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It's still all about improving on the defensive line, so which Dallas Cowboys' defender has the best opportunity to be the leader in the clubhouse?
20 Questions: Looking To Bolster Pass Rush, Who Leads Team In Sacks In 2017? - Dallas Cowboys
The staff writers at DallasCowboys.com wonder which player in a deep Cowboys rotation will produce the most quarterback sacks this season. Bryan Broaddus and Rob Philips make the case for Demarcus Lawrence.
Broaddus: I am probably going to regret this but my gut says to go with it. This is the season where DeMarcus Lawrence is able to put together a completely healthy season and finds a way to secure between nine and 10 sacks. The suspension to start the year did him no favors so I could see him putting all that behind him and focusing on a great season in a contract year. Of all the defensive ends on the roster, his ability and technique should put him in position to reach those numbers that I have projected for him. If not, we've likely seen him for the final time.
Phillips: Injuries have kept DeMarcus Lawrence from becoming a regular double-digit sack guy, or very close to it. Two back surgeries the last two years certainly isn’t ideal for a 25-year-old player who relies on an explosive first step to get to the quarterback. But Lawrence is focused on being healthy this year, and maybe a slightly lighter playing weight can help his back over a full 16-game season. Lawrence’s eight sacks in 2015 are the most by a Cowboys player since Jason Hatcher’s 11 sacks in 2013. But he spent part of last season basically just trying to manage his back after serving a four-game NFL suspension. If he can stay [Anchor] healthy, he’s arguably the most talented defensive end on the roster and versatile enough to play either side.
Getting hyped about the possibility of Taco Charlton becoming a pass-rushing force - Dave Halprin, Blogging The Boys
There has been a lot of excitement about different Cowboys players for 2017, but perhaps we shouldn’t overlook Taco Supreme.
Still, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Charlton put up some impressive numbers last year against top-level competition. He already shows a decent spin move and translates his size to power relatively well. He has the physical nature and tools to dominate but was inconsistent in college and more than one scout or analyst said the same thing - will need a coach who can get the most out of his talent.
Three of the biggest story lines heading into Cowboys 2017 training camp - DannyPhantom, Blogging The Boys
There are some big story lines heading into Cowboys training camp, but here are the three biggest ones that fans should keep a close eye on.
Is Jaylon Smith Healthy Enough?
If Smith is moving well, this makes him an exciting player on defense. He is a phenomenal athlete and can be extremely disruptive if he’s at full heath. But regardless of what Dr. Byron Jones says, he won’t be, however that doesn’t mean he won’t be at a point where he’s extremely effective on the field. Only time will tell, but the upside of this situation can really change just how good the Cowboys defense is. And with the recent issue with Damien Wilson, the value of healthy Smith becomes even more important.
NFC East Q&A: Who is the best newcomer to the division? - ESPN
The NFC writers assemble for a round table to figure out who the the best newcomer is in the division, and all agree that Alshon Jeffrey should provide a significant boost to Carson Wentz and the Eagles' passing game. If he can stay healthy.
Todd Archer, Dallas Cowboys reporter: I’ve tried to come up with a way to decide between the two, but I just can’t. I’m going with the Eagles' additions of Jeffery and LeGarrette Blount. The Eagles went all-in on Carson Wentz last year with their trade up to the No. 2 overall pick, and he showed promise. What will help him show more promise is better players around him. Jeffery, if healthy, can be a big-time playmaker. The Cowboys witnessed it firsthand a few years ago when he was with the Chicago Bears. Blount ran for more than 1,000 yards and scored 18 rushing touchdowns last season for the New England Patriots. The better the Eagles can run the ball, the better life will be for Wentz. The better they can make plays down the field, the better for Wentz.
Dak Prescott pays surprise visit to son of slain deputy - Vince Langford, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Dallas Cowboys fans probably can’t count all the reasons they love their new starting quarterback, Dak Prescott but there are plenty.
A scenario Saturday in Mississippi showed Prescott’s humanity, grace and natural inclination to do good things.
The former Mississippi State quarterback made a visit to Nash Durr, the10-year-old son of Deputy William Durr, who was killed during a man’s vengeful shooting rampage May 27-28 in Brookhaven, Miss., that left eight people dead.
Dez Bryant says he, Cowboys WRs have something special planned with new TD celebration rules in effect - Jon Machota, SportsDay
With the rules on touchdown celebrations relaxed, Dez Bryant and his receiving corps have planned a few of their own. Jason Witten, who isn't known for celebrations, says he's totally fine with them nontheless.
"You never want to lose the fun of it. I think they got to draw the line. The league's in a tough spot in a lot of ways. But you never want to see the kid in these players when they make these plays lose sight of that.
"Hopefully they'll be able to find a boundary there and allow these guys to still entertain and do what they like to do."
Stadium Club and AT&T Stadium Tours Host Families of Fallen Police Officers During Weekend of Honor - Kristi Scales, 5 Points Blue
AT&T Stadium and Stadium Club helped host the Weekend of Honor in which police officers from around the country were honored and remembered.
"Bringing these families together for a comforting time in a place that is special for our community, a place where people from all over the world gather everyday at the stadium, it was moving for all of us," said Josh Hume, Restaurant Director for Legends at AT&T Stadium. "Chef Pauline jumped in and asked if she could plan a special menu. She wanted to do something very special, family-style. What these families have sacrificed, it’s profound. If coming here brings them some joy and comfort, it’s beautiful. We’re honored to be part of it."
Scout’s Eye: NFC East Is Loaded With Top-Notch Playmakers At Tight End - Bryan Broaddus, Dallas Cowboys
It’s funny to think that the younger generation of tight ends in the NFL don’t just respect Jason Witten as a peer – they grew up watching him hone his craft. Witten is entering his 15th season in the NFL, while some of the tight ends on this ranking are just starting their careers. Others have had time to improve their skills during decorated careers. But it all amounts to the same thing – the Cowboys will be facing a slew of elite tight end prospects on their 2017 schedule.
2. Jordan Reed, Washington Commanders
If not managed correctly he has the ability to make those plays that keep the chains moving. A versatile alignment player that coaches can use as a match-up advantage. Have to game plan for him each week due to his ability to line up at so many different spots. He is capable of multiple touchdown receptions in a game – has done it throughout his career.
Cowboys Depth-Chart Predictions Ahead of Training Camp - Marcus Mosher, Bleacher Report
With training camp less than three weeks away, the Dallas Cowboys ' roster is essentially set. For better or worse, this is the group of players the team will use to try to win their sixth Super Bowl ring...
Selecting Taco Charlton in the first round gives the team another long edge-rusher, but I don't envision him making a big impact in his first season. Instead, it will be up to guys like Demarcus Lawrence and David Irving to make a leap in their play if they want to compete for a Super Bowl in 2017.
Rookie DT Jordan Carrell fighting for more than just Cowboys roster spot after tragically losing his father - Jori Epstein, SportsDay
If Lawrence Carrell were here now, he'd be sneaking around The Star in Frisco. Jordan Carrell, whom the Cowboys drafted with their final selection says his dad would have been ecstatic.
The rookie defensive tackle out of Colorado will never be able to confirm his theory. But Jordan will fight the uphill battle for a roster spot in his dad's memory. It's a fight he first realized he'd take on April 20, 2016, when his dad's girlfriend called at 4:30 a.m. Lawrence had gone into cardiac arrest from a diabetic coma. Jordan was on the next flight home to California.
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