Unpeeling the layers of the (potentially elite) Dallas Cowboys pass rush
By Reid Hanson
Second Tier Pass-Rushers
Most elite pass rushers occupy the right side of the line because it typically holds less run-stopping responsibilities and allows edge players to focus primarily on turning the corner. But since Lawrence can produce all of that right side production on the left side, without being a liability against the run, Dallas gets to use their pure one-dimensional rushers without pulling Lawrence off of the field (an often overlooked advantage).
To be clear – Randy Gregory is the most physically gifted pass-rusher on the Dallas Cowboys.
Randy Gregory is a great example of a pure pass-rusher who benefits from this. Gregory is leaner than your typical defensive end but he makes up for it in explosion, flex, and ridiculously long arms.
Weighing in at only 255lbs he’s never going to be very stout against the run so he’s best used on a situational basis on the right side.
To be clear – Randy Gregory is the most physically gifted pass-rusher on the Dallas Cowboys. He may not have the resume that guys like Lawrence or Robert Quinn have (19 sacks in 2013) but his explosion, flex, and pound-for-pound strength is next-level elite.
Clearly suspensions have stunted his growth and currently stand to delay the start of his 2019 season. But word on the street is he’s due back on the field sooner rather than later because of the NFL’s loosening substance abuse policy.
Considering Gregory collected 6 sacks, 7 TFL, and 14 hurries over his last 10 games in 2018, a double-digit sack season isn’t just possible, it’s likely, if he can just stay on the field.
Robert Quinn
Robert Quinn does more than just add depth and provide insurance to the right side. The former All-Pro brings skill, stamina, and stability. Even if Gregory is reinstated in Week 1, Quinn is expected to log majority of the snaps at RDE in 2019.
Quinn isn’t the player he once was but he brings every-down ability and double-digit sack potential. Never underestimate the fact he’s playing on the last year of his deal and is looking for one more big pay day in free agency next spring. Quinn is motivated and the Dallas Cowboys are giving him the opportunity so there’s no reason to believe the 29-year-old won’t have a solid season for Dallas in 2019.