Dallas Cowboys: 3 surprises of the three-game winning streak

#3. Randy Gregory

The Cowboys got a surprise boost to their defense this season with the return of defensive end Randy Gregory to their lineup. The former 2015 second-round draft pick hadn’t played since 2018 due to being on suspension for multiple violations of the NFL substance abuse policy.

Now, 28-years old, Gregory returned to the field for Dallas in Week Seven. But he wouldn’t record his first sack until five games later, which was in a 2.0-sack performance against the Washington Football Team in Week 12.

Over the past three games, Gregory seems to be hitting his stride and slowly fulfilling all the promise he showed as a potential first-rounder out of Nebraska five years ago. He’s recorded 10 tackles, five quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and forced three fumbles. The latter two stats coming off his stellar performance on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Pro Football Focus gave Randy Gregory an overall grade of 94.9 for his performance in Week 16. That ranks Gregory the highest among all of the NFL’s EDGE rushers this past week in PFF’s rankings prior to Monday Night Football. And his improving play has helped to put Dallas in reach of a postseason berth.