Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawerence embracing underdog mentality in Week 1

Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawerence exhibited confidence, even though Dallas is a 1.5-point underdog in their season opener this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

“We are?” said Lawerence in a Monday news conference. “OK, We’ll see. Then let the dogs eat.”

The Cowboys defense have not had much success against Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Brady has a perfect 6-0 record against the Cowboys, with an average passer rating of 95.9.

Also the Cowboys lost to the Buccaneers last season. Brady led a 57 yard drive in the final minute to secure a 31-29 victory.

The Cowboys defense was overwhelmed surrendering 431 yards. The Buccaneers offense finished as the second-best in the NFL. 

The offensive weapons that torched the Cowboys remain. Wide receiver Mike Evans earned his fourth Pro Bowl appearance in 2021. Former Pro Bowler Chris Godwin is recovering from a right knee injury and is on track to play this weekend.

The Buccaneers offense does have one big weakness: their offensive line. Last year, they had four Pro Bowlers, though three of them won’t suit up this Sunday.

Left guard Ali Marpet retired, Alex Cappa went to Cincinnati in free agency and center Ryan Jensen suffered a left knee injury, that landed him on injured reserve. 

This presents an opportunity for the Cowboys and Lawerence. Lawerence missed 10 games after he broke his right foot. During his absence second-year linebacker Micah Parsons became the team’s best pass-rusher, recording 13 sacks.

Lawerence wants to surpass Parsons this year.

Lawerence told the Dallas Morning News’ David Moore,“Shoutout to my boy, Micah (Parsons), but restate my dominance.”