Jerry Jones answered the call to improve his defense before the NFL trade deadline. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is set to make a massive difference with the Dallas Cowboys, and it can start as early as the Monday night game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders' offensive line is depleted, as their big left tackle, Kolton Miller, has been out since Week 4 with an ankle injury. Now, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Las Vegas' best lineman, Jackson Powers-Johnson, is likely to go on injured reserve due to an ankle sprain. This leaves the Raiders in utter shambles in front of quarterback Geno Smith, who's banged up himself.
It's a huge gift for the Cowboys, and it sets the stage for Williams to go nuclear in his first game for the team.
Raiders' OL injuries could mean a huge Cowboys debut for Quinnen Williams
This is about the worst news Raiders fans could get, as the season has already been a struggle. Now, rookie Caleb Rogers and second-year lineman DJ Glaze will be tasked with slowing down Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa. That is a tall order for such an inexperienced group.
Pro Football Focus had the Raiders ranked as the No. 18 offensive line before the season. Without Miller and Powers-Johnson, this might be the worst OL in football. Williams should be able to wreak havoc in the trenches, setting up Jadeveon Clowney and Donovan Ezeiruaku to feast off the edge.
This is a game that the Cowboys should win. They need to win eight of their last nine games (at least) to potentially sneak into the playoffs. Any hope and interest for the second half of the season will be lost if Dallas can't beat the Raiders.
Luckily, newly-acquired linebacker Logan Wilson should also have a nice debut of his own. But for Williams, the football gods have put him in a prime position to dominate. All eyes will be on the former All-Pro, and what a way to start than on Monday Night Football against a national brand like the Raiders?
The last thing we want to do is write checks that Williams can't cash, but he is set up to thrive in his first appearance for America's Team.