Cowboys at Giants: Can Injured O-Line Block Dexter Lawrence? Analysis

It’s no secret that generating pressure is vital to stopping quality quarterback play. When the Dallas Cowboys visit the New York Giants on Sunday, staying ahead of schedule will be imperative to weather the storm of an aggressive defense.

There are few certainties about the Giants’ upcoming season. Quarterback Daniel Jones’ next step, whether it be forward or back, will have significant playoff implications. Starting two rookie cornerbacks increases the variance of New York’s defense.

Cowboys fans can be confident in at least two things heading into Week 1 and Sunday Night Football. Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale will attempt to confuse Dallas at the line of scrimmage, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence will be a problem.

Lawrence spent more time than anyone else at nose tackle last year, per Pro Football Focus. He generated 70 pressures, an unheard of number for someone tethered to the A-gap. He was PFF’s highest graded pass rusher from the interior last season, earning a pass rush grade of 92.2.

“I think we’re confident,” Lawrence said this week. “I think we know who we play beside. The chemistry on this team has definitely grown through camp … we’ve just got to go out there and prove ourselves.”

When right guard Zack Martin can get his hands on him, Dallas can feel the slightest bit of comfort. However, Martindale will look not only to get Lawrence away from Martin and into more favorable matchups, but he will add to the offensive line’s responsibilities.

His trademark Cover 0 will send an abundance of defenders to the line of scrimmage, only to mix and match who is actually going at the quarterback. It’s a tough task for the entirety of the offensive line, but most importantly, it stresses the center.

Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz may be the most important non-quarterback to take a snap on Sunday night. If left guard Tyler Smith and/or left tackle Tyron Smith aren’t ready to go, expect New York to capitalize.

Managing the line’s communication is a challenge in itself. Doing so on the road, without the normal starting five only adds to the difficulty. Oh, and he’ll likely be staring down one of the league’s most dominant defensive tackles all night long.

A big day from Biadasz might not show up in the box score, but we say it might end up being very apparent in the Cowboys’ offensive performance. Dallas’ ability to keep the chains moving against the blitz and limiting the interior pressure Lawrence seeks to inflict will be a reflection of Biadasz and quarterback Dak Prescott.

The quickest way for "America’s Team'' to falter on national television is by allowing an overwhelming amount of pressure. Biadasz, as much as anyone else, needs to keep the Giants in check.