The Dallas Cowboys have not met expectations this season, that much is clear as we enter Week 15 with America's Team owning a record of 6-6-1 on the year. Despite that underwhelming performance, Dallas is still very much alive in the playoff race, as the Philadelphia Eagles, losers of three consecutive games, have not done what is necessary to lock up the NFC East crown.
One of the reasons for this has been a defense that has lagged behind the offense all season long. While it may wind up being too little, too late, Dallas is still in a position to make something out of this season, and veteran linebacker DeMarvion Overshown just took his next step towards helping the Cowboys achieve their preseason goals.
Cowboys Plan to Change Things Up at Linebacker In Week 15
First things first, Overshown's slow climb towards ramping up since his return from injury during Week 11 for Dallas' comfortable 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. After being on a snap count for the first four weeks of his return to action, the Cowboys are going to fully unleash the former third-round draft pick out of the University of Texas on the visitors from Sin City, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.
While Overshown is still looking for his first sack of the 2025 campaign, he has made his presence felt since rejoining the starting lineup. Through four games, Overshown has recorded 19 total tackles, 10 of which are of the solo variety. Over his last three games, the former Longhorns star has recorded at least five total tackles, showing his contributions to a defense that is still in dire need of difference-makers.
Now, with that snap count no longer hanging over his head, Matt Eberflus and the rest of the defensive coaching staff in Dallas can put one of their best weapons to use on that side of the ball. He won't be the only defender fans can expect to see more of this weekend, however.
During an interview with 105.3 FM The Fan, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted that trade deadline acquisition LB Logan Wilson could be in line for extended playing time starting this Sunday, as well.
[Logan Wilson] reads the blocks extremely well, and we need that. He's reactive, he's a natural in there. That's big at linebacker," Jones said.
With the Minnesota Vikings up next on the docket for Dallas, the Cowboys can expect a balanced attack that features both Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Jr. in the rushing game. JJ McCarthy must always be accounted for as well, more times than not by a linebacker, as he is a threat to use his legs to gain yardage, as well, when options in the passing game don't immediately present themselves.
Adding Overshown and Wilson into the equation and, likely, removing Kenneth Murray from the role he'd served, should put Dallas in a better position to compete, regardless of the opponent. With an uptick in usage for Wilson, along with the training wheels being taken off of Overshown, Dallas is getting healthier at the right time on that side of the football. Now, they just need to take advantage of the opportunity that the Eagles have presented by failing to put Dallas away and win the division.