The Landry Hat
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Rookie’s Redemption Epitomizes Dallas Cowboys Season

By Steven Mullenax

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Up until Sunday, it had been a very disappointing truncated rookie season for Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. But, in many ways, Lawrence’s struggles and ultimate redemption epitomizes the year for the Cowboys as a team. One that has vowed to finish the fight.

The Cowboys’ second round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft started his career in Dallas on the wrong foot, literally. In July, Lawrence broke his right foot during an one-on-one drill with Cowboys’ All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith.

The injury, and subsequent surgery, landed the rookie on the Cowboys’ injured reserve/designated for return list. Thereby, sidelining him for the first eight weeks of his rookie campaign.

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Despite having Cowboys’ owner and general manager Jerry Jones frothing at the mouth over Lawrence’s pass rush potential upon his return, the 22-year old barely made a blimp on Dallas’ defensive radar in his first, and the Cowboys’ final, seven games of the season.

The rookie out of Boise State recorded a total of nine tackles, nine quarterback hurries and zero sacks prior to Sunday’s NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Detroit Lions. Despite his coaches claims to the contrary, all signs pointed to Lawrence being the next in a long line of possible draft busts.

Then, with 2:12 left in Sunday’s playoff game against the Lions, Lawrence temporarily confirmed his bust status. Down by a small four point lead, the Lions’ were on their final offensive drive of the game.

Facing 2nd and 4, on Detroit’s 26-yard line, Cowboys’ defensive end Anthony Spencer sacked quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions’ gunslinger fumbled the ball and Lawrence recovered it. He was going to be the hero. But he soon turned into the goat.

The Cowboys’ defense have been trained all season to scoop up fumbles and run with them in practice. And that’s exactly what the rookie did. Although, with so little time left and taking into account the score, it really called for him to fall on the ball. Instead, Lawrence followed his training and his instincts. He ran with it.

But Lawrence didn’t get very far as Detroit back-up offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds striped the rookie of the ball and the Lions’ recovered. DeMarcus had the fate of the game in his hands…and he let it slip away.

Lawrence was immediately berated by teammate safety J.J. Wilcox. The other safety, veteran Barry Church, walked away shaking his head. As for the rookie, he simply hit himself in the helmet as if to say: “Stupid. You have play smarter!”

After the epic mistake, defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli refused to bench the rookie. That move would prove to be prolific.

"“Rod Marinelli just told me there wasn’t any way (Lawrence) was coming out of there without making amends,” Jones told ESPNDallas after the game. “We had some pups grow up in there today and he is certainly leading the way.”"

Later in the same drive, with the Lions’ facing a 4th and 3 on the Cowboys’ 42-yard line, Lawrence would make the most of his opportunity.  The rookie used a ninja-like swipe move to push past Lions’ veteran tackle Riley Reiff and was soon on top quarterback Stafford.

As Lawrence made contact, the ball once again came loose. This time, the rookie had learned his lesson. Lawrence reached out with his long arms, grabbed the pigskin and embraced redemption while laying on the ground. This so-called draft bust just sealed a postseason win in Dallas. Booyah.

AT&T Stadium erupts. Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie conduct the most awkward man-hug in human history. The Cowboys win their first playoff game since 2009. Lawrence is surround by elated, celebrating teammates. Redemption.

But it’s not only one rookie’s story. It’s the tale of the entire team this season. From quarterback Tony Romo‘s postseason struggles, to running back DeMarco Murray‘s injury-prone label, to head coach Jason Garrett‘s three consecutive 8-8 years in Dallas; 2014 has all been about redemption for the Dallas Cowboys. And the story continues…next Sunday in Green Bay.

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