For those who’re searching for a Dallas Cowboys chief who isn’t Dak Prescott, the primary individual you consider is DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence is the guts and soul of the Cowboys’ protection, each as a vocal chief and somebody who reveals it together with his actions. He has been a staple of the defensive unit for his whole profession, and as we head nearer to 2024, that dynamic isn’t altering.
Whereas Lawrence has at all times been recognized to do the little issues proper, oftentimes leaving him a bit underrated throughout the league, within the new 12 months, the Cowboys could also be calling upon him greater than they ever have earlier than establishing the following query in our over/beneath collection.
Practical expectations for DeMarcus Lawrence in 2024
Because the completion of 2018, when Lawrence final completed with double-digit sacks, the narrative across the edge rusher has grow to be a divisive one. Those that worth sack totals have a look at a person who has by no means had greater than 6.5 during the last 5 seasons and surprise if he isn’t the identical participant he as soon as was.
Then again, those that look into different features of his play see a person who remains to be a power to be reckoned with, not solely simply in defending the run but in addition in his means to use strain and disrupt offenses within the backfield. Lawrence’s 4 sacks in 2023 usually are not all that spectacular on their very own, however his means to affect the sport in quite a lot of other ways is why he’s so revered inside the locker room.
Lawrence’s spectacular 91.3 general grade from Professional Soccer Focus final season confirms that he’s nonetheless a productive member of this Cowboys protection that calls for consideration from opposing offenses. It’s the traditional case of field rating vs. tape that has dominated the sports activities scene during the last decade or so, however the actuality stays that Lawrence is a useful member of the Cowboys’ defensive unit, even when the precise sack numbers have dipped.
Nevertheless, with the way in which free company unfolded, with two veteran go rushers heading out the door, and the Cowboys solely including one participant within the draft that’s hoped to assist early on, much more eyes will likely be on Lawrence to capitalize and get residence extra steadily this 12 months.
The query turns into now—can he do it? And if that’s the case, what’s a practical quantity to anticipate? Along with his complete talked about in 2023, he has tallied six, three, and 6.5 within the final three seasons, respectively. These numbers are nothing to write down residence about, however it’s nonetheless part of the massive image.
It’s in all probability not truthful to anticipate a large leap this season—though, admittedly, it might be welcomed. Nevertheless, we’ll set the bar at 5, and go from there. So what say you, BTB? Will Lawrence be over or beneath 5 sacks in 2024?
