Dallas Cowboys: Losing Randy Gregory just a cut, not a gash

Underwhelming decisions followed the Dallas Cowboys playoff loss. Now the Randy Gregory suspension has provoked a snowball effect.

News of another suspension for Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Randy Gregory feels like a major setback to a team seeking the final pieces needed to be a contender.

Memories of the Cowboys playing rag doll in their playoff loss remain fresh. Jason Garrett‘s calling card divisional round exit sparked demands for impactful changes.

Unable to sign players yet, Dallas still has done little to ease frustrations. Firing the offensive coordinator in favor of the in-house quarterback coach was received with earned skepticism. Especially since Kellen Moore has never performed the job.

Another second round failure like 2014 and 2016, and only a coordinator was fired. Fans were already at a tipping point before Gregory’s latest flash and fizzle.

NO NEED TO PANIC

Losing six sacks and 15 quarterback hits is not a good thing. Yet it’s important to realize Gregory only played 457 snaps last year, just 56 more than back-up Taco Charlton. He was productive in pass rush packages, but not a world beater.

In two playoff games he had no sacks and one quarterback hit. He was tamed when it counted most. His surprising contribution was celebrated, but also a bit overblown from comparison against prior years of adding nothing.

Dallas seeks to add a new pass rusher in every draft, if the right player falls to them. Finding house money with Gregory wasn’t going to alter their posture either way.

Tyrone Crawford, Charlton, and promising 2018 rookie Dorance Armstrong are all still under contract. Crawford will now do less flexing inside. Charlton enters his prove-it, third season and Armstrong will likely make a second year offseason jump.

The position is not in dire straits. The house money ran out, but the game goes on. Demarcus Lawrence will be the only pricey free agent end signing with Dallas. And a pass rusher will only be drafted early if the best player available of need positions.

THE SILVER LINING

The defense was clearly better with Gregory than not. However, most fans recognize the most urgent need is at tackle. Gregory’s absence will force Dallas to address it.

With Crawford again needed more at end, it removes his quality veteran snaps from the interior. Maliek Collins and Antwaun Woods can’t man the middle alone.

In a deep defensive tackle draft, Dallas will now almost surely spend an early pick on an instant contributor at defensive tackle. Flexing Crawford provided room to be patient. Now that he’s needed outside, adding quality interior help is paramount.