Dallas Cowboys have a roller-coaster week at defensive line
By Brad Austin
It’s been a roller coaster of a week for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line
Oh how a week can shuffle emotions in today’s unpredictable times. And the past week was no different for the 2020 Dallas Cowboys‘ defensive line prospects.
It was only last Wednesday Cowboys nation had real concerns with the right defensive end position. Tyrone Crawford was the likely starter, and while sturdy, most knew it meant subdued pressure off that edge.
Aldon Smith was in the building looking the part, but he’d yet to strap on pads and display where his football worth was at. After all, a return from four seasons away from the game is rarely seen in pro football.
IN COMES THE VIKING WARRIOR
Late last Wednesday evening the news broke Dallas had agreed to terms with four time Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen. Cowboys fans were ecstatic with the reasonable price tag and massive talent infusion that came with it.
Seven Pro Bowlers stacking the new front seven was an absurdity of riches. Painful memories of the 2007 New York Giants riding their dominant defensive pressure (53 sacks) to a Super Bowl title were resurrected. These Cowboys had that potential.
OUT GOES THE REAL MCCOY
Just when fans were on Cloud Nine, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy ruptured his quadriceps tendon and was lost for the season. The jolly giant who was set to form an interior wrecking crew with Dontari Poe had exited abruptly.
Losing McCoy goes beyond on the field talent, the man is filled with positive, infectious energy and relishes teaching younger players his craft. There’s no way to sugar coat the loss of McCoy, but it’s certainly not dire straits in Frisco, TX.
FORCEFUL FRONT WILL EMERGE
Dallas still has a veteran laden defensive front. The addition of Griffen will bring a tidal wave of positive passion and emotion to fill the defensive line room void. Ask any Vikings fan what the man is like. Griffen is all heart and passion, along with talent.
Aldon Smith’s performances in padded practices have received high praise. It’s one thing to beat camp bodies, but word is he’s also giving Tyron Smith a handful.
Head coach Mike McCarthy reportedly instructed the front office to add good players in the offseason and coaches will find a spot for them. It’s likely Smith (6-5, 280) will get a hefty amount of interior rush snaps to help fill McCoy’s absence.
Crawford is a sturdy veteran who’s best days were inside at the three technique. With two beasts in Griffen and DeMarcus Lawrence screaming off the edges and Poe collapsing the middle, Crawford could have his best season yet.
Raw but talented youngsters, Trysten Hill and rookie Neville Gallimore, will have the opportunity to show their worth in a solid rotation. And let’s not forget the human log Antwaun Woods can line up next to Poe inside in short yardage or goal line.
They may not be the next 2007 Giants as was glimpsed last Thursday. But this talented group shuffling around to fit the situation is still a top ten defensive front.