FRISCO -- Cowboys defensive end Taco Charlton's sack celebrations are fitting -- and apparently delicious.

If he brings down a quarterback, as he did Eli Manning in the second quarter last Sunday against the New York Giants, he mimes making tacos, then serves them to his hungry defensive teammates.

Taco Charlton on pretending to make tacos after his sack: “I just had to start it off with the taco stand. I made a post that it was open all day as long as supplies last, so I made a couple people some tacos." (Video: @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/9XEyiU5sOE — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 17, 2018

"I just had to start it off with the taco stand," Charlton said. "I posted that it was open all day as long as supplies last, so I made a couple people some tacos. It's a little fun start, my first sack of the season. Going forward, I never know what I'm going to do. We'll see what happens."

Business in 2018 appears strong after a murky rookie season for Charlton. He is looking increasingly worthy of his status as a first-round draft-pick, which some openly questioned after the No. 28 overall pick in 2017 got off to a slow start last season. That's perhaps something to keep in mind as this year's first-round pick, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, develops.

Up next is Seattle and elusive quarterback Russell Wilson. The Seahawks offensive line is a mess, giving up 12 sacks in their first two games, the most in the NFL.

Charlton's been noticeably active in both games this season from the right end spot. He had a tackle for loss the play before his sack last Sunday of Manning, which started a six-sack spree for Dallas. He secured a fumble recovery at the start of the second half, which Dallas turned into a field goal.

"I can't speak enough good words about Taco," veteran defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford said. "He's matured. He's definitely doing his thing on the field. That's a testament of his work in the offseason. ...You saw him come back and he looked like a monster, he was ready to go, extremely focused. ...

"He listened to the naysayers and the people that were praising his work a little bit. He listened to everybody, took it and turned it into energy."

The Cowboys knew when they drafted Charlton that he'd been a late-bloomer at Michigan but still had plenty of upside. They loved his long arms -- they measured 341/4 inches at the NFL combine -- and strong legs. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli's reputation is staked on his ability to mold linemen.

Still, Charlton managed just three tackles in the first six games last season combined, not exactly the impact fans hoped for when Dallas invested in a defensive lineman in the first round for the first time since Anthony Spencer in 2007.

Charlton improved as the season progressed, showing better energy and recording eight of his 11 quarterback pressures in the final four games. His three total sacks came in the final nine games.

Charlton is clearly more comfortable and confident in his second season.

He spent much of the offseason working out with DeMarcus Lawrence, who plays on the left side and racked up 141/2 sacks a season ago and earned a $17.1 million franchise tag.

They compete constantly and bicker like brothers, but Lawrence made sure Charlton's locker was moved to just one down from him after roster cuts Sept. 1.

"If you don't know us, people think we hate each other, but it's how we compete and bring the best out of each other," Charlton said. "We have fun we can go back and forth with each other for hours. But at the end of the day, we want each other to succeed."

Charlton said his goal is more than racking up double-digit sacks this season -- he wants to top Lawrence's tally.

Lawrence, of course, is drawing plenty of attention from opposing offenses. He's said he expects his teammates to capitalize.

Charlton is responsible for creating the "Hot Boyz" vibe that members of the defensive line -- and some of the linebackers -- embrace.

Veteran linebacker Sean Lee managed to sneak into the group's "official" photo earlier this week.

"He ... might have just slipped in," Charlton said. "That's General Lee right there. ... We always said he was affiliated with us."

Charlton, who averaged 25 snaps last season while playing behind Lawrence, has played a lot in the first two games -- 49 at Carolina and 57 against New York, in part because end Randy Gregory missed time after suffering a concussion. Gregory is expected to be back this week. Defensive end David Irving, who ranked second on the team in sacks last season but is suspended for two more weeks, could be back for Week 5.

That should strengthen a defense that is being asked to do more, considering the work-in-progress offense.

Charlton said he understands that a true identity can only be established one way.

"To have an identity, you have to win," Charlton said, "and that's what we're trying to do."