There have been a lot of ups and downs for Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory. At some points, it was unclear whether or not he’d even play in the league. During others, he looked like he was born to wear 94 for America’s Team.
Not able to suit up until week 7 of this season, Gregory’s future in the NFL felt as murky as ever ahead of the 2020 campaign. He’d been in and out of the lineup most of his career due to suspensions, but was hoping that 2020 would be a turnaround season for him.
And so far, it has been.
Since the Cowboys traded defensive end Everson Griffen to Detroit, Gregory has seen a steady uptick in his snap count. And with it has come an uptick in production.
Randy Gregory had a standout performance during Sunday’s win over the Eagles, finishing with 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Yes he stuffed the stat sheet but he was flat out dominant to the eye as well. He was all over the field, and was really the only answer the Cowboys had early to the Jalen Hurts/Miles Sanders read option game.
Randy Gregory (@RandyGregory_4) gets his blocker shuffling sideways, so he counters back inside & gets the strip sack.
If your first move doesn't work, have a "Plan B" #cowboys
via @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/UbpmLS5nLJ
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) December 30, 2020
Gregory has always had the natural ability to be an elite pass rusher. His length, strength, and athleticism had him considered to be one of the best EDGE prospects in his draft class, and the Cowboys’ second round gamble for him is now paying off.
He has 3.5 total sacks on the season, and has put some incredible moves on opposing offensive tackles week in and week out.
This week, Gregory and the Cowboys defensive ends get to face a Giants’ tackle pair which has struggled this season. Neither Andrew Thomas nor Cameron Fleming has had a season to exactly heavily praise for New York, and both should struggle with the speed and power these Cowboys edge rushers can bring.
I’d expect Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence to create havoc on Sunday, and make things very difficult for Jason Garrett’s offense.
