The Cowboys defense wasn’t their strong side in recent years. In 2014 they were the 28th team in sacks with only 28.0. A year later they managed to get 31.0 sacks, still under two per game. Last year they succeeded in crossing this border, with the team recording 36.0 sacks trough season.
The rising trend continued all up to the current campaign. Through first seven games of the 2017 NFL season, Dallas Cowboys managed to get an impressive 25.0 sacks. This stat ranks them 5th in the NFL. If they continue in this fashion, America’s Team is projected to reach 57 quarterback picks by the end of regular season.
78% of total sacks is credited to three defensive players on this Cowboys team. A threesome to be feared! The first member of this trio is leagues leader in sacks, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. He’s been dismantling opposing offensive lines the whole year. In his fourth season as a pro, former Boise State prodigy has 10.5 sacks in first seven matches.
Last year his performance was tampered by back surgery, and a four-game suspension due to violating leagues substance abuse policy. Prior to this season, he had no off-field issues but underwent another back surgery. The level of his performance was in question, but he managed to surprise everyone with his superstar outings.
Next in line is defensive tackle David Irving. This was supposed to be his break out season in Dallas, but it was delayed due to a four-game suspension. After returning, he’s been instrumental in this Cowboys secondary recording 5.0 sacks in only three games.
The last but not least is DE Tyrone Crawford. In 2015 he received a massive paycheck in shape of a six-year $45.6 million contract. After that, he has failed to live up to expectations. He had issues with injuries and has been somewhat inconsistent. Also, Cowboys coaching staff didn’t do him any favors. He was shifted to positions across the defensive line, never settling in one.
This year he stepped up, surrounded by berserkers Lawrence and Irving. In last five games, Crawford recorded 4.0 sacks adding to clubs total tally of 25.0. This trio, helped by the rest of Cowboys secondary, has given fans and NFL something they didn’t have since the time of DeMarcus Ware. A pass rush to be reckoned with!
