Dallas Cowboys: DeMarcus Lawrence is standing up and standing out

Don’t look now but DeMarcus Lawrence is standing up in the Dallas Cowboys new-look defense

It may not seem like a big thing but the Dallas Cowboys have shown something we haven’t seen in a while in practiced – defensive ends standing up on the line. This doesn’t mean the Cowboys will use a 3-4 defense strictly, but it does mean that there will be disguised attack and a focus on pressure that hasn’t really been seen around these parts in a while. DeMarcus Lawrence could easily be the biggest benefactor of this small change.

While it may not seem like something that would make a difference, standing up on the edge holds some benefits over always playing with your hand in the dirt. The first step can go in any direction to start. No longer does the first step have to go forward or will there be a delay in standing up and then moving in a direction. Simple body mechanics dictate a lot more when you are in a three-point stance than when you are not.

One interesting thing, however, is that Lawrence is using his outside foot forward. Again, this may not seem big, but it is probably because he is used to having that foot forward in the three-point stance. As the season goes on it will be something to watch on how Lawrence keeps or switches his footwork.