The impact of not having Micah Parsons on the field for the Dallas Cowboys was felt last night as Jalen Hurts had plenty of time to throw. In previous matchups, it’s been Parsons who has generated the pressure, and it was players like Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong getting the cleanup sacks. But without Parsons, the Cowboys had nowhere near the same success rushing the passer.
But there was one player who did provide some juice off the edge, and that was Sam Williams. After missing the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL, Williams was the team’s most impactful pass rusher and showed why the team believes he is ready for a breakout season.
Cowboys' Sam Williams had a strong return from injury in Week 1 loss
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The Philadelphia Eagles have the NFL’s best offensive line, but it’s their tackle duo that really sets them apart from the rest of the league. It’s usually a surprise if a single pass rusher can record multiple pressures against Lane Johnson or Jordan Mailata, but that’s what Williams was able to do in Week 1.
Williams recorded five pressures in Week 1 and added in three run stops and you would have never known that he missed all of last year with an injury. His speed and explosiveness was on full display and he made some huge plays in the second half. You can get a look at all five of his pressures from Thursday [behind this link](https://x.com/Marcus_Mosher/status/1963983481794338839).
No one is asking Williams to be the next Micah Parsons, but there is no doubt that the Cowboys will be leaning on him more this year to help generate pressure. He still needs a lot of refinement with his technique and could be a more disciplined pass rusher, but he has all of the traits to be an impactful player in the NFL.
The Cowboys are hopeful that Williams, alongside Marshawn Kneeland, Dante Fowler, and Donovan Ezeiraukau, will give them enough juice on the edge. And they will play lesser offensive lines in the future, which should allow for more opportunities to record sacks.
It wasn’t a perfect day for the defense by any stretch, but the second half showed what kind of potential this unit could have in 2025. And if Sam Williams can continue to develop, the Cowboys might be okay on that side of the ball. Williams had a strong debut in Week 1, and Dallas should be very encouraged by the development of their young pass rusher.
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