Dallas Cowboys: Three players who could have a breakout year
By Dink Kearney
Another War Daddy in Dorance Armstrong? (Edge Rusher)
Although defensive end Dorance Armstrong doesn’t have any gaudy numbers to brag about, Armstrong is entering his third season and has potential to be a solid, if not a dominant edge rusher (the potential is there).
Armstrong is 6-foot-4, weighs 255 pounds, and is lean and athletic. When Armstrong hits the field, he plays with a high motor, has a quick first step, aggressive, and never gives up on a play. With a new coaching staff to boot, Armstrong might get more opportunities to sack the quarterback, now that Quinn is gone.
Plus, DeMarcus Lawrence will bounce back from a sub-par season and perform at an All Pro level that requires him to be double-teamed. Once double-teamed, that will allow Armstrong to beat one-on-one match-ups. Armstrong has a higher ceiling than teammate Tyrone Crawford so he’s someone we should all be rooting for. (Armstrong reminds me of younger version of Randy Gregory).
Further, the addition of defensive linemen Gerald McCoy, Dontari Poe, Aldon Smith and possibly Randy Gregory will only make Armstrong a better player. They will give him fresh legs throughout the season. Those fresh legs are invaluable and will only springboard Armstrong into a solid pass rusher or possibly more.
If Armstrong can increase his sack total to five or more sacks, Dallas’ pass rush will be more than legit.