According to Grant Gordon of NFL.com, Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is replacing Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly due to injury.
Vander Esch out of Boise State was drafted by the Cowboys with the 19th overall pick in last year's draft. He was incredibly effective as a 4-3 outside linebacker for the team, totaling 140 tackles with two interceptions. Even though he is only a rookie, he is much deserving of the nod.
Luke Kuechly is a seventh year NFL veteran who has been one of the best linebackers in the league for some time. He was a first-team All-Pro this past season who totaled over 130 tackles with two sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. He is likely just passing on the pro bowl to get some rest and recovery coming into his eighth NFL season.
The Cowboys went 10-6 in the regular season winning the NFC East Division. Their offense was super potent but was able to average around 21.2 points per game with Dak Prescott under center. This ranked 22nd overall in the entire league. However, their defense was much more stifling and impactful, only allowing 20.3 points per game which ranked 6th overall in the NFL.
They ended up being kicked out of the playoffs in the second round by the Los Angeles Rams by a score 0f 30-22. The Cowboys were simply out-ran the entire game, giving up over 300 yards and three touchdowns on the ground to C.J. Anderson and Todd Gurley. The Rams proved why they are one of the NFL's best overall teams.
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