Cowboys’ Rolando McClain ‘demands respect’ is defensive leader

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55) in game action against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. San Francisco beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55) in game action against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. San Francisco beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys lost defensive leader and middle linebacker Sean Lee during offseason activities for the season. That left them scrambling to find a replacement and they did so in oft-retired Rolando McClain, who has had his commitment and passion for the game called out.

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But McClain has been praised for his role in the offense by not only his coaches, but his teammates.

“He’s a guy, just with his presence, who demands respect. He’s the leader of our defense and is the guy who gets everybody going,” cornerback Brandon Carr told “The Afternoon Show with Cowlishaw and Mosley” on KESN-FM 103.3 on Wednesday, via the Dallas Morning News. “He settles us down when things are going awry. For a guy to have however many years off to come back and look like he’s not missing a beat and to get his legs back underneath him shows his passion. Each and every day it’s contagious for all of us out there. We just enjoy playing with him and we all enjoy playing the game of football together.”

That looks like exactly what the Cowboys were looking for and needed on their defense in Lee’s absence. They had previously tasked safety Barry Church with being the vocal leader, but McClain naturally becoming that person isn’t a bad thing and makes you wonder what a defense with McClain and Lee would be like.

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