How many sacks do you think DeMarcus Lawrence will have in 2024?
If you’re looking for a Dallas Cowboys leader who isn’t Dak Prescott, the first person you think of is DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence is the heart and soul of the Cowboys’ defense, both as a vocal leader and someone who shows it with his actions. He has been a staple of the defensive unit for his entire career, and as we head closer to 2024, that dynamic isn’t changing.
While Lawrence has always been known to do the little things right, oftentimes leaving him a bit underrated across the league, in the new year, the Cowboys may be calling upon him more than they ever have before setting up the next question in our over/under series.
Realistic expectations for DeMarcus Lawrence in 2024
Since the completion of 2018, when Lawrence last finished with double-digit sacks, the narrative around the edge rusher has become a divisive one. Those who value sack totals look at a man who has never had more than 6.5 over the last five seasons and wonder if he isn’t the same player he once was.
On the other hand, those who look into other aspects of his play see a man who is still a force to be reckoned with, not only just in defending the run but also in his ability to apply pressure and disrupt offenses in the backfield. Lawrence’s four sacks in 2023 are not all that impressive on their own, but his ability to impact the game in a variety of different ways is why he is so respected within the locker room.
Lawrence’s impressive 91.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last season confirms that he is still a productive member of this Cowboys defense that demands attention from opposing offenses. It’s the classic case of box score vs. tape that has dominated the sports scene over the last decade or so, but the reality remains that Lawrence is a valuable member of the Cowboys’ defensive unit, even if the actual sack numbers have dipped.
However, with the way free agency unfolded, with two veteran pass rushers heading out the door, and the Cowboys only adding one player in the draft that is hoped to help early on, a lot more eyes will be on Lawrence to capitalize and get home more frequently this year.
The question becomes now—can he do it? And if so, what is a realistic number to expect? In addition to his total mentioned in 2023, he has tallied six, three, and 6.5 in the last three seasons, respectively. Those numbers are nothing to write home about, but it is still a part of the big picture.
It’s probably not fair to expect a massive leap this season—although, admittedly, it would be welcomed. However, we’ll set the bar at five, and go from there. So what say you, BTB? Will Lawrence be over or under five sacks in 2024?
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