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!

2. Osa Odighizuwa, DT

What a day for Osa! The former UCLA Bruin has been excellent for the Cowboys even though he may not always get all the love and name recognition.

There were many Dallas defense members with tackles for loss against LA, and Odighizuwa was one of them. That goes along with another tackle, four QB hits, and a sack.

His fourth-quarter sack was a huge moment for Dallas. Although America’s Team was up by 12, the Rams were making an attempt to move down the field. On 2nd and 9 with just over four minutes to go, the second-year tackle evades an offensive lineman and runs after Stafford from behind before dragging him to the ground.

The big guy got up and gave a big roar after the great move. The former Bruin was one of many players who made Stafford’s life incredibly difficult on Sunday. This was truly a breakout game for the 24-year-old.

1. Micah Parsons, LB

Is it a surprise that Micah Parsons was a top player on the field? Of course not. But if you want to talk grit, look no further than the Lion. The reigning DROY faced a ton of adversity today. He was held (without call) on several of his attempts to get to Stafford and he also ended up hurting his groin.

Parsons was literally limping off the field at halftime causing a huge scare amongst Cowboys Nation. However, we all should’ve known that nothing was going to hold this guy back from competing.

According to Michael Gehlken, Parsons said his left groin injury occurred late in the first quarter. He was seen on the exercise bike on the sideline, but told senior defensive assistant George Edwards, “as long as I’m alive, I can go.”

Now that’s grit.

Parsons would limp in between plays, yet the second the ball was snapped he was hungry and ready to go. He is truly an unstoppable competitor, and despite the injury, added two sacks to his statline against the Rams. He is now the first-ever player to have 21 sacks in 19 games and is half a sack away from tying DeMarcus Ware’s 19.5 sack record for his first two seasons.

Through injury, pain, and holding, Parsons had five tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. The man is the definition of grit.

Overall, we all owe Dan Quinn a massive applause. While these players were obviously drafted by this team for a reason, it seems clear that Quinn is able to take a great player and make them even better. He knows how to run a vicious and well-oiled machine and gets the best out of any player of any rank or level.