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.

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.

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.

2. DaRon Bland, CB

Consider this game DaRon Bland’s campaign to do more than just special teams. Starting Cowboys CB Jourdan Lewis sustained a groin injury in the pregame. Even though he had no injury designation going into the contest, Lewis was seen on the sideline without a helmet when the game began.

After a stellar preseason campaign, 2022 fifth-round pick DaRon Bland was next in line. The rookie cornerback took over the nickel position and traded off throughout the game with Israel Mukuamu.

Up until Week 4, Bland was only used on special teams, participating in 38 special teams snaps. The 23-year-old was thrust into the spotlight on Sunday and he made his presence known with three solo tackles, one pass defended, and a late interception to help the Cowboys seal the win.

The Fresno State product snatched his first career interception in his first defensive start. The pick gave Dallas the ball on the Washington 20-yard line and helped Brett Maher get another field goal to make the game basically unwinnable for the Commanders with four minutes left and a 15-point deficit.

Bland was an unexpected Hero in this game and was able to perform even with the last-minute nature of his start. Cowboys fans have been wanting to see Bland play on defense, but Lewis has been a regular starter for many games.

If Bland continues to play this well, he could make Quinn question that choice whenever Lewis is healthy enough to return.

1. Neville Gallimore, DT

Neville Gallimore was another guy who decided to show Quinn why he deserves more snaps on Sunday. He was present early and often. On the Commanders’ first offensive possession of the game, the former third-round pick went speeding up the middle, was essentially untouched, and took Wentz down for a sack. The big guy was pumped.

He finished the game with a sack and two solo tackles which doesn’t feel like enough to show how disruptive he was throughout the game.

One of his tackles was a major TFL against Washinton. On a 2nd and 9 play in the third quarter, Gallimore was able to find J.D. McKissic in the backfield and absolutely smack him to the ground for a loss on the play to make it third and long for the Commanders.

In the fourth quarter, starting DT Quinton Bohanna went down with a shoulder injury. Although we hope Bohanna is back soon, this could be a huge opportunity for Gallimore to get more snaps and opportunities for him to prove his dominance.

This Cowboys defense continues to be incredibly exciting to watch. The amazing thing, as this article shows, is that they are all making it happen. It’s not just Parsons and Diggs. Rookies, late-round picks, and veterans are making their presence known.