FRISCO (Texas) — He is 29 years old and is in his eighth season of the Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus LawrenceHe is not old but he knows how fleeting opportunities can be.
With an 11-4 record, an NFC East title locked up and at least one playoff game coming to AT&T Stadium, Lawrence, who has been to the playoffs three times but never beyond the divisional round, is viewing this chance through a different perspective.
“It’s a very humbling experience being able to go from good to bad and having to sit on the couch and look year in and year out at different teams win the Super Bowl,” Lawrence said. “So being able to have this opportunity again, I feel like we won’t take it for granted.”
As a rookie in 2014, Lawrence missed the first eight games of the season because of a broken foot and by the playoffs was the Cowboys’ best pass-rushing threat, picking up two sacks in the postseason. Lawrence missed 10 games in 2021 because of a broken ankle. His return four weeks ago was one of the catalysts that led to a defense that has performed better than anyone could have imagined.
Rookie linebacker/defensive End Micah Parsons(13 sacks, cornerback Trevon DiggsLawrence, the Cowboys’ longest-tenured defensive player — is still valuable and productive.
He finished last week with eight tackles and two sacks. Washington Football Team.
Lawrence has always been driven to succeed. But, with the combination of close to 30 injuries and extensive experience, Lawrence’s sense of urgency has grown.
“I think it’s definitely here for the people who have been here. And that’s healthy,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “All energy to me is an opportunity to build something with. You can use the urgency to get out of this situation. It exists. No question.”
Lawrence made the first lose fumble of his career in Week 15. New York GiantsRunning back Saquon BarkleyThe Cowboys converted a field goal into a 15-3 lead at halftime on their way to a 21-6 victory.
DEMARCUS LAWRENCE INCREDIBLE TICK-6 @TankLawrence
?: #WASvsDALNBC
?: https://t.co/RVn6kdfzlm pic.twitter.com/fOPgbcenng— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2021
Lawrence won the Washington game in the first half last week. Third-and-7 at the Washington 43, Lawrence simply read quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s eyes and dropped off his pass rush. Lawrence was able to tip the ball in the air and returned it for the interception. He ran 40 yards, his first touchdown since the 2012 25-yard return against Hawaii.
On his return, he stiff-armed a offensive lineman, walked along the sideline and avoided a tackler. He was then able to receive safety assistance. Donovan WilsonFor a 21-0 lead, get to the end zone.
“I’m most impressed with the stiff arm, the high knees, making the last guy miss on the sideline,” Ezekiel Elliott said. “He looked like he’s been playing offense his whole life. I think he said he was an all-state tight end on the sideline.”
Said Parsons, “D-Law’s been extraordinary since his return [in Week 13]. He’s experienced a lot. He’s so effective in the pass and the run game. He’s just a force when he’s out there. I told him, I said, ‘You’ve got a little more juice than I thought you had left.’ He’s like, ‘Told you.’ So, I’m really happy for D-Law, and I’m happy to have him back.”
NextGen Stats reported that Lawrence reached 17.5 MPH, which is the fourth-fastest speed recorded by defensive linemen in the last three seasons.
“You know just being the oldest guy on the defense, it’s a lot of talent to keep up with so you know I gotta show the young boys I still got it,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence has had to be limited in his practices throughout the week due to foot surgery but has not been restricted in his games. The best part about the Washington 42-point win was that Lawrence only had to play 25 snaps. This keeps him fresh for two regular-season games.
“I feel like now the older I’ve got, it’s more mental,” he said. “Being able to look at the game and understand that now you’re going to be playing against the best of the best in the league and any little mistake can cost you that game.”
Early in his career, Lawrence listened to veterans like tight end Jason Witten and linebacker Sean Lee talk late in seasons about making the most of the opportunities because they didn’t know if this would be the last one. Today, Lawrence and players like Parsons and Diggs are repeating the same sentiments. Randy GregoryAre they the ones listening?
“DeMarcus, he’s our leader, vocally, physically, on the field,” Gregory said. “Having him there kind of makes us go a little faster, play a little bit fast, a little bit smarter. There is a sense of unity and the guys know what they should do. They also have the timing down and other things. Having him out there is a plus any week.”