The game of football is won and lost in the trenches. The Dallas Cowboys have embraced this belief on the offensive side of the football. They are beginning to understand that this also applies on the defensive side of ball as well. The one key component missing from this team to make it truly elite is a dominant defensive line. Specifically the ability to rush the passer consistently. The Cowboys have tried to address this area in the offseason, but have they done enough?
The Dallas Cowboys have a ton of depth on their defensive line. What they are lacking is the presence of what Jerry Jones refers to as a “War Daddy”. A real difference maker who is a threat to get to the quarterback on every play. A guy that opposing teams have to be aware of and game plan against. The last player they had who fit that description was DeMarcus Ware and they have not been able to find anyone to fill his shoes. Is there a player on this roster that can step up and become that “War Daddy”? Can Rod Marinelli’s group of no name “rush men” finally generate pressure consistently in a rotation? Cowboy fans hope that the answer to at least one of those questions is yes.
There are a few candidates on the roster who potentially could surprise everyone and become that elusive “War Daddy”. Could it be Taco Charlton? He was drafted in the first round this year and has recorded a couple of sacks in the last 2 pre-season games. He is starting to turn a corner after a reportedly rough training camp but it likely will not be him. He is just a rookie and he will need time to develop.
What about David Irving? He showed flashes of big play ability last year and really dominated at times, such as against Green Bay and Tampa Bay. I don’t see him taking the next step. Aside from the fact that he will miss the first four games due to suspension he has never been able to show up consistently enough. Often his greatest assets, his length and height, become a disadvantage in terms of leverage in one on one battles.
It could be Maliek Collins. He was exceptional as a rookie last season despite missing most of training camp with an injury. In an article by Jon Machota of SportDay.DFW.Com and the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys All pro guard Zack Martin is quoted as saying “I truly believe he is going to be one of the top three-techs in the NFL.” With and endorsement like that from the best guard in the league, I believe Collins will have a breakout pro-bowl season this year.
Another candidate is new free agent signing Damontre Moore. He could be the next low key free agent signing after Jeremy Mincey in 2014 and Benson Mayowa in 2016 to lead the team in sacks. He will be forced to miss the first 2 games due to suspension but DallasCowboys.com writer Bryan Broaddus has been raving about his ability all offseason. According to Broaddus, he may be the most talented edge rusher on the team.
My money is on Demarcus Lawrence. He had a solid season in 2015 but was very disappointing last season. His decline last year was due to missing the first 4 games from suspension and then playing through a back injury that required offseason surgery. This year is a contract year for him and he is healthy. I have a strong feeling that he will come through this season and record double digit sacks.
As for the rest of the unit, there is plenty of quality depth there. Stephen Paea and Cedric Thornton provide veteran presence on the interior line. Tyrone Crawford, the pride of my hometown, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, is a true leader on the team and has the versatility to play multiple spots. He suffered a scary ankle injury in camp but it appears that he will not miss significant time. Benson Mayowa returns after a solid second half of last season and last year’s 4th rounder Charles Tapper, who has the speed of a wide receiver, is healthy after back issues forced him to miss his rookie season. Finally rookie defensive tackle Lewis Neal is a name that keeps coming up as a player that can make this team and contribute to this rotation.
The Cowboys need this defensive line to step up badly this year. They will face a difficult schedule and have a largely inexperienced secondary playing behind them. I for one, am more optimistic about this unit than I have been in several years. These guys will not lead the league in sacks, but I believe that with Maleik Collins and DeMarcus Lawrence leading the way, the Cowboys defensive line will improve significantly this year.
