Photo Credit: Dallas Cowboys
Frisco, TEXAS — Three of the Cowboys’ top pass rushers last season are no longer on the roster: Robert Quinn, Michael Bennett, and Maliek Collins. The club has a premiere edge in DeMarcus Lawrence but due to double teams and creating open rush lanes for teammates, his sack count went down (5) in 2019. In addition, the other longstanding leader, Tyrone Crawford, is returning from hip surgery that sidelined him after just four games last season.
Needless to say, the Cowboys went on a hunt for defensive lineman during the offseason to build an arsenal for Mike Nolan’s revamped defensive scheme, that uses a variety of looks (4-3 and 3-4) and varying body types in rushing situations. The club picked up two big-bodied tackles in free agency, Dontari Poe and Gerald McCoy- two former first-round picks. In addition, Dallas took a chance on Aldon Smith, a defensive end who has not played a snap of football since 2015 due to indefinite suspensions. He is sober now and prior to substance abuse issues, was as good as anyone in the NFL at rushing the passer.
Many of the newcomers are off to an impressive start in camp. Center, Joe Looney, was asked about Gerald McCoy and his response speaks very highly to not only McCoy’s play on the field but his character off of it.
“ You wanna talk about a phenomenal guy. He’s a great guy and really loves the Lord, which is amazing. He’s admonishing guys in the locker room and making sure that, you know, telling guys that eh football isn’t the biggest thing. The biggest thing you are going to do in your life is not playing in the NFL. I think that’s so important number one but I mean as a player, dude is just unbelievable. Man you watch him practice, you watch him play, and you know we’re lucky to have him on our side of the ball now.”
McCoy is the type of leader you want in the locker room. That type of attitude and prodding will elevate those around him.
“ One thing I respect about it [new D-Line additions] is, it’s only going to make me better and make me wanna be the best, “ DeMarcus Lawrence told media via conference call. “Being around great pass rushers that you know, you have to keep that energy and that focus in order to strive for greatness. It’s always better for you.”
Dallas certainly has the talent in their defensive line unit to dominate on the field in 2020 and they are certainly taking advantage of opportunities and reps during practice.
Mike McCarthy gave Aldon Smith high praise on Saturday, “ Looks great…20 pounds bigger than when I saw him last play with the 49ers… Length is extraordinary. Made a play in practice on the screen that you do not see everyday. “
Nolan’s focus is taking the ball away from the opposition and swarming offenses. He certainly has no shortage of weapons to attack the line of scrimmage.
