The Dallas Cowboys finally put together two consecutive wins, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles at home on Sunday. The Cowboys came from 21 points down in the second quarter to win on a last-second Brandon Aubrey field goal. For a team still fighting to stay alive in the playoff hunt, the win was huge.
What stands out the most is how players in all three phases stepped up to get this win. The offense picked up its play in the second half, and the defense arguably played its best game of the season. Special teams also lent a helping hand. These three players deserve more attention after this win.
3 Cowboys who are trending up right before high-stakes Chiefs clash
1. Osa Odighizuwa
Odighizuwa was one of the veterans who got a nice payday from the Cowboys this offseason. He signed a four-year, $80 million contract extension right when the offseason started. Fans were happy to see a key defender locked in, but Odighizuwa's play so far this season has been hit or miss.
He only had one sack before the Eagles' game and has faced criticism for not being much of a factor in rushing the passer or helping stop the run. For $80 million being tied up into one defensive player, most have been wondering if Dallas made the right move in extending Odighizuwa. Sunday afternoon proved to be a wise decision in the game's final minutes.
The Cowboys failed to take advantage of a special teams mishap by the Eagles when they gave them first and goal inside the ten after fumbling on a punt return. Dallas gambled on 4th-and-goal and failed, leading most to question Brian Schottenheimer's decision. Fortunately, Odighizuwa gave the offense one more chance.
The Eagles had the ball around midfield and only needed two yards to keep their drive going to get into field goal range. That might have happened had Odighizuwa not gotten arguably the biggest sack of his career. He sacked Jalen Hurts for a 13-yard loss forcing the Eagles to punt and play for overtime.
Once the offense got the ball, they drove down and won the game with Aubrey's field goal. While the Eagles offense was sputtering to that point, they just needed one more big play to get in position to win. Odighizuwa's sack arguably won the game for this defense.
Odighizuwa has had his fair share of struggles in this defense under Matt Eberflus this year, but a performance featuring a game-changing play like that could create a spark. Odighizuwa has developed a solid reputation as a pass rusher at the defensive tackle spot, but has not produced the sack numbers that most were expecting. If the Eagles' game can serve as a launching point for him, he might turn into a Pro Bowler soon.
2. Sam Williams
Sam Williams has been a punching bag for most of this season. His lack of discipline and poor performance on the field has led to many believing he will not be in Dallas long-term. Coming back from a torn ACL is not easy, but there is a reason Jadaveon Clowney and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku are getting more playing time.
Fortunately, Williams stepped up in a big way by producing one of Dallas' two takeaways. He caused Saquon Barkley to fumble the ball with a perfect punch out. It created a more frustrating night for Barkley as the Cowboys limited him to only 22 yards rushing. For Williams to make a big play like that on arguably the best running back in the league is a huge confidence boost.
Williams also forced a fumble in the last game. His tackling effort seems to finally be improving which could be a sign of him getting back to form after the injury. When Micah Parsons was traded, the team put faith in Williams to be a regular starter. Now he is having to fight for snaps and in the last two games, he looks like he is taking the challenge on. Williams' stock is going up after this win.
3. Alijah Clark
To make it in the NFL, most young players have to fight for reps on special teams. Alijah Clark made the most of his chance on Sunday. An undrafted free agent out of Syracuse, Clark fought his way onto the practice squad after the preseason and eventually the 53-man roster in October.
He has been used sparingly on defense, but with Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson back healthy, most of Clark's action will be on special teams. Against the Eagles, he proved he belongs in this league. With the game tied, Clark delivered a hit that fans will remember for this season.
After punting to the Eagles with time winding down, Clark delivered a big hit on returner Xavier Gipson that jarred the ball loose. Dallas had a 1st-and-goal inside the ten and looked like they were finally going to take their first lead. While the offense could not finish what Clark started, the play stood out in other ways.
Watching the replay, Clark was blocked and down on the ground when the return first started. He got right back up, never gave up, even after getting bumped a few times, and ran 50 yards downfield to cause the fumble. The reaction on social media from former players and coaches showed how much young players can learn from Clark's effort on that play.
While the play would have been more memorable had the offense capitalized, Clark is starting to prove he can hang with this team. Positive plays like that on special teams will keep a player on the roster. If Clark can continue to improve, he might become a reliable rotational safety for this defense. His stock is rising after that play.