The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive ends have become a punching bag.
If you want to talk football and bring up what should be an explosive and dynamic Cowboys offense, then expect someone to try to bring down your confidence and mention their invisible pass rush.
The absolute last thing Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory has been during his time in Dallas is invisible, however. In fact, when the Cowboys drafted Gregory in the 2nd round of the 2015 NFL Draft, many expected him to be invincible. Taking the number 94, Gregory seemed to relish the hype which surrounded him, and appeared ready to take on the challenge of replacing the long line of great Cowboys’ rush-men.
Instead we sit here, just days before the season opener of Gregory’s sophomore season, unsure of when or if he will see the field this year.
As Brian Martin of Inside The Star discussed, Gregory’s four game suspension was upheld earlier this week, and we are still awaiting word on whether it will be extended to ten games or not.
While both Gregory’s professional career and personal life seem to have taken a turn for the worst, it was relieving to hear he is still in rehab and is reportedly doing well enough to return to the team around week two.
Clarification: Randy Gregory will be back around team in Week 2. But sources say no final decision been made on reducing 10-game suspension.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) September 4, 2016
Obviously, I wish the best to Gregory in his life and health, but now we must turn our attention to what he can/will do on Sundays when he returns.
While the final stats looked poor as he failed to record a single sack, Gregory did show a ton of promise at times last season. The problem was, most of these “flashes” happened during the first game, prior to sustaining an ankle injury which hobbled him for several weeks.
#cowboys Randy Gregory #94 draws the holding call on a would be #sack #CowboysNation https://t.co/ZvyIMVfDGK
— Tyler Jaggi (@TylerJaggi) December 17, 2015
Once fully recovered and acclimated to the system, Randy Gregory once again showed positive signs of improvement down the stretch. Those flashes and moments only make his absence hurt even worse, however.
This is the speed off the edge Dallas will miss with Randy Gregory out. Closes with scary burst (clip via @dtsturner) http://t.co/TQ9GWreZVT
— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) September 16, 2015
But Dallas has to count on Gregory to live up to his hype as soon as possible. Not only because they spent a second round pick on him, but also because of the sheer lack of talent at defensive end on this roster.
Outside of DeMarcus Lawrence, Gregory is actually the most proven defensive end on the team. Yes, even without recording a single regular season sack. Whether that speaks to the ineptitude of the rest of the roster, or the pure talent of Gregory (or maybe both) it is the truth.
And now that we are in September, and are only days away from the season opener, the Cowboys have to deal with it and remain patient with Gregory. So here they are, relying on the unreliable, living on a hope and a prayer that Gregory can get the help he so clearly needs, and become the player the Cowboys have always hoped.
