FRISCO, Texas _ As you examine why the Dallas Cowboys are 5-4 _ and throw objects at your TV _ the play of their Royal Family linebackers requires further "constructive criticism."
Jaylon Smith looks more like the guy who is still recovering from major knee surgery, even though he is now years removed from that procedure.
Leighton Vander Esch has played like a rookie in his first NFL preseason game. That and he's most likely playing with an injury.
Sean Lee is doing the best he can, and every now and then he's still got it.
After defensive end Tank Lawrence, the reason the Dallas Cowboys were going to be better on defense in 2019 was the play of "Jaylon LVE."
They're not. The Cowboys are weak up the middle because their two best linebackers are having a weak season. They are better than what they have showed this season, and they need to play like it.
Don't buy what any tackle total tells you.
If Smith and LVE don't return to how they played in 2018, then 2019 is going to finish poorly for the Cowboys. For a team to be successful, your best players have to be your best players.
For the record, Cowboys defensive coordinator Kris Richard said Thursday that both linebackers are playing well this season. In this day's NFL, Richard has no choice but to say that.
"They are playing well. They are out there; everyone is working as a cohesive unit," he said. "That's all we can ask for."
That's what you ask for from the backups. You ask for more from guys who are special players. Smith and LVE demonstrated in 2018 that they have special abilities.
"There is always room for improvement," LVE said Thursday. "They are going to scheme against you and do everything they can to beat you, but you have to find ways to make plays."
I asked Richard, what if I were to write that the pair is not playing as well a season ago. Would I be right or wrong?
"Wrong," he said, professionally I should add. "We can sit down and watch it together."
I'm all for it.
