Young Dallas Cowboys Defenders Becoming too Valuable to Sit
The Dallas Cowboys (8-3) have an embarrassment of riches at a premiere position. Edge Rusher. DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler are having excellent seasons. Combining for 19 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and 47 pressures on the year. That's not even counting the effect future Defensive Player of the Year Micah Parsons is adding […]
The Dallas Cowboys (8-3) have an embarrassment of riches at a premiere position. Edge Rusher.
DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler are having excellent seasons. Combining for 19 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and 47 pressures on the year.
That's not even counting the effect future Defensive Player of the Year Micah Parsons is adding on the group.
So it's no wonder the Cowboys felt comfortable letting go of one of their own from the group. Releasing Edge/LB Tarell Basham after three games in return from injury.
However, this move didn't have anything to do with their top three defensive ends, but rather the effect of their young defensive linemen. In particular second-year Chauncey Golston and rookie Sam Williams.
The pair each started slow but have really started to ramp up in play. Both as a pair of pass rushers, but also as run defenders. Areas they supersede against the likes of Armstrong and Fowler, who've been inconsistent in stopping the run.
In fact, their effect is being felt on the field, and in the eyes of those who cover the game.
Golston and Williams are not only progressing as edge rushers but are key fixtures in the defensive line rotation. Playing both left and right edge, as well as plenty of three-technique in sub packages.
On the year, the pair have only registered a combined four sacks, nine tackles for loss and 10 pressures. However, neither has started a game nor played among the majority of snaps in a single game. Each topping out at just under 30 for a single game.
Their usage and value to the team is only going to grow from here. Especially with how the Dallas Cowboys continue to use their rotations.
Williams is starting to pick it up more as a pass rusher. Using his hands in one-on-one situations with tackles, after being primarily a run defender early this season.
Golston's value will continue to be as a run-stopping edge. His last game not playing was against the Green Bay Packers, with the defense allowing 200+ on the ground. Since then, the Cowboys defense has allowed under 200 rushing yards combined.
Don't expect players like Armstrong or Fowler to get relegated to the bench. But don't be surprised when Golston and Williams are used in more packages, especially against the run, as we approach the postseason.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
