DeMarcus Lawrence has standout half as Cowboys pitch first-half shutout

DeMarcus Lawrence shined for the Dallas Cowboys’ defense early on Sunday night. He had a sack and a tackle for loss in the opening half in which the New York Giants scored no points.

Lawrence had only one sack a season ago. He led the team with eight in 2015, and the Cowboys hope that he returns to that form this season. He is off to a good start in doing that.

Lawrence sacked Giants quarterback Eli Manning on the opening defensive drive, and then tackled Giants running back Orleans Darkwa for a loss later in the half.

Jaylon Smith also had his moments in the first half as the Cowboys’ D pitched a shutout.

The Cowboys had a first-half shutout against the Giants last year, too, but ended up losing a 10-7 game in New York.

The Cowboys pitched shutouts in only two other halfs -- the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals last season and a second-half shutout against the Cleveland Browns.

The Cowboys beat the Giants 19-3 Sunday night.

This story was originally published September 10, 2017 at 9:06 PM with the headline "DeMarcus Lawrence has standout half as Cowboys pitch first-half shutout."