5 Cowboys that have to make huge improvements this offseason
By Mark Heaney
4. Dorance Armstrong, EDGE
I don’t think anybody really wants to re-live the Randy Gregory off-season mess, so I will not go on and on about that situation. But we can all acknowledge that Dorance Armstrong is poised to be a beneficiary from Gregory’s much-discussed departure.
Armstrong enters the fifth and most consequential season of his career in an interesting position. He is coming off his best year yet, with 5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and an unforgettable touchdown off a fumble recovery. Yet, he still feels “unproven.” That largely has to do with the fact that he has never truly been a starter. That is about to change.
https://twitter.com/PostSports/status/1470105124832002052
At this current moment, Armstrong is set to start at right defensive end for Dallas, opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. He has yet to have an opportunity that big, and even with second-year star Micah Parsons picking up his fair share of pass rush chances, Armstrong will be on the field more than he has ever been, and he has to showcase that he is ready for that responsibility.
A key to the defensive success by Dallas in 2021 was a deadly pass rush. The problem for 2022 is the personnel has changed, and most would argue it is not for the best. Armstrong, free-agent pickup Dante Fowler Jr, and 2nd round rookie Sam Williams will all be asked to make contributions, but nobody can right now fill the shoes of Gregory quite like Armstrong can.
Dorance Armstrong has signed a 2-year deal to remain in Dallas. Says “the best has yet to come” as a Cowboy.
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) March 17, 2022
We can all hope Armstrong takes his new role and recent contract extension in a positive direction, but the ball is now in his court. He will get more than enough chances to prove he can step up and bolster this young pass rush, it is just a question of whether or not he can do it.
The flashes from him have been displayed numerous times. fans know he has talent and the coaching staff believes he can make it happen. Time will ultimately tell if he can fill the shoes of some very talented pass rushers, or if he will be passed up by young guys like Williams.