Bradie

James

Dexter Coakley has made seven straight Pro Bowls, but the Cowboys insist every position is up from grabs. James is someone to watch in IDP leagues.

“Sean Lee must have had his hand on the ball 10 or 12 times through the night,” owner/GM Jerry Jones said. Lee played nearly every snap while Bradie James and Keith Brooking rotated at the other spot inside. Last year’s second-rounder has emerged as a key player in Rob Ryan’s defense.

James played for DC Wade Phillips in Dallas, so there’s plenty of familiarity. Once a Pro Bowl caliber inside linebacker, the 31-year-old has lost a few steps over the past two seasons. He’s expected to compete with Darryl Sharpton for the starting job next to Brian Cushing.

“They’re great guys,” said Jones. “Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. That’s what we’ve got to decide.” James should have an easier time finding a taker than Brooking, who wants to play one more year in his age-37 season.

James is the only player to lead the franchise in tackles for six consecutive seasons, but he’s clearly lost a step at age 31. Sean Lee has emerged as a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker, and the Cowboys drafted Bruce Carter in the second round last season.

The coaches opted for Keith Brooking over Carter when Sean Lee went down with a wrist injury last week, and the Eagles exploited the mismatch with Brent Celek and Jason Avant over the middle. It may take a couple of weeks, but Carter could begin rotating snaps with Bradie James next to Lee.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lee’s injury has the potential to be a long-term situation. It’s a painful blow for the Cowboys as Lee is their best coverage linebacker and their leading tackler. Bradie James and Keith Brooking, who were previously rotating next to Lee, will now have to play full-time snaps. The Eagles exposed them on Sunday night as below average in both pass coverage and run defense.

“I’ve kind of transitioned from the training room to the weight room,” said Sharpton. “I’m definitely gotten over that hump, I’m feeling good and I’m pretty much there.” Likely to be eased into training camp, Sharpton won’t have a fair shot to beat out Bradie James for the starting job next to Brian Cushing.

James, familiar with Phillips’ scheme from their Dallas days, is locked in as the starter next to Brian Cushing. “He’s the signal caller,” Phillips said of James. “He calls all the signals and all the audibles. The guy is a field general. ... I don’t see much difference in him than a year and a half ago.”

“I don’t mind throwing it on the table,” said Herring, “We’re pretty pleased with picking Bradie up, because we feel like we gained back what we lost with DeMeco (Ryans) leaving, and then some to be honest with you.” With four years in Wade Phillips’ defense, James has a decisive edge over Darryl Sharpton for the starting job.