I remember his rookie season. He got hurt and missed the first 8 games. When he finally got on the field he didn't do much during the regular season.
It was 2014 and the Cowboys were having a great season. DeMarco Murray was tearing it up. Romo was having a career season.
The Cowboys played the Lions in the first round of the playoff. They were winning 24-20 when Stafford and the Lions began their last drive with a little over two minutes left.
Early in this playoff game-deciding drive, Cowboys DE Anthony Spencer gets to Stafford and forces a fumble. Instead of falling on it, Lawrence picks it up and attempts to run with it. He is hit and fumbles the ball, the Lions retain possession.
I was going ballistic. A playoff game! The rookie had it and he fumbled! If the Lions won, he was to blame!
So later in the drive the Lions reach the Cowboys 42 with a minute left. Plenty of time for Stafford to do his magic and end the Cowboys season.
On the next play, Lawrence bursts through, hits Stafford, he fumbles and Lawrence recovers. Game over, Cowboys win.
That series of downs pretty much describes T-Law's career as a Cowboy. He did some good things. He did some dumb things.
In 11 seasons, he had double digit sacks twice. In an era of pass-heavy offenses, he was one of the best run defenders.
At this point in his career, he's not worth that kind of money but veteran free agency has never been about value.
