3 Cowboys playoff X-Factors entering Wild Card Weekend

2. Dorance Armstrong Crashing the QB

We’ve heard plenty about the Cowboys’ fully-healthy NASCAR package — but what about Dorance Armstrong, one of a trio of Cowboys with five or more sacks on the season, and quite likely the one you never expected to see on that list?

While Dallas’ opponent preoccupies themselves with the returning Micah Parsons (who, oh yeah, didn’t even play in Saturday’s massacre), as well as the resurgent Randy Gregory, the returning Neville Gallimore, and the extremely obvious stud DeMarcus Lawrence, Armstrong tends to get lost in the weeds — which might be exactly where he wants to be.

After all, the less you prep for him, the more likely he is to wreck your game while you’re distracted.

The fourth-year pro out of Kansas has only started five games this season while participating in 13, but he’s blown his career-highs out of the water, securing an extra half-sack for good measure in Saturday’s win. His previous career-high sack total? 2.0, and he’s secured 5.0 this season. QB hits? Armstrong had piled up eight combined in three seasons before racking up 12 in 2021.

There’s an overwhelming amount of star power on Dallas’ defensive line, and Armstrong could be the forgotten man.

Not if you look at his numbers, though. This unsung hero could wreak havoc if given the chance — or he could recede into the background when the lights get brighter, robbing the Cowboys of a secret weapon they’ve had all year long.