Dallas Cowboys: Breakout season for ‘Tank’ Lawrence?

Dallas Cowboys fourth year edge rusher, DeMarcus Lawrence, had a career game on Sunday Night Football. Is this a sign of a breakout season?

Dallas Cowboys fans have been waiting for this since the day Demarcus “Tank” Lawrence was drafted roughly three years ago. Two sacks, a pair of hurries, and a savvy splash play all highlighted Lawrence’s night. It was the kind of week one performance that gets people wondering: “I wonder if this is a sign of things to come?…”

If you’re not asking the question perhaps you should start because this team is exactly one dominant pass-rusher away from transitioning from Super Bowl hopeful to Super Bowl favorite.

The Long Hard Road

Once dubbed by the Cowboys as the last of three top-flight edge rushers in the 2014 NFL Draft, Dallas traded up to the top of the second round to select their man. Tank had the rare combination of size, speed, quickness, and lean to be a dominant edge player at the NFL level. He was an ideal replacement to the dearly departed legend, DeMarcus Ware, and an instant fan favorite of Cowboys Nation

The only problem was Lawrence had problems staying healthy.

Ok, he also had that pesky suspension too, but hey, this is Dallas. Sadly, suspensions go without saying when you play defensive end for the Cowboys. Nope, it was mostly the health issues that stunted his development, causing many to wonder if his day would ever truly arrive.

After overcoming a laundry list of nagging injuries, including significant back issues, Tank opened the 2017 season on a mission. The noticeably larger Boise State alum quickly established himself as the best rusher on the field in training camp. And with early suspensions befalling on David Irving and Damontre Moore, the pressure was on Tank to deliver immediately. Said Jason Garrett:

"“He worked really hard this offseason to get himself right physically, had an excellent training camp and he’s certainly off to a good start.”"

Tank’s Play

This was one of, if not THE, best game in DeMarcus Lawrence’s career. He was all over the television screen on Sunday night making his stellar performance undeniable. Tank played smart and aggressive. He handled his assignments to cover the screen and stop the run. And he didn’t just pin his ears back and go after sacks. It was a complete performance. Said his New York Giant opponent Bobby Hart:

"“He’s alright. He didn’t do anything crazy. I’ve got to watch the film. He was just rushing. Like I said, it wasn’t anything crazy. They do a lot of things with their scheme that helps their players out.”"

Part of what Hart has to say should be taken with a grain of salt. Rarely is true credit given to an opponent in a situation like this. But Hart also has a point. Lawrence didn’t turn the edge with other-worldly-type ability. He grinded. He used sound technique and with the help of stunting and gaming, he was able to crash the pocket.

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Contract Year

Never underestimate the power of a contract season for an NFL player. As a pending unrestricted free agent in 2018, this season is make-or-break for Tank. If he has a career year, he virtually guarantees himself to be financially set for life. If he puts up another statistical stinker like last year, he’ll likely never recover the lost opportunity.

Heath, ability, motivation, and opportunity are forming the perfect storm for Demarcus Lawrence this season. The stars are aligned leaving it up to Tank to deliver.

Is he on the cusp of a breakout?

Quite possibly, yes. Injuries have likely robbed him of the extremely high ceiling he entered the league with, but Tank has added hand technique, strength, and secondary moves to make him a viable double-digit sack man in 2017.

Next: Game Review: What went wrong and what went right in week one

DeMarcus Lawrence has started the season strong for the Dallas Cowboys. It seems he has the perfect opportunity to capitalize in this, his contract season. And it’s in all of our best interests that he does. My money says he becomes the first double-digit sack man for the Cowboys since 2013.