A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that defines a central end effector plane. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw that is configured to mate with the first jaw along the end effector plane. The second jaw is pivotally coupled to the first jaw for pivotal travel about a pivot axis that is transverse to the end effector plane between an open position and a closed position. A closure assembly is operably coupled to the second jaw at first and second attachment points. The first attachment point is located a first lateral distance from the central end effector plane and the second attachment point is located a second lateral distance from the central end effector plane. The closure assembly is configured to generate axial and pivotal control motions in response to rotary closure motions applied thereto.
