Dallas Cowboys: Yes, David Irving can make an impact this season
By Reid Hanson
David Irving is expected to return to the Dallas Cowboys and here’s why that matters…
The supremely talented yet much maligned defensive linemen, David Irving, has only played 56 total snaps for the Dallas Cowboys this year. Suspension, injury, and personal crisis have all kept Irving off the field in this his second make-or-break season.
To call this season disappointing is a massive understatement. After teasing the team with a ridiculously efficient 2017 season that produced seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits in just eight games, Irving was set to explode in 2018.
But as mentioned above, a combination of things – some in his control and some outside of his control – prevented him from breaking out this season. But entering Week 13, it seems as though Irving, who hasn’t played since week seven, may be making a return to the lineup this week.
Coming off the defense’s best performance of the year, it’s tempting to overlook his return. Especially after the interior of the line dominated Drew Brees and the New Orleans saints so profoundly. But it would be a mistake to disregard a return of this magnitude.
David Irving is to reliable as Joe Looney is to the salad bar. Personnal issue, drug issues and health issue will always be a concern for David. That’s the reason a player of his production is destined for another 1-year prove-it deal again this spring. But we can’t let that lack of reliability cover up the fact David Irving is one of the most disruptive players in the NFL.
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At 6’7” Irving is a menacing presence in the middle. Not only is posting a tackle for loss per game (as a part-time player, I might add), but he’s also a force in deflecting passes at the line of scrimmage.
While the defensive line is playing as well as they ever have, adding a player like Irving only helps.
Irving isn’t going to come back and displace a starter. He’s going to come back and join the rotation. Working himself into the committee at under tackle, Irving can offer relief at a position that requires maximum effort on every single snap.
Joining Maliek Collins and Tyrone Crawford, the Dallas Cowboys have one of the most explosive interiors in the NFL. It also makes them one of the deepest since Caraun Reid and Antwaun Woods have been beasts themselves at the 1-tech.
It’s hard not be excited about the possibility of David Irving, DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, and Randy Gregory all on the field at the same time. #HotBoyz #LegionOfDoomsday
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) December 4, 2018
Assuming Irving can get back into game shape and be the same difference maker he was last season, He could be a deciding factor as the Dallas Cowboys charge into, and hopefully through, the postseason.
Next. Why Randy Gregory is still more asset than liability. dark
You don’t have to like David Irving. You don’t have to trust him. But you have to respect his production and when he’s on the field and producing, he’s easily one of the most disruptive players in the NFL. So yes, David can make an impact this season. And it looks like it’s about to happen.
- Published on 12/05/2018 at 23:01 PM
- Last updated at 12/05/2018 at 09:17 AM