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The Dallas Cowboys have a new Fearsome Threesome

By Steven Mullenax

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys, Demarcus Lawrence #90, and David Irving #95 celebrate after defeating the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys, Demarcus Lawrence #90, and David Irving #95 celebrate after defeating the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys have a new Fearsome Threesome that has lifted the defense’s pass rush from mediocre to possibly legendary.

In 2014, the Dallas Cowboys defense was only able to record a team total of 28.0 sacks, the 28th lowest in the NFL that season. The following year, that total rose to just 31.0 sacks. That jumped five more sacks in 2016, up to 36.0.

This steady build has led to an explosion of pass rush this year. Through the Cowboys’ first seven games of the season, this year’s version of America’s Team has already racked up a whopping 25.0 sacks, the fifth highest total in the league. That projects to a season-ending total of 57 sacks!

Three Cowboy defenders are responsible for 78% of that early sack total. They are the new Fearsome Threesome in Dallas.

The first one is obvious. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has been manhandling opposing offensive lines all season. The fourth-year pro out of Boise State has suddenly exploded for 10.5 sacks and currently leads the NFL in the category.

Last year, offseason back surgery combined with a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy crippled Lawrence’s season before it even began. So when he had a second back surgery earlier this year, it was unknown if the 25-year old would be able to bounce back. So to say his production this year is a surprise is an understatement.

As for defensive tackle David Irving, it was more a case of delayed greatness. Irving was expected to be the Cowboys breakout defender this year, having shown so much potential his first two seasons in Dallas. But a four-game suspension for PED’s delayed the 24-year old’s debut until Week Five. In his three games so far, all Irving has done is recorded 5.0 sacks.

The final member of this Fearsome Threesome in Dallas is defensive end Tyrone Crawford. Since receiving a six-year, $45.6 million contract extension back in 2015, the 27-year old has been unable to play up to his massive salary. That’s mainly due to injury and inconsistent play. The Cowboys have also moved Crawford all over their defensive line, using him to plug holes when needed.

Next: Dallas Cowboys defense shines against Redskins

The sixth-year veteran has benefit from having fellow playmakers like DeMarcus Lawrence and David Irving wreaking havoc beside him. Tyrone Crawford is currently on a tear, recording 4.0 sacks in his last five games. This Fearsome Threesome has given the Dallas Cowboys something they haven’t had since the days of DeMarcus Ware – a pass rush that their opponents should fear.

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