Will DeMarcus Lawrence record double-digit sacks in 2018?

Dallas Cowboys pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence is scheduled to receive a big pay day this offseason. But can he repeat his stellar performance in 2018?

Prior to the start of the 2017 regular season, I questioned whether former second round selection, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, would even be re-signed by the Dallas Cowboys at season’s end. A year later, and it appears to be a foregone conclusion. Of course, I had no idea Lawrence was going to explode for 14.5 sacks and emerge as one of the league best pass rushers.

All I knew was that Lawrence was coming off an awful season, in which he spent the first four games suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. And that Lawrence would end his third season in Dallas as a major disappointment, recorded a total of 11 tackles and 1.0 sack in nine games.

During the offseason, following that down year, Lawrence would have yet another back surgery. That’s two procedures in back-to-back years on a player that was only 24-years old at the time. That didn’t exactly bode well for his football future.

Then consider the fact Lawrence spent the first half of his rookie season on the bench due to a foot injury. And when he finally made it back to the field, he posted a total of six tackles in seven games. Not exactly setting the Earth on fire.

But posting 2.0 sacks in the playoffs and another 8.0 sacks in his second season showed that Lawrence had potential. But nothing prepared me for 14.5 sacks in 2017. The fact is, Lawrence always struggled to get home. And suddenly something changed.

"“Back injuries had the 2014 second-round pick on the cusp of being a bust after totaling 9.0 sacks in his first three NFL seasons, including just 1.0 in a suspension-shortened 2016. Then he went out and recorded 14.5 sacks in 2017,” wrote Adam Rank on NFL.com. “Now, a cynic would point out this breakout season came during a contract year. A cynic would point that out, but not me. I’m not going to mention his contract year at all.”"

The idea of giving a player a long-term deal based mostly on one year’s performance is worrisome. Especially considering the fact I do not believe Lawrence will post double-digit sacks totals in 2018.

Last season, Lawrence shocked everyone by his production. It took time for offensive coordinators to catch up. DeMarcus recorded 10.5 sacks during the first half of the season. Due to double-teams, chip blocks and good old fashioned offensive holding, Lawrence only posted a single sack in the final four games of 2017.

Next: Dallas Cowboys coaching staff beginning to take shape

With opposing coaches now game-planning specifically to stop DeMarcus Lawrence, I believe that extra attention will result in sagging numbers for the Dallas Cowboys’ newest War Daddy.