This has been the most improved unit in football lately — just ask the Denver Broncos. This great improvement is largely thanks to the works of defensive end Sam Williams. In their previous three games, the Cowboys have been daunting to face, giving up a lackluster 21.7 points. They’ve limited opponents’ offensive yards to 312.3, with just 69.7 of those from rushing attempts. This boost in performance comes as a surprise turnaround from the beginning of the season. At that point, opponents were 52.6% on their third down opportunities.
Williams’ return to the field has forced an entire strategic shift for the Cowboys. Now, they’re able to use more five-man fronts alongside teammates Osa Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark. This change has significantly strengthened their pass rush and in turn, their defensive efficiency.
Williams is already off to a pretty good start making his presence felt in only three games so far. He’s registered seven tackles, 1.5 sacks and one tackle for loss. The veteran linebacker has produced a phenomenal 19 quarterback pressures during this five-game streak. This highlights his game-wrecking potential to disturb the opposing offenses.
“There’s a ton of pressure on the quarterback,” Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus said. “We’re going after him man, getting through and busting the pocket, putting a lick on him from both the interior and the edge. He also made clear that this degree of pressure is key to playing good pass defense.”
The Cowboys’ defense has seen a reduction in third-down conversion rates for their opponents, dropping from 52.6% in the first nine weeks to just 35.1% in the last three games. This stat highlights an incredible job done by Williams and the rest of his defensive teammates in playing to their assignments.
Osa Odighizuwa expressed his appreciation for Williams’ contributions, stating, “Honestly, it’s just great to have a dog out there.” The defensive unit runs on a powerful sense of togetherness. Collectively, the players manifest their game plan to detail, fueling their recent success.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer pointed to the turnaround in run defense as a big reason for the Cowboys’ recent success. He emphasized that this same collaborative spirit between stakeholders is key to facilitating success off the field as well.
He understood how one player by himself cannot win a game. “One person can’t change things. One person can’t affect the game for wins and losses. It’s a team effort,” he stated.
The Cowboys have done an admirable job of establishing a new defensive identity and if they can build on what’s shown here, that positive trend will continue. Williams’ athleticism literally jumps off the screen. Taken all together with the defensive unit’s willingness to collectively rally to the ball shown their course, this bodes well for the team as they head into the second half of the season.
Leave a Reply