3 gutsiest defensive performances from Cowboys’ statement win over Rams

Once again, the Dallas Cowboys’ defense remains elite. This week marked the first time the defense was able to help the offense put points on the board this season, but it was far from the first time the defensive squad kept this team in the game.

While the offense (for both teams, for what it’s worth) looked dismal, the defense was able to efficiently shut down Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and the Rams to make the Cowboys 4-1 and give Dallas the 22-10 victory.

For just the fifth time in Cowboys history, America’s Team has not given up more than 19 points through the first five weeks. The last time that happened for Dallas was the 1972 season.

The incredible thing about this defense is that it isn’t a one-man show. Sure. Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence are big stars on the squad, but each week several members of the defensive unit get sacks, tackles, takeaways, and more. This week was no exception, especially with Parsons being held often (without getting calls).

We’ve talked through surprising defensive stars and such, but this week we want to look at the grittiest and gutsiest performances from Week 5. These three players fought through to get momentum-changing plays that allowed the Cowboys to win. Let’s see who they are!

The 3 gutsiest defensive performances from the Cowboys’ victory over the Rams

3. Dorance Armstrong, DE

This offseason, we all were baffled when Stephen Jones tried to say that Dorance Armstrong was on par with Randy Gregory after the front office lost out on Gregory due to contract terms. Armstrong’s stats did not compare to Gregory’s, but so far in his absence, Armstrong has been excellent.

He may not be a sure-fire starter, but he has made his presence known, and Dan Quinn is using him.

On Sunday, Armstrong set the tone for the defensive side of the ball early.

Just about two minutes into the game, Rams QB Matthew Stafford dropped back to see who he could pass to, but before he even had more than a second to make that happen, Armstrong powered through the offensive line and startled Stafford so much that he got a strip sack. DeMarcus Lawrence found the ball, scooped it up, and put the Cowboys up 6-0 early in the contest.

That was just the start.

On the next Rams possession, the defense (on theme) forced Los Angeles to punt. It didn’t go well thanks to the former fourth-round pick. Armstrong once again plowed through the offensive line and easily blocked Riley Dixon’s punt attempt. This time he scooped up the ball and brought it to the 20-yard line.

Just under nine minutes into this game, Armstrong was essentially responsible for nine points for the Cowboys after his blocked punt resulted in a Brett Maher field goal.

The 25-year-old added an additional two solo tackles to go with his sack, forced fumble, and blocked punt.

Last season, in 13 total games (five started) Armstrong had just three sacks, three tackles for loss, and 37 combined tackles. In two starts in five games this year, he already has three sacks, 10 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, and five QB hits. Welcome to the statline, Armstrong!