Will Lawrence make a difference

[Schmoopy1000]

IRVING, Texas – He’s not even officially on the roster yet, but I’m tabbing this to be a big debut opportunity for DeMarcus Lawrence. The Cowboys need to generate a pass rush, and there’s no time like the present for the rookie to help out.

On top of that, I think the Cowboys need to utilize a quick passing game if they’re going to neutralize this Arizona pressure scheme. I think a big component of that is going to be the often-overlooked Cole Beasley.

Let’s get into my breakdown of this week’s two biggest matchups:

Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence against Cardinals OT Jared Veldheer



This will be the first professional action for Lawrence and his availability couldn’t have come at a better time for this defense. When training camp opened, I believed Lawrence was going to play his way into this starting lineup, but with him breaking those bones in his foot -- it was a disappointing set back to say the least.

If there is a silver lining to Lawrence being out, these first eight games of the season it has allowed him to physically remake his body in the weight room. In his rehab time away from the game, it has allowed him to put on ten good pounds of muscle, which most scouts were concerned he sure could have used.

With the added strength and lack of seasonal wear and tear on his body, he will be ready to provide a much needed pass rush to a defense that has been good in providing pressure but doesn’t have the sack numbers to show for it. Jermey Mincey will continue to be the starter at the right defensive end, but instead of Anthony Spencer or Laver Edwards as the backup it will be Lawrence off that edge.

Another benefit with Lawrence returning is that it will also allow Mincey to play down inside in the nickel, where he has shown the ability to get that pressure when he lined up over the guard. Putting two pressure players on that right side should generate some really nice opportunities against Jared Veldheer and guard Ted Larsen.



So does any of you think he makes any kind of difference, before the bye week?
If no. any of you think he will make any kind of difference the rest of the year?

[Jarntt]

It bothers me all the articles I read from the media about how him coming back is going to help us so much. Ware had 4 sacks in his first 14 games. Don't expect much out of Lawrence this week and maybe not this even season. He is a young kid that has yet to play and needs to learn the game. I hope he has a fast start, but am not going to judge him on his first week of NFL action after coming off a big injury. If he happens to come out and get some pressure on the QB I'll be very happy, but I will be fine if he just plays a handful of snaps and looks like he knows what his responsibilities are. We saw last week how Mincey not holding the edge killed us on 4 or 5 runs. You have to know the defense to play at this level.

[Cowboycolors]

any help would be great but I don't honestly expect him to become Too tall Jones overnight

[Jarntt]

I do think he can "help" and am very excited to haev him back and really just to see him. I've never really seen him play much.

[CarlHoudini]

I mean, he's kind of a situational pass rusher for a while, right?

[tw1st3d]

Im not expecting much from Lawrence if anything at this week.

He's missed alot of practice..... I dont even expect them to play him more than a handful of plays


That said if we make a playoff run ..... he should be well back in the fold by that time

[Manster7588]

I mean, he's kind of a situational pass rusher for a while, right?

I only expect to see him on 3rd and longs. At least for the 1st few games.

[Earl Stevens]

Yes