Cowboys Schotty Prompts Green Dot Debate with LB Praise

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys acquired two experienced linebackers this offseason in Kenneth Murray Jr. (via trade with Tennessee Titans) and Jack Sanborn (free agent via Chicago Bears).

Under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus (a notable linebacker whisperer), either one of them - or both - are expected to be in the starting lineup to start this season with DeMarvion Overshown still recovering from injury. Marist Liufau and Damone Clark are other candidates to start as returners from last year.

Both newcomers have been participants in OTAs this offseason and each are expected to bring quality leadership traits to head coach Brian Schottenheimer's competitive program.

Ahead of the final media viewing day at The Star Tuesday, Schotty hosted a press conference where he raved about both Murray and Sanborn.

He began by pointing out what he's seen from Sanborn so far by connecting how Eberflus' days as the head coach of the Bears last season helped him already be comfortable in the defensive scheme.

"Work ethic jumps off the tape," Schottenheimer said. "He has the advantage because he's been in the system, but I think Flus' system is so flexible ... Jack has been incredible.

"The command, also him leaning into a couple of the younger 'backers ... that doesn't have to happen but he's happy to help which is great. Again, speaks to the fact that he's a competitor and wants to win the starting job, but he's also willing to lean into those guys and answer questions ... that's what we want.

"Jack's a very selfless player that we're excited to have."

 Schottenheimer began his spiel on Murray - who has predominately taken first-team reps in team drills - with an anecdote from an earlier matchup against him.

"Well I'm gonna go back, we played actually on my 50th birthday a couple years ago, we played in LA, played the Chargers and I remember they had him and [Eric] Kendricks," Schotty said.

"I remember going into that game really concerned about him ... The athleticism. The power. The ability to diagnose. Excellent tackler. Physical. So, a guy we've been watching for a couple of years ... He has not disappointed."

Each side of the ball - offense and defense - is allowed one player on the field who is allowed a helmet with direct communications with the coaching staff. Typically on offense it's the quarterback, and on defense it's the linebacker who sits in the middle of all the action and directs traffic.

This is signified with a green dot on their helmet.

Schotty's equal praise for both 'backers raises the thought that both Sanborn and Murray will be in the running to earn the green dot on this year's defense.

Sanborn registered just 35 total tackles last season in Chicago, but struggled finding a consistent role in Eberflus' lineup, despite the promise his brings. Many Bears fans expressed remorse that he walked in free agency and confusion that Chicago didn't make an effort to keep him ... which credits Dallas on an underrated move that could be greatly beneficial.

In his first year with the Titans last year, Murray earned captain status on the defense and finished with 95 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He started in every game he played in and has two more years of NFL experience than Sanborn.

For now, we'd expect Murray to be awarded the green dot based on that seniority, but Sanborn's understanding of Eberflus' playbook could provide a seamless translation on the field.

As Schottenheimer has said all offseason: "We're creating competition."

The green-dot debate is a two-man competition worth monitoring at training camp later this summer.