The bye week is well underway for the Dallas Cowboys next week. They are indeed coming off an enormous and hallmark performance against the Chargers. However, the Cowboys defense came up big by avoiding Justin Herbert from reaching the endzone in most possessions. Los Angeles was forced to punt the ball numerous despite many penalties that Dallas gave up.
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This didn’t stop Dan Quinn from continuing to cook his secret formula for his doomsday defense. Micah Parsons and Stephon Gilmore were the stars of the team that game, but they always get recognition when they make big plays. Even Demarcus Lawrence and Dante Fowler got the opportunity to mount the pressure on Herbert. However, there’s one pass rusher that plays in the middle that is not appreciated and talked about.
Osa Odighizuwa attributed to the defensive line performance with six pressures against Herbert. He’s one of those rush leaders who continues to be a top-tier defensive tackle. With his performance, he won PFF Player of the Week after a remarkable showcase. Constant pressure was needed especially all the penalties the Cowboys were piling up throughout that night.
Odighizuwa is entering his final year next season in his rookie contract and the Cowboys shouldn’t dare to give up their onslaught pass rusher.
Dallas Cowboys Pass Rusher Continues to Be the Most Underrated
A Trio of Tanks
When Parsons and Lawrence find their holes to attack the quarterback, it’s all thanks to Odighizuwa opening it. He absolutely continues to dominate the mid and ragdoll many quarterbacks on the defensive front. It’s always a scary sight for offenses to get any resources devoted to them. This UCLA product continues to be dominant to help out the stars on the defense, making a star himself.
It’s time for him to be publicly recognized by Dallas fans, he’s a critical pass rusher who makes the big plays happen. He does the most damage of course it makes the rest of the tanks’ job easier. The way he can penetrate the gaps and absolutely terrify offenses in the league is something that Dan Quinn should be happy about. Odighizuwa is a versatile tool in Quinn’s defensive arsenal and his abilities set him up one of the greatest defensive tackles.
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It’s a reason why he’s ranked No. 2 in ESPN’s pass-rush win-rate, he just gets the job done when counted. The league should watch out because the Dallas Cowboys have unleashed their Kraken. But, no we’re not talking about Greg Hardy who spent a year on the team.
Nothing New
All of these stats and finally getting a bit of credit aren’t anything new to Odighizuwa. He’s setting himself up to be the main Dallas product after being named the most-improved player in 2022. His consistency as a performer sets him up to become a pro bowler as soon as this season. Last season, he played the same exact number of snaps as he did in his rookie season and capped off with 12 more defensive stops.
He was always bound to be a steal for the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. Odighizuwa was drafted in the third round, 75th overall of the 2021 NFL. Ever since, he’s been poised to improve year after year to become his best yet. Despite hitting a rookie wall, he’s become significantly better than any other defensive tackle that the Cowboys had.
Get this Cowboys fans, he’s still young and hungry at 24 years old so he’s got a long time in the league and is only going to get better.
Expectations for the rest of the season
The league shouldn’t be surprised by this underrated player because one way or another, he’s going to earn his recognition. There’s still a lot of ball left to play after the Dallas Cowboys’ bye week. His sack totals and pressure may not drop jaws, but he ensures to help his teammates sneak through the holes to obliterate star quarterbacks. His stats will continue to stack so there’s no worry on that since his dominance is showing.
Brace yourselves Dallas fans, you’re in for a special treat for the rest of the season. It’s not a trick, but it’s not even Halloween just yet.
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Main Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
