Cowboys rookie DE Randy Gregory talks about his progress
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Aug 1, 2015; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) with Cowboys former defensive end Charles Haley at training camp at River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory dons the number 94. This number, of course, is the same number worn by former all-pro edge rusher DeMarcus Ware. Gregory is not even close to Ware's level, but he has gotten off to a fast start so far through the preseason.
Gregory had a sack in the second half of his preseason debut against the Chargers. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with 23 defensive snaps and added an additional quarterback pressure. Of course, Gregory was matching up against the the Chargers' second and third team offense.
Gregory was even better in his second preseason game against the 49ers. He beat one of the best left tackles in the NFL, Joe Staley, for a sack against the 49ers' first team offense and Colin Kaepernick. Gregory also improved as a run defender, finishing with a strong overall run defense grade, per Pro Football Focus.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gregory has made a strong early impression on defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.
"I feel like he's been consistent both games," Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said, per the Dallas News. "He's really shown his rush ability. I kind of felt him out there. Just another step."
Gregory is competing to earn the Cowboys' base right defensive end job for the first week of the regular season. Projected starter Greg Hardy will miss the first four games of the regular season due to a suspension, so Hardy's main competition is Jeremy Mincey. DeMarcus Lawrence will man the left defensive end spot. The Cowboys' pass rush looks much improved from their 2014 version.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(h/t Dallas News)