DeMarcus Lawrence back to old dominance on best Dallas Cowboys defense of his career
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence didn’t need to borrow from NBA star Kevin Durant’s famous line he delivered in 2019, and add on his own twist: “I’m DeMarcus Lawrence. You know who I am.”
Those who know, know.
But for anyone questioning Lawrence dominance and effectiveness — considering the litany of injury and declining sack numbers since signing a five-year, $105 million contract before the 2019 season and wondered aloud if the Cowboys might move away from him in the offseason — he has offered emphatic reminder since returning from a fractured foot three weeks ago.
It was all on full display in Lawrence’s dominant performance in last Sunday’s 21-6 victory against the New York Giants.
He had five tackles (four solo) and three quarterback pressures including two QB hits, a forced fumble and a pass deflection that led to an interception.
As the Cowboys (10-4) prepare for Sunday night’s game against the Washington Football Team — a contest that will earn them the NFC East title with a win — just know he’s still DeMarcus Lawrence.
The former two-time Pro Bowl player, who has long been the heart and fire of the Cowboys defense and who, when healthy, remains as complete and as dominant a football player as the team has on its roster. And that’s including a unit that also has rookie linebacker sensation Micah Parsons, who is vying for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Lawrence is still the leader of the defense. So it’s no surprise that he’s the one who engaged quarterback Dak Prescott in a bet between the offense and defense as to see whether which unit will produce more touchdowns or turnovers each week.
That the bet is even a legitimate battle not only tells you how out of sync the offense is, but also just how much intensity and confidence with which the defense playing right now.
And while Parsons has been a true standout player all season and worthy of becoming the first player since Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor to win both the DROY and DPOY awards in the same season (1981), it’s no coincidence the unit is playing its best football since Lawrence returned three games ago. The veteran defensive end has fueled a three-game road winning streak that has featured a whopping four turnovers in each contest and has the Cowboys believing this defense can provide the foundation for a title run.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Lawrence’s physical and relentless style of play is the foundation of the identity of defense.
“D-Law helps that identity a lot because of the violent nature that he plays with, the speed that he plays with,” Quinn said. “Certainly been good to have him back. That’s for sure.”
Said coach Mike McCarthy: I love his energy. I love the way his physicality is on game day. He plays the run and the pass equally. He’s not a pass rusher, he’s not just a rush end. He’s someone that plays the same way all four quarters.”
Lawrence missed 10 games after sustaining a fractured foot in the season opener, but he immediately made his presence felt in limited action in a 27-17 victory against the New Orleans Saints with six quarterback pressures, two tackles, a pass deflection and nearly a game-sealing sack and forced fumble. (That last play was ruled an incomplete pass upon replay.)
He had his first sack of the season in the 27-20 victory against Washington, and then there was that dominant game against the Giants.
Lawrence’s role in two takeaways led to nine points which was three more than the Giants scored on the day. He deflected a pass that was intercepted by Jourdan Lewis and set up the Cowboys’ first touchdown of the game. Later, he punched the ball out of running back Saquon Barkley’s arms for the first lost fumble of his career. That turnover led to a field goal.
“One thing about DeMarcus is he’s so physical and he has such a great tempo to everything he does,” McCarthy said. “His physicality is felt both in the running and the pass rush. So, I just think we’re seeing full-time the D-Law right now.”
A full-time Lawrence is playing better than ever even though his sack numbers still don’t reflect it. After recording 14.5 and 10.5 sacks in 2017 and 2018, he totaled 11.5 sacks the past two seasons combined. He has just one sack through four games this season.
In the past, Lawrence was often the best player on a bad defense, but he’s now a part of a ball-hawking and quarterback-harassing unit that has play makers at every level — Parsons at linebacker, defensive end Randy Gregory, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, safety Jevon Kearse and cornerback Trevon Diggs, who leads the NFL with 10 interceptions.
Even though Lawrence has missed 10 games, Diggs said he has remained a leader throughout and has stayed on top of everyone.
“It’s a big confidence boost,” said Gregory, who is the second-longest tenured member of the defense behind Lawrence. “DeMarcus, he’s our leader, vocally, physically, on the field. Having him there kind of makes us go a little faster, play a little bit fast, a little bit smarter. We have a cohesiveness and guys really know what to do, and having the timing down and things like that.”
Lawrence said it’s more about his trying to keep up with everyone as well as being appreciative of being a part of the best defensive unit in his career.
He’s made the playoff three times since joining the Cowboys in 2014 and hopes to finally to able to enjoy a long run in the postseason.
“When you have the type of athletes we have on our side of the ball, you have to take advantage of your opportunities,” Lawrence said. “So, [Gregory’s] right. I have to stay on top of it because with 11 [Micah Parsons], 94 [Randy Gregory], 96 [Neville Gallimore], all of those guys rushing to the quarterback, I have to find my young guy steps and get there faster.”
Bottom line, is he is still getting there and remains a big part of the Cowboys defense.
He’s DeMarcus Lawrence, and you know who is he.
