Hardy has revitalized this Cowboys pass rush unlike any other player in recent memory. Hardy brought a ton of pressure on Sunday helping Tom Brady get sacked more times than he ever has before in the first half but at the end of the day it was not enough.

Hardy recorded two sacks in the first half of play and that is the type of production that has been lacking on the defensive side of the ball all season long. Hardy also forces offensive lines to plan for him and double team him in ways that they don't with the other players on the Cowboys defensive line.

Now with Hardy back it sets an interesting quandary, can Hardy make enough plays to get a contract extension? It seems a little ridiculous to ask this so early in the season however Hardy's contract will likely be pretty big, there are a ton of teams in need of a great pass rusher.

The way that things have unfolded the Cowboys find themselves losing ground to healthier NFC East teams with easier matchups. Hardy will need to have a big stretch down the road and stay healthy enough to make an impact when Tony Romo returns in week 11.

The Cowboys were planning on relying on their defense to carry them through the Romo-less stretch, Hardy will be a big part of that.