Dallas Cowboys losing significant defensive help
The Dallas Cowboys will now be without linebacker Rolando McClain for the first 10 games of the season after he violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy…
Well, having a healthy Tony Romo isn’t going to help the Dallas Cowboys all that much if the defense is as depleted as it has been, and Rolando McClain isn’t doing anything to help.
Reports indicate that McClain will miss the first 10 games of the 2016 season due to a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Maybe he’s just really confident the Cowboys will be in the thick of the playoff hunt at that point…
Cowboys' LB Rolando McClain will be suspended the first 10 games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, per @toddarcher and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2016
Here’s some insult to injury:
Also, Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence's appeal was denied, he is suspended 4 games, per @toddarcher.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2016
The Cowboys will be without McClain, who has actually been a pretty good player when he’s been able to keep himself out of trouble or healthy. He’s definitely no stranger to off-field problems, which is why it’s so sad that this instance isn’t the least bit surprising.
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McClain had 80 tackles last year for the Cowboys, and his presence won’t be the only one lacking on this Dallas defense due to poor decision-making off the field. 2015 second round pick Randy Gregory and 2014 second round pick Demarcus Lawrence will also be on the suspension list to start the year.
That’s a significant hit to the Cowboys’ pass rush, or at least the potential pass rush they could have if those guys were able to play. Lawrence had eight sacks in 16 games last year, while Gregory played in 12 games and has yet to record an NFL sack.
Both players will be out the first four games of the season.
It’s a shame for Cowboys fans, but good to know at least none of these key players will be out for the entire year.
If you’re looking for a silver lining…