In what felt like a repeat of last week’s game where the defense dominates and the offense keeps the opposition in the game, Dallas emerged victorious on Sunday against the New York Giants. The defense started off strong and finished even stronger only allowing six points on two field goals in the Week 15 divisional bout. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s unit impressed again and once again defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence played a starring role in the performance.
Lawrence played 40 snaps on Sunday and registered five tackles (four solo) and three quarterback pressures including two QB hits and a forced fumble, having a direct impact on 20% of his opportunities. All five of his tackles were considered stops (keeping the offense from what would classify as a successful play). He was making big plays from the outset of the game.
On the Giants’ first offensive play, they’d run Saquon Barkley to the right and Lawrence would put a stop to that immediately at the line of scrimmage.
LOL they started the game by trying to run at Tank Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/92alxxUr57
— Dalton Miller (@DaltonBMiller) December 19, 2021
This monstrous performance would not stop there, however. Five plays later Lawrence would break through a double team and hit quarterback Mike Glennon as he releases the ball, setting up the easy tip drill interception for corner back Jourdan Lewis.
Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence knocks Giants QB Mike Glennon and ball. CB Jourdan Lewis grabs INT, returns 18 yards.
2 plays later, touchdown Zeke. Defense lifting offense.pic.twitter.com/79IGl5J7Wj
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) December 19, 2021
A few more stops in run defense followed, like this one.
Tank Lawrence gonna show y'all how complete a player he is for the rest of the year. pic.twitter.com/SMSYI5o6FF
— Dalton Miller (@DaltonBMiller) December 19, 2021
Lawrence would do what he does best and force a calculated fumble on Barkley with as great technique as one could ask for. It’s the first time Barkley has lost a fumble in his entire career.
.@TankLawrence makin' moves! 👏#DALvsNYG | 📺 : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/3QS813pqHY
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 19, 2021
Lawrence’s return from a season-long foot injury suffered in Week 1 has added a missing element to the Cowboys’ defense. He is continuously leading the club in pressure plays and has never wavered from being the unit’s leader even when he wasn’t able to be on the field.
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