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See the Cowboys defensive line group that could cause opposing QBs the most problems
Jon Machota
One of the most intriguing aspects of watching Cowboys organized team activities and minicamp over the last month is what Rod Marinelli has been doing with the defensive line.
The Cowboys defensive coordinator will be the first to tell you that his group didn’t get enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season.
And since Marinelli likes to generate the majority of his pass rush with his front four, it’s been interesting to see him mix and match during the open practices.
Of all the combinations he’s come up with, the scariest for opposing QBs could be the group of Greg Hardy, Tyrone Crawford, Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence.
All four have the ability to be pass-rushing defensive ends in a 4-3 scheme, so getting them on the field together should create mismatches.
Here’s a photo of the group during the final minicamp practice last Thursday. Lawrence is in his regular position at left end, Gregory is at right end and Hardy is inside, playing tackle alongside Crawford.
“This is a great opportunity for each guy to create some position flexibility and see how they do in it,” Marinelli said. “We’re rushing the air pretty good, so I feel pretty good about that part. But when you get in pads, that’s when it counts.”
Lining up four talented pass rushers together has worked well in the past for the New York Giants, winning two of the last eight Super Bowls with rotations that have included Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and Jason Pierre-Paul. Dallas is hoping for similar results.
With Hardy’s suspension still going through the appeals process, there’s some uncertainty surrounding when he’ll be able to contribute. But even without the 2013 Pro Bowler, the Cowboys have another versatile piece in Jeremy Mincey. Last season’s team sack leader is capable of rushing from either end spot or moving inside.
The other ends competing for roster spots include: Jack Crawford, Ben Gardner, Ryan Russell, Kenneth Boatright, Efe Obada and Lavar Edwards.
Without seeing the group line up together in pads, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said it’s difficult to predict how effective their upgraded pass rush will be.
“Certainly we’ve tried to make that a point of emphasis in how we’ve drafted and how we addressed free agency this year,” Garrett said. “I think if you look at our roster right now you see a lot of that competition and that’s really good for that unit, for our defense.
“It’s also good for the offensive line. When those guys break the huddle they know they’re going to be challenged. We feel like we’ve tried to upgrade in that area and we’re excited about training camp to see how those guys respond.”
Cowboys Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick called it fun and challenging to practice against some of the new defensive line combinations.
“One on ones and going ones vs. ones is just a great way for us to continue to get practice and go against some real quality opponents,” Frederick said. “I would just say it’s different [going against the group of Lawrence, Hardy, Crawford and Gregory]. I wouldn’t say it’s harder. You just have to adjust how you do things.”
Jon Machota
One of the most intriguing aspects of watching Cowboys organized team activities and minicamp over the last month is what Rod Marinelli has been doing with the defensive line.
The Cowboys defensive coordinator will be the first to tell you that his group didn’t get enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season.
And since Marinelli likes to generate the majority of his pass rush with his front four, it’s been interesting to see him mix and match during the open practices.
Of all the combinations he’s come up with, the scariest for opposing QBs could be the group of Greg Hardy, Tyrone Crawford, Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence.
All four have the ability to be pass-rushing defensive ends in a 4-3 scheme, so getting them on the field together should create mismatches.
Here’s a photo of the group during the final minicamp practice last Thursday. Lawrence is in his regular position at left end, Gregory is at right end and Hardy is inside, playing tackle alongside Crawford.
“This is a great opportunity for each guy to create some position flexibility and see how they do in it,” Marinelli said. “We’re rushing the air pretty good, so I feel pretty good about that part. But when you get in pads, that’s when it counts.”
Lining up four talented pass rushers together has worked well in the past for the New York Giants, winning two of the last eight Super Bowls with rotations that have included Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and Jason Pierre-Paul. Dallas is hoping for similar results.
With Hardy’s suspension still going through the appeals process, there’s some uncertainty surrounding when he’ll be able to contribute. But even without the 2013 Pro Bowler, the Cowboys have another versatile piece in Jeremy Mincey. Last season’s team sack leader is capable of rushing from either end spot or moving inside.
The other ends competing for roster spots include: Jack Crawford, Ben Gardner, Ryan Russell, Kenneth Boatright, Efe Obada and Lavar Edwards.
Without seeing the group line up together in pads, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said it’s difficult to predict how effective their upgraded pass rush will be.
“Certainly we’ve tried to make that a point of emphasis in how we’ve drafted and how we addressed free agency this year,” Garrett said. “I think if you look at our roster right now you see a lot of that competition and that’s really good for that unit, for our defense.
“It’s also good for the offensive line. When those guys break the huddle they know they’re going to be challenged. We feel like we’ve tried to upgrade in that area and we’re excited about training camp to see how those guys respond.”
Cowboys Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick called it fun and challenging to practice against some of the new defensive line combinations.
“One on ones and going ones vs. ones is just a great way for us to continue to get practice and go against some real quality opponents,” Frederick said. “I would just say it’s different [going against the group of Lawrence, Hardy, Crawford and Gregory]. I wouldn’t say it’s harder. You just have to adjust how you do things.”
