When Sam Williams went down with a torn ACL and MCL earlier this preseason, the Dallas Cowboys knew they had to act fast. Williams, a third-year edge rusher, was expected to play a key role in Mike Zimmer's defense, especially with Micah Parsons shifting to linebacker more often, reminiscent of his rookie season. The loss of Williams left a significant void in the Cowboys' defensive lineup.
Dallas lacked a defensive end with the same speed-to-power ratio that Williams brought to the table. Rookie Marshawn Kneeland, while impressive with his camp performances and earning Cam Jordan comparisons, is more of a solid edge-setter rather than a high-impact pass rusher. With Parsons and starting left end DeMarcus Lawrence sidelined for the first preseason game, the Cowboys' pass rush was nearly nonexistent. It became clear that they needed to bolster their defense.
Enter veteran defensive end Carl Lawson. On early Thursday morning, the Cowboys made their move, signing Lawson to fill the gap left by Williams' injury. Lawson had been on the Cowboys' radar, among the eight potential replacements identified by Cowboys Wire. After a workout session with Lawson on August 1, the team decided he was the right fit to join their roster.
Lawson, who turned 29 this year, brings with him a solid track record. Over his career, he has amassed 2 sacks in total, with notable seasons including two with at least 7 sacks, most recently in 2022 with the New York Jets. His standout year came in 2017 during his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he made a significant impact as a rotational player. Drafted in the fourth round out of Auburn, Lawson quickly proved his worth.
At 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, Lawson will add depth to the defensive line, joining forces with another recent addition, Jordan Phillips. The Cowboys traded for Phillips on Wednesday evening, further strengthening their defensive front. Phillips, a veteran defensive tackle, brings additional experience and skill to the lineup.
The Cowboys have been busy following their narrow 13-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The exhibition game highlighted several areas for improvement, despite Dallas intercepting Stetson Bennett's erratic passes four times. The team's performance against the Rams underscored the need for defensive upgrades and set the stage for the flurry of activity that followed.
In addition to Lawson, the Cowboys had previously worked out Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney. Both were signed earlier, though Toney was waived/injured on Wednesday in a separate move. Muhammad remains a part of the team's defensive plans, adding another layer of depth to their defensive line.
The addition of Lawson and Phillips demonstrates the Cowboys' commitment to bolstering their defense in response to Williams' injury. With the season approaching, these moves are crucial for ensuring that the Cowboys' defensive line remains formidable and capable of making impactful plays.
As the Cowboys continue to navigate the preseason and address their defensive needs, the focus will be on integrating new players and ensuring that the defensive unit is ready to face the challenges ahead. With Lawson's experience and Phillips' presence, the Cowboys are making strategic adjustments to strengthen their roster and enhance their chances for success in the upcoming season.
The Cowboys' proactive approach in the wake of Williams' injury highlights their determination to maintain a competitive edge. By bringing in seasoned veterans and making strategic roster moves, Dallas is positioning itself to tackle the upcoming season with confidence and resilience.
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