker and shows that with his consistency and leadership.
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