the osteoderms (scutes) covering the back of "deinosuchus" were unusually large, heavy, and deeply pitted; some were of a roughly hemispherical shape. deep pits and grooves on these osteoderms served as attachment points for connective tissue. together, the osteoderms and connective tissue would have served as load-bearing reinforcement to support the massive body of "deinosuchus" out of water. these deeply pitted osteoderms have been used to suggest that, despite its bulk, "deinosuchus" could probably have walked on land much like modern-day crocodiles.