In 2014 the starting defensive line for the
Dallas Cowboys was Jeremy Mincey, George Selvie,
Nick Hayden and
Tyrone Crawford. Not taking anything away from those players but that’s not the ideal starting defensive line for a team that’s eyeing a Super Bowl.
Cedric Thornton is a huge upgrade at the 1-Tech position over
Nick Hayden. And whoever wins the starting right defensive end job in camp is going to be just as good if not better than Mincey in 2014 in my opinion.
Demarcus Lawrence is suspended the first four games of the season but once he gets back he will take over his starting position at left end. If this team can get by the first four games and have Lawrence come back like he left off last year the starting defensive line is significantly better than the 2014 group that just about made it to the NFC Championship game.
If that doesn’t make you feel any better than maybe this will. Would anyone call me crazy if I told you that even without the suspensions Gregory may not have beaten out Benson Mayowa for the starting right defensive end job. Mayowa is a young unheralded pass rusher that the Cowboys signed this past offseason. Mayowa isn’t a big name whatsoever. In fact he’s only started three games his entire career, but in those three games he’s registered two sacks and a forced fumble. In the film I’ve watched of Mayowa he has a lot of impressive attributes. His speed and ability to bend the edge are some of his best qualities. Which is what this team has lacked for a while now. Another thing to remember is that Mayowa and Gregory shared a similar role last season. After Gregory came back from his high ankle sprain injury he had opportunities to sack the quarterback and while he was close multiple times he never registered one. On the flip side Mayowa only started two games so his opportunities were limited as well but he did register a sack and a forced fumble. Marinelli has an intriguing project to work with and I think Mayowa will be up for the challenge.
Another positive for this defense is even with the three suspensions the overall health of the defense so far is good (knocks on wood). Scandrick looks to be ready to go for training camp after missing the entire season last year. Getting Orlando back is a huge upgrade for this defense. Scandrick is the best cornerback on the roster and this team missed him dearly last year. Along with Scandrick,
Tyrone Crawford is healthy after playing a majority of the season with a pretty badly injured shoulder. Playing the defensive tackle position with one arm is tough especially when you’re the only interior defensive lineman that can get any push off the ball.
If none of the above things make you feel any better about this teams chances than my friend you had way too much faith in a second year defensive end with zero career sacks; a fourth year defensive end, who is only missing four games; and a middle line backer whose love for football is still being questioned. This defense is going to surprise people. This team is going to surprise people as long as the major pieces of the puzzle stay healthy.
http://cowboyszone.com/2016/07/defense-bending-but-wont-break.html
