The Cowboys are putting on the pads Monday for the first time in this foreign training camp experience. With the club practicing early in the day, the press conferences are early as well. New head coach Mike McCarthy answered questions ahead of the morning practice and addressed a variety of topics concerning the 2020 new look Dallas Cowboys.
One thing that stood out was his comparison of defensive end Demarcus Lawrence to one of his former player’s from his time in Green Bay, Julius Peppers. Ft. Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill Jr. prompted the detailed response as transcribed by David Helman of DallasCowboys.com.
With the Cowboys having more of a hybrid look to their defense, using pre-snap disguises and switching between 30 and 40 fronts, Lawrence has a chance to use his entire skill set standing up and playing more of an outside linebacker role.
Lawrence playing in a two-point stance on first and second downs will give him the ability to improve his vision and when it calls for it can return to putting his hand in the dirt for an explosive pass rush, according to McCarthy.
Peppers played the first 12 seasons as a defensive end. It wasn’t until he joined McCarthy on the Packers where he made the transition to outside linebacker. In his first year in this position, Pepper’s versatility enabled him to record two interceptions and took both of them back for touchdowns.
With the addition of Aldon Smith, Everson Griffen and a beefed up defensive interior, expect Lawrence to convert into more of a hybrid role. McCarthy said that with all the experience Lawrence has, a move like this can really tap into his potential.
Former Cowboy Demarcus Ware went the opposite way in his time in Dallas.
Ware started with the Cowboys listed as the right outside linebacker but in 2013 and 2014 put his hand in the dirt. With his versatility, he wound up having a Hall of Fame caliber career. Lawrence entering his seventh year with the team has a chance to make the switch under a new coaching regime to make an even bigger impact for the Cowboys.
McCarthy’s full statement:
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