Cowboys would be wise to continue with youth at linebacker

The Dallas Cowboys have been forced to dig deep into their depth chart at linebacker, but what was once seen as a setback has turned into one of the more encouraging developments of the season.

With injuries piling up, the Cowboys have leaned on their young defenders to fill major roles, and the early returns have been promising.

Players like Marist Liufau and Shemar James have brought speed, energy, and physicality to a unit that had been looking for an identity.

If Dallas is smart, they’ll continue letting the young linebackers play and grow, even if that comes with some mistakes along the way.

Flyin’ Hawaiian

Marist Liufau has been a revelation since being thrust into a bigger role. Whether on special teams or defense, Liufau’s motor never stops.

His sideline-to-sideline speed has been crucial, especially against mobile quarterbacks and running backs who threaten the edges.

Against the Jets, his presence was felt immediately; flying into gaps, wrapping up runners, and even getting his hands on a football or two.

Liufau’s knack for punching the ball out and forcing fumbles has added a new layer of aggression to the Cowboys’ defense.

While he’s bound to have some growing pains as he adjusts to NFL speed and scheme complexity, his enthusiasm and physical style are contagious.

This is evidenced by the shift in momentum versus the Green Bay Packers after he laid that huge hit on punt returner Matthew Golden.

The Cowboys’ defense looks more energized with him on the field, and that’s something you can’t teach.

Even if he’s not perfect yet, the spark Liufau brings is worth every rep he gets.

Galloping Gator

When starting LB Jack Sanborn exited early in the first half against the Jets with a concussion, rookie Shemar James was suddenly asked to step up, and he didn’t just fill in; he excelled.

James finished the game with a team-leading 15 tackles, flying around the field and showcasing elite pursuit speed.

He consistently shut down running lanes and limited quarterback Justin Fields’ ability to escape the pocket, a task that’s given Dallas fits in the past.

James is still raw, but his instincts and athleticism jump off the screen.

He reads plays quickly for a rookie, and even when he guesses wrong, his recovery speed allows him to stay in the mix.

On a defense that’s been inconsistent and struggling to find rhythm, James represents hope for the future.

The only way for him to grow is through experience, and the Cowboys would be wise to let him keep learning on the job.

Reinforcements on the Way?

While Liufau and James have been bright spots, the linebacker room could still use another stabilizing presence.

Kenneth Murray, once expected to be a steadying force, has looked a step slow in recent weeks, especially against faster offenses and dual-threat quarterbacks.

His hesitation and lack of sideline quickness have created vulnerabilities that opposing teams have started to exploit.

That’s why adding another veteran could make sense as the trade deadline approaches. Someone like New Orleans’ Demario Davis, if available, would fit perfectly.

Davis is still playing at a high level and could mentor the younger players while providing leadership and dependability in key situations.

That scenario might not be likely, however. The Cowboys may fear crowding the linebacker room with DeMarvion Overshown’s recovery seemingly going ahead of schedule.

The Cowboys’ defense needs an identity, and it might just be forming around their young, hungry linebackers.

Liufau and James have brought the kind of energy and urgency that can change a team’s tone. Dallas should keep feeding them snaps, even as they explore adding a veteran piece.

The future is on the field now, and it’s time to let them lead.