WATCH: DeMarcus Lawrence takes fumble for Cowboys defensive touchdown
The Dallas Cowboys got off to a quick start in their week 5 matchup against the Los Angels Rams, scoring the first points of the game on the defensive side of the ball.
On just the third play of the first possession of the game, Rams quarterback Matt Stafford dropped back on a 3rd and 1 attempt and was met by defensive lineman, and former Kansas Jayhawk, Dorance Armstrong, whose jarring sack forced a fumble that was recovered by teammate DeMarcus Lawrence who returned it all the way to the house for a 19-yard touchdown.
Big man touchdowns are always fun to watch, but are not a new to Lawrence, who also had an interception returned for a touchdown in 2021 versus the Washington Commanders on a 40-yard, tackle-breaking play that was particularly athletic for a man his stature.
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Unfortunately for the Cowboys, their special teams unit struggled to execute a snap and kick of their extra point following Lawrence’s scoop and score, but his play gave them an early 6-0 lead over the Rams.
Demarcus Lawrence wants to lead Cowboys in sacks: ‘I let a rookie show me up last year’
DeMarcus Lawrence is coming into the 2022 NFL season with some extreme focus. After an injury set him back in 2021, the “Tank” hopes to lead the Dallas Cowboys in sacks, taking the title from Micah Parsons.
“Become the sack leader again,” Lawrence told the Dallas Morning News of his goals for 2022. “I let a rookie show me up last year. … Shoutout to my boy, Micah, but restate my dominance. Let everybody know that I’m coming, how I feel, and the type of respect I’m going to demand when I step on that field.”
The sacks have not always been eye-popping for Lawrence, only posting double-digit sacks in two seasons, but he has had huge success in the run game. Last year, he had three sacks with 16 solo tackles and seven quarterback hits. Parsons recorded 13 sacks, good for sixth in the league.
In 2021, he only played in seven games, missing the heart of the season after suffering a foot injury in the season opener. Before then, the defensive end had played three full seasons, starting in all but one game. Looking ahead, the defensive end says he’s coming off of one of the most productive offseasons of his career.
“I feel like I’m in better shape,” Lawrence said. “I feel like this offseason has been one of the most serious ones for me, just all about being healthy and taking care of the body and doing rigorous trainings and stuff and different workouts.”
The Dallas Cowboys selected DeMarcus Lawrence in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Boise State. He came off of the board at No. 36 overall. He has been a big part of the defense in Dallas ever since.