Here’s David Moore’s Cowboys Insider column on linebacker Keith Brooking

SAN ANTONIO – What follows is a look at Zach Thomas’ value to this defense.

Ignore the fact that Thomas no longer plays for the Cowboys. Plug Keith Brooking into his spot at inside linebacker and proceed.

While not athletic doppelgangers, Brooking and Thomas are similar. Both have been to the Pro Bowl. Both have excelled into their 30s because of their football IQ and passion for the sport.

The parallels are significant enough that the coaching staff is optimistic that the loss of Thomas won’t be a loss on the field. And Brooking is energized after spending the first 11 years of his career with the Falcons.

“I feel refreshed,” Brooking said. “There’s no doubt about it. I mean, I think new beginnings are exciting. I don’t want to say I got caught in a rut in Atlanta. I spent a lot of great years there, but it was a very good time for me to change and move on.

“It worked out perfectly for me.”

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