After one week of the regular season, the edge goes to Rashawn Slater, for now. That does not mean Osa Odighizuwa was terrible in his debut. When looking at the tape between both players, the quality of Slater’s snaps is just better against Washington. He also didn’t play football his last season at Northwestern after opting out. All that can be said is, “Wow.”
I got a whole video of Rashawn Slater yesterday but just wanted to highlight this play. Biggest play of the day. It’s 20-16, Chargers backed up. 3rd and 16. Slater vs Young. Slater battles his ass off. (Whole OL does well) Herbert completes for 1st down. pic.twitter.com/UTDy0RsXt4
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) September 13, 2021
Holding the Super Bowl Champs to under 100 yards rushing is just what Owner Jerry Jones and the front office were hoping for. The arrow for Odighizuwa is pointing up. If he can continue his success against Slater and the Charger’s offensive line, he’ll be sure to win this matchup.
As of today, with Demarcus Lawrence breaking his foot and the uncertainty of Randy Gregory dealing with COVID-19, Slater should have a lot of success going against the Cowboys’ backup pass rushers, including Tarell Basham, Dorance Armstrong, and possibly Micah Parsons. If Odighizuwa and Slater square off against each other Sunday in Las Angeles, it will give a great look at who will be the winner of Week 2’s matchup as the Cowboys take on the Chargers.