Randy Gregory and Taco Charlton just aren't living up to the expectations many of us had for them this season. Both players looks like they were on the verge of having a breakout season of sorts, but neither one is having the kind of season they are capable of. It's been overlooked with the way the entire defense is playing, but the Dallas Cowboys definitely need more from them moving forward.
To date, Randy Gregory and Taco Charlton have just one quarterback sack apiece. I don't think that's acceptable considering the amount of playing time both players are receiving. I just don't find that acceptable, especially after I found out Linebacker Jaylon Smith has more QB sacks (3). It's time they step up their game.
I understand it's unfair to judge Gregory and Charlton based on their QB sacks alone, but just imagine how much more dominant the defense would be if they actually lived up to their talent/potential. This defense would be absolutely scary, championship caliber in my opinion.
I know I'm painting a bleak picture in regards to Randy Gregory and Taco Charlton, but that's only because I expect much more from them then the Cowboys are getting. But despite my disappointment in the way they've played so for this season, I think they could turn this around coming out of the bye week.
I actually think the bye week couldn't have come at a more perfect time for the Dallas Cowboys. I think there were several players beaten up both physically and mentally, and that includes Randy Gregory and Taco Charlton. I think they needed a little bit of time to recharge and refocus, which is what I hope they are doing with this time off.
I think we tend to forget how young these players are. Both Gregory and Charlton are essentially just in their second year in the league. Yes, Gregory has been with the Cowboys longer, but most of that time has been spent away from the team on suspension. Charlton is just young and inexperienced, needing more playing time to develop.
But like I mentioned earlier, I think things are going to get better coming out of the bye week. The thing that might help both of these players the most is the return of Defensive Tackle David Irving. He has already tied both of them in QB sacks (1) and has only played sparingly in two games after coming back from suspension. His presence inside should do wonders for this entire defensive line.
I'm not ready to lower my expectations just yet for Randy Gregory and Taco Charlton. Instead, I'm going to continue to expect them to turn the corner and play like they're both capable of. I'm hoping they can do just that, because the thought of Gregory, Charlton, David Irving, and DeMarcus Lawrence rushing the passer is what we've all been dreaming about. Right!?
