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The Dallas Cowboys defense will have a new look in 2015 thanks to the additions of Greg Hardy, Byron Jones and Randy Gregory. Sean Lee is also a “new” piece on defense after missing all of 2014, but there’s one more player who is getting widely overlooked heading into 2015: defensive end Demarcus Lawrence.
Lawrence, whom the Cowboys traded up for in 2014, missed the first half of last season due to a broken foot but returned to make key plays in the postseason. Sure, everyone will remember his muffed fumble recovery against the Detroit Lions, but he redeemed himself in the best way possible with a game-sealing sack.
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After also recording a sack against the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional playoff game, Lawrence closed out his first postseason with two of Dallas’ five sacks and a forced fumble in two games. On a team with just about zero pass rush, Lawrence stood out and showed plenty of promise for 2015.
With training camp quickly approaching, all eyes are on Dallas’ shiny new players on defense, which actually bodes well for Lawrence. He’ll have the chance to fly under the radar without having to live up to huge expectations like Gregory and Hardy.
When the season finally kicks off, Dallas will be without Hardy for the first 10 games, pending his appeal. That will be Lawrence’s time to shine. With Gregory or Jeremy Mincey on the other side of the line, Lawrence should have several one-on-one opportunities against opposing offensive lines. Which side of the line Lawrence will be on is still undetermined, but he’s planning on playing both right end and left end — a smart move by Rod Marinelli.
Lawrence played mostly right end in 2014, going against left tackles week in and week out. A move to left end should help Lawrence’s pass rush ability, putting him up against right tackles more frequently.
Upon his eventual return from suspension, the trio of Hardy, Lawrence and Gregory will be a tough rotation for teams to deal with. Throw in Mincey and Tyrone Crawford, and this pass rush will be hard to stop — on paper, at least. Opponents won’t be able to double team Lawrence with other quality pass rushers on the field, leaving him on an island in which he’ll be able to win battles each week. Don’t be surprised if you see Lawrence lead this team in sacks by the end of the season.
