When you produce at a high level you get paid the big bucks in the NFL, it’s just that simple. That’s exactly what All-Pro DeMarcus Lawrence did over the previous two seasons racking up 25 sacks. His dominance was rewarded back in April as the Dallas Cowboys signed him to a five-year 105 million dollar extension with 65 million in guarantees. With that kind of payday comes enormous expectations, especially playing under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium. However, if you want to be the elite of the elite this is what comes with the territory, and rightfully so.
The first order of business after inking his new deal was to have surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. The procedure was successful and put Lawrence on the shelf with an estimated recovery time of 3-4 months. During the healing process, Lawrence would miss all of OTAs, minicamp, and most of training camp before his return in limited action just prior to the start of the season.
The Cowboys kicked off the 2019 season against the rival New York Giants. Lawrence is no stranger to this team as his 3.5 career sacks against them were his second-most against any opponent coming into Week 1. The Cowboys dominated the Giants from the outset and won easily 35-17. Lawrence had a pretty decent day by his standards with two tackles, two quarterback hits, and a half-sack.
In Week 2 the Cowboys went on the road to face another NFC East rival the Washington Redskins. Once again, they were impressive going up as much as 17 points en route to a 31-21 victory. Lawrence, however, had one of if not the worst statistically game of his career. He was completely blanked from the stat sheet besides one quarterback hit. Even in a game where there wasn’t any question of who was going to win you still don’t want to see your All-Pro pass rusher virtually shutout for 60 minutes.
Week 3 saw the Cowboys steamroll the Miami Dolphins in Arlington. Dak Prescott threw two touchdowns, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard both ran for over 100 yards and the defense held the Dolphins to two field goals. Lawrence had two tackles, two quarterbacks and a sack for his efforts. Just like the season opener, his performance didn’t jump off the screen but if you can get a sack and some hits on the opposing team’s quarterback you’re doing your job as a rush rusher.
In Week 4 the Cowboys were in a defensive battle with the New Orleans Saints on Sunday Night Football. Lawrence had another two tackle performance and registered a sack for the second consecutive week even in a tough 12-10 loss. You would hope that would spark some sort of rhythm for him getting to the quarterback but that didn’t exactly happen.
The previous two games have been ones I’m sure Lawrence would like to forget. When the Green Bay Packers came to town Lawrence and company had the tough task of getting pressure on Aaron Rodgers, but they failed, especially their leader. Lawrence would only register a single tackle for the entire game as Aaron Jones had a career-high four rushing touchdowns and the Cowboys lost their second consecutive game. On the road against the Jets last Sunday, it wasn’t much better as Lawrence only got credit for two tackles. In addition to this, he didn’t get a sack, pressure or quarterback hit for the second straight game.
Granted, Lawrence has seen as many double teams as any edge rusher this season but at some point, big-time players find a way to make plays. Take All-Pro Defensive Tackle Aaron Darnold for example, he saw double teams on most of his snaps in 2018 and still managed to record 20.5 sacks. Simply put, you have to earn the paycheck you receive weekly.
Nine total tackles and 2.5 sacks in six games is what Lawrence has produced so far, that’s simply not good enough. If he wants to pick a time to have his first breakout game of 2019, this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles is the perfect opportunity to do so with the Cowboys currently on a three-game losing streak. With first place in the NFC East on the line, a big performance from Lawrence would be just what the doctor ordered, especially facing a quarterback as talented as Carson Wentz. We have all been patiently waiting to see the guy that terrorized NFL the previous two seasons. Will it happen this Sunday? Only time will tell.
