Cowboys' defender is making people forget the team's offseason blunder
The Dallas Cowboys agreed on a new contract for defensive end Randy Gregory back in March. However, due to a last-minute change in the deal's language, Gregory backed out and signed with the Denver Broncos. Just days later, the Cowboys inked 2018 fourth-round pick, Dorance Armstrong, to a two-year deal worth up the $13 million. […]
The Dallas Cowboys agreed on a new contract for defensive end Randy Gregory back in March. However, due to a last-minute change in the deal's language, Gregory backed out and signed with the Denver Broncos.
Just days later, the Cowboys inked 2018 fourth-round pick, Dorance Armstrong, to a two-year deal worth up the $13 million. That's not a bad come-up for a Day 3 draftee on his first contract after his rookie deal. As is always the case, a bigger salary brings bigger expectations, and Armstrong is making the Cowboys look smart for their investment.
Armstrong has racked up four sacks in the first five games of the season, one less than his 2021 total. Not only is he taking his game up a level from the edge but Armstrong can rush from the interior if need be with the inside rip move that he's developed. However, it's not just the sacks that have been impressive.
The former Kansas Jayhawk has improved his prowess as a run defender by setting the edge to force plays back inside which is an undervalued trait these days because of the obsession with getting the quarterback down. Also, Armstrong makes plays on special teams as evidenced by his multiple blocked kicks for the Cowboys this season (blocked a punt against the Atlanta Falcons in 2021 also).
Armstrong has done a lot of special teams work for the Cowboys since he's been drafted, logging 649 snaps. Despite his rise as an edge rusher, Armstrong loves the third phase of football.
"I absolutely [take pride in that]," Armstrong said. "I've been playing special teams since I got in the league. I don't wanna stop now."
The ascension of Armstrong has been a steady one. He's gotten better every season, and in 2021, his was comparable to the aforementioned Gregory. Armstrong played 70 more snaps than Gregory and logged nearly twice as many tackles (37 to 19) and was pretty much as prolific in sacking the quarterback.
Although the Cowboys could have Armstrong and Gregory on their roster they came out of this situation on the positive end. Armstrong makes around $8 million less per season and his production is on par or better than Gregory, plus his value on special teams can't be stated enough.
It's not about where a player is drafted is how they respond when their number is called. Armstrong has not only answered but he's consistently seen his trajectory point upward and now he's an important piece of the Cowboys' defense.
Feature image via Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
