LANDOVER, Md. – The Cowboys made a subtle adjustment to their defensive line in the second half with successful results: they moved defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford into the defensive end rotation.
It's a move that didn't happen in preseason or last Sunday's season opener, though defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said in the offseason that Crawford's versatile enough to play outside if needed, particularly with ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory starting the season on the Reserve/Suspended list.
Depth has been an issue for the Cowboys' defensive line. Seven healthy linemen were active for the first two games, with linebacker Kyle Wilber also able to pitch in. Moving Crawford outside meant more reps for rookie Maliek Collins at defensive tackle next to Terrell McClain.
"It was a numbers thing," Crawford said. "Coach Marinelli asked me if I could do it and I said, 'Yeah, put me out there.'"
Rushing from left end, Crawford sacked Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins on the final drive of the fourth quarter.
"He's a versatile guy and at different times in the game like this, it was hot out and we just wanted to get guys out there and be fresh going after the quarterback," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said. "They did a good job protecting against us. We didn't get around them as much as we wanted to, but you want to give guys some snaps and get them out there and have them put their hand in the ground and come off the ball and go affect the guy."
-Rob Phillips
