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By David Moore
8:34 PM on Mar 25, 2020
Gerald McCoy is in the fold.
Dontari Poe should soon follow.
The interior of the Cowboys defensive line is undergoing an extreme makeover. The added size should help swallow up opposing lines and give the Cowboys linebackers more room to roam and make plays. But the benefit this provides to another veteran is being overlooked.
Tyrone Crawford is arguably the most versatile member of the Dallas defensive line. While that’s a valuable trait, it has worked against him through the years.
There have been offseasons when the coaching staff planned to use Crawford at defensive tackle, asked him to bulk up then moved him outside due to injuries once the season was underway. The reverse — telling Crawford he would be used at end, only to be forced to move him inside where he was then too light for his own good — also took place.
Crawford should no longer have to bounce from one spot to the other across the line. Sure, he’ll be asked to line up at different spots in different packages. But with the size the Cowboys now have on the interior, look for him to stay outside.
If you projected the starting lineup at this moment, the ends would be DeMarcus Lawrence and Crawford.
Need another example that Crawford will fill a significant role on the Cowboys defense? Here it is: sources said there are currently no plans to approach the veteran about reducing his $8 million price tag for the upcoming season. If the anticipation was he would have no more than a bit role, club officials would have negotiated to trim his salary by now.
Hip surgery limited Crawford to four games last season. But he missed only four games in the previous five seasons, splitting his starts between end and tackle.
The Cowboys shouldn’t need to lean on Crawford at tackle this season. He’s days of bouncing around should be done.
Finally.
8:34 PM on Mar 25, 2020
Gerald McCoy is in the fold.
Dontari Poe should soon follow.
The interior of the Cowboys defensive line is undergoing an extreme makeover. The added size should help swallow up opposing lines and give the Cowboys linebackers more room to roam and make plays. But the benefit this provides to another veteran is being overlooked.
Tyrone Crawford is arguably the most versatile member of the Dallas defensive line. While that’s a valuable trait, it has worked against him through the years.
There have been offseasons when the coaching staff planned to use Crawford at defensive tackle, asked him to bulk up then moved him outside due to injuries once the season was underway. The reverse — telling Crawford he would be used at end, only to be forced to move him inside where he was then too light for his own good — also took place.
Crawford should no longer have to bounce from one spot to the other across the line. Sure, he’ll be asked to line up at different spots in different packages. But with the size the Cowboys now have on the interior, look for him to stay outside.
If you projected the starting lineup at this moment, the ends would be DeMarcus Lawrence and Crawford.
Need another example that Crawford will fill a significant role on the Cowboys defense? Here it is: sources said there are currently no plans to approach the veteran about reducing his $8 million price tag for the upcoming season. If the anticipation was he would have no more than a bit role, club officials would have negotiated to trim his salary by now.
Hip surgery limited Crawford to four games last season. But he missed only four games in the previous five seasons, splitting his starts between end and tackle.
The Cowboys shouldn’t need to lean on Crawford at tackle this season. He’s days of bouncing around should be done.
Finally.
