You want it, you got it, Cowboys DeMarcus Lawrence is back

The Dallas Cowboys needed DeMarcus Lawrence to bounce back

Look back at what fans and analysts were saying last season. One of the common topics were about criticizing one player. That player is Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end, DeMarcus Lawrence.

You might have read or heard things like: “He got paid and checked out.” “He only had two good seasons.” “Is Lawrence’s career downhill from here?”

It seemed like everyone was turning on the two-time Pro Bowler. All of a sudden, everyone is going back to being his biggest fan.

In 11 games this season, he accumulated 4.5 sacks, 42 tackles, and eight quarterback hits. He is on track to finish this season with 7.0 sacks, 61 tackles, and 12 quarterback hits.

That stat line accurately describes how D-Law has been playing this season. He hasn’t been as much of an impact in the pass rush as he was in 2017 and 2018 but he has been amazing defending the run.

All 4.5 of Lawrence’s sacks have come in the past seven games after not recording any in the first four games of the season. That average of 0.64 sacks per game in the past seven games would see him get another 3.0 sacks in the next five games of the season.

With a possible stat line of 7.5 sacks and 61 tackles, it would be an interesting take to say Lawrence is on the decline. That would tie him for 14th amongst defensive linemen for total tackles last season. Only seven defensive linemen with at least 61 tackles had 7.5+ sacks.

Okay, maybe you want to look at some advanced statistics then. Is being the third-highest graded edge defender heading into Week 12 good enough for you?

With that in mind, that means Tank Lawrence is on pace to finish a Pro Bowl-caliber season. If he keeps that grade high, a second-team All-Pro nod can be in the discussion (the first-team might be pushing it a little). Not bad after one down season of everyone doubting you.

If you have been watching the Dallas Cowboys play this season, this article and those statistics should not be a surprise to you. If it is, well, then maybe you should keep an eye out for him.

Other than the Pro Football Focus grade, I don’t think those statistics do Lawrence justice. The dirty work the star end does is crucial to the entire defense.

Lawrence does everything that gets unnoticed. Things from fighting off two blockers to winning a battle but not getting to the quarterback, he deserves more credit. After all, opposing offenses plan around Lawrence, and that is the biggest compliment of all.

DeMarcus Lawrence is sending out a loud statement to everyone. He is worth his $105 million contract. He continues to be an elite edge rusher. Tank is back.