Cowboys: Two plays that ensured Week 7 win
It wasn't the smoothest performance by the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. Nonetheless, they got their fifth win of the season against the Detroit Lions. Detroit was driving the ball down the field methodically as they trailed 10-6 and had a 2nd and 5 on the Cowboys' 18 with about 13 minutes to play in […]
It wasn't the smoothest performance by the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. Nonetheless, they got their fifth win of the season against the Detroit Lions.
Detroit was driving the ball down the field methodically as they trailed 10-6 and had a 2nd and 5 on the Cowboys' 18 with about 13 minutes to play in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for them, the next two plays would swing the momentum in the Cowboys' favor for good.
The first play came via All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons. Lions' tight end, Brock Wright, chipped Parsons before letting him free to set up a screen. Once Parsons recognizes the play, he does an unreal job of stopping on a dime, changing direction, and running down Wright at the 1, saving a go-ahead touchdown for the Lions.
This play was just another indication of the freak of nature that Parsons is. First, the awareness to diagnose the play was amazing in itself. Then, Parsons being able to gather that much speed in a short amount of time at 6'3 and 245 pounds is what takes over the top.
Parsons had inspiration for his big play. He mentioned after the Cowboys' win that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn put a bug in his ear about maximizing his talents.
"Sitting down with Q the past week, he was talking to me about plays I could make if I just use my speed & chase down, knowing that’s my superpower. We kind of had that father-son talk," Parsons said.
On the next play, veteran edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence put his stamp on the game with one of the best reps anyone will see from a defensive lineman. Lawrence begins by spitting a double team, but that's just the beginning. The two-time Pro Bowler also puts a hat on the pulling guard, takes on the aforementioned Wright who played fullback on the play, and forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Anthony Barr.
When it comes to Lawrence, he seems to not get credit for anything that's not a sack, which is silly considering playing defensive end entails so much more than bringing down the quarterback. However, for Lawrence to have the quickness to split two offensive linemen and engage two other players before causing a fumble is extraordinary and speaks to his value.
The Lions never recovered as they had three more turnovers to finish the game and the Cowboys added two late touchdowns to blow the game open. This doesn't happen without the plays by Parsons and Lawrence. If the Lions score and take the lead there, especially with their defense playing as well as it did up to that point, the Cowboys may have been looking at their third loss of the season.
In the NFL, it's not just making plays that earn a player the label of being great, but it's when they make them. Parsons and Lawrence came through for the Cowboys in Week 7 at a vital moment in the game and spearheaded their strong finish.
Love to see it.
Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
