Cowboys studs and duds Week 13: Dallas secondary explodes on Indy

Stud: Donovan Wilson, Safety

Malik Hooker isn’t the only safety that stood out for Dallas in this win, as Donovan Wilson was also making plays all over the field.

Wilson isn’t a coverage guy like Hooker, but more of a hybrid safety who hits like a linebacker. He showed this when he came flying in to sack Matt Ryan for a nine-yard loss on 3rd & 9 in the first half. When he made that play, Dallas was trailing 10-7 and Indy had all the momentum. That sack stopped them in their tracks, and Tony Pollard gave the Cowboys the lead on the ensuing drive when he ran in a two-yard touchdown.

In addition to the splash play, Wilson showed his value when he chased Jonathan Taylor down on a 14-yard run when it looked as though he could have picked up much more. He also converged on Deon Jackson, along with Micah Parsons, to make a run stop right at the line of scrimmage.

Wilson finished with 10 tackles and a sack, as he continues to be a force for this defense.

Dud: Anthony Brown, Cornerback

Down 7-3, the Colts were able to take the lead on an Ashton Dulin touchdown. But that score likely never happens if Anthony Brown doesn’t get beaten by Alec Pierce a couple of plays earlier.

Brown was in man coverage on the rookie, and Matt Ryan threw it deep to Pierce, who pulled it down for a 45-yard gain. Pierce beat him again in the third quarter on a pivotal 3rd & 2. That 14-yard catch allowed the Colts to continue driving and again led to points, as Pierce later beat Kelvin Joseph for a 15-yard touchdown.

Brown ended up getting hurt and had to leave the game, so he was unable to find redemption.