[tps_title]Defensive Line[/tps_title]
2014 D-Linemen |
VS |
2016 |
| DeMarcus Lawrence (DE) Jeremy Mincey (DE) Tyrone Crawford (DT) Nick Hayden (DT) Anthony Spencer (DE) George Selvie (DE) Ken Bishop (DT) Josh Brent (DT) |
DeMarcus Lawrence (DE) Benson Mayowa (DE) Tyrone Crawford (DT/DE) Terrell McClain (DT) Maliek Collins (DT) David Irving (DT/DE) Cedric Thornton (DT) Jack Crawford (DT/DE) |
Whether or not DeMarcus Lawrence is better now than two years ago remain to be seen. A rookie in 2014, Lawrence was just starting to break out during the playoffs. He made big plays to end the Wild Card game against the Lions and had a sack against the Packers. This year, Lawrence has battled injuries but enters the playoffs healthier and ready to attack.
It took time but the 2016 defensive line has rounded into form. Benson Mayowa has emerged as a disruptive player and is more of a threat than Jeremy Mincey was. David Irving is turning a breakout star on the defense and, if it continues in the playoffs, could be our biggest asset.
Terrell McClain and Maliek Collins, and even Cedric Thornton behind them, are all better players than Nick Hayden was. Dallas is better all around at defensive tackle this year and by a fairly large margin.
Tyrone Crawford is a bit of an enigma right now He had to play defensive end to cover for injuries and now, with McClain and Collins doing well, is having a hard time getting back to his original position. He still a valuable player, though, in whatever capacity he’s used.
This year’s team has more disruptive players in Mayowa and Irving, better interior play, and better depth. If Lawrence has another big January, it will be a far more dangerous group than the one we saw in 2014. Even without Lawrence, the 2016 defensive line is stronger overall.
