3 surprising defenders who helped the Cowboys win in Week 4
The Dallas Cowboys are miraculously 3-1 after a horrifically bad loss in Week 1 had fans and analysts thinking the season was over for America’s Team. Backup QB Cooper Rush has been incredible in Dak Prescott’s absence, but the story still continues to be about this Dallas defense.
Although the defense did allow one touchdown in the 25-10 victory, that was only the fourth touchdown allowed by this squad in all four weeks.
This stat from ESPN paints quite the picture: the Cowboys have now allowed 19 or fewer points in their first four games of a season for the first time since 1973. Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and this Dan Quinn-led defense have truly kept this offense in games they didn’t deserve to win. They have delivered several momentum-changing plays, which is why they lead the league in sacks.
Even Cooper Rush can admit the defense is winning games.
Cowboys QB Cooper Rush on the Dallas defense: “They’re the reason we’re winning. It’s plain and simple.” pic.twitter.com/ilMBImr6F8
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 2, 2022
The stellar thing about this defense is the versatility. Eight different players have helped the Cowboys sack Tom Brady, Joe Burrow, Daniel Jones, and Carson Wentz.
Aside from the pass-rush, the secondary has been stellar, too. Trevon Diggs had an incredible game with one interception and three passes defended. The cornerback, who has been criticized for his coverage issues, kept Terry McLaurin to two receptions and 15 yards on Sunday.
However, this article isn’t about the big stars, although they deserve their credit. Here, we will highlight three unexpected defenders who had a big part in the Cowboys’ Week 4 victory. Let’s see who they are.
3 surprising defenders who helped the Cowboys beat the Commanders in Week 4
3. Donovan Wilson, S
Donovan Wilson seemed to be everywhere on Sunday. An excellent play would happen and Wilson’s name would be called. It was yet another breakout performance for the former sixth-round pick.
Last year for Dallas, Wilson started three games and appeared in nine. In 2021, he had one pass defended, zero sacks, 17 solo tackles, zero TFLs, and one QB hit. In just three games in 2022, the 27-year-old already had two passes defended, one sack, 19 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, and three QB hits.
Donovan Wilson is having a really good season. Pressures Carson Wentz into a throw that leads to (cough, cough) intentional grounding penalty.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 2, 2022
Against the Commanders, he had nine tackles, eight of them on his own. He was one of two Cowboys to cause Carson Wentz to get called for intentional grounding. On a 2nd and 8 play with 2:10 left in the third, Wilson seemed to come out of nowhere with major pressure on Wentz to force him to throw a pass with nobody near the ball.
In his fourth year with America’s Team, Wilson seems to be better than ever. It’s likely that some of that credit goes to being under Quinn’s guidance for two years now.