Cowboys' Marinelli: Crawford has to produce big for us at three-tech DT

After the Dallas Cowboys gave defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford more snaps at the three-technique defensive tackle position down the stretch of the 2014 season, he responded with some of his best production in his Cowboys career. Entering 2015, the Cowboys and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli have even higher expectations for what Crawford will need to accomplish if he is to remain the team's three-technique defensive tackle.

“You put your cleats on, you go in that spot (three-technique defensive tackle), there’s a history to it, a long history in this defense," Marinelli told KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan on Monday when asked about Crawford. "Walking into it, you better expect expectations.

“That or I slide him some place else. That has to produce for us. When (Jason) Hatcher was here he hit it and it exploded in that position. It demands so much, as you walk on the field, you’ve got to say, ‘This is my field. I’ve got to be the motor and he’s doing a good solid job so far but it’s day to day.”

Marinelli has laid it out bluntly for Crawford. In his defensive scheme, the three-technique is arguably the most important component, and Crawford will need to stay ultra-productive in order to hold it down.

In July, we named Crawford the Cowboys' "sleeping giant" ready to break out in 2015. Crawford had just three sacks in 2014, but he was credited with 37 additional quarterback hits and hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. His pressures went up significantly after moving from defensive end to the three-technique defensive tackle position.

If Crawford can keep the momentum going through the start of the regular season, the Cowboys have a strong chance to rack up more than their 28 team sacks from the 2014 season. With the additions of Greg Hardy, Randy Gregory and a fully-healthy DeMarcus Lawrence, there is so much potential for this defensive line going forward.

(h/t Dallas Morning News)