Over the last couple of weeks, following the team’s bye, the Dallas Cowboys' defense has done a complete 180. The combination of trade deadline acquisitions with players returning from injury helped turn the unit that was the worst defense in the league into one giving Dallas a chance to make a playoff push.
The linebacker room was arguably the biggest concern for the defense halfway into the season. Offseason additions Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn looked bad, and the Cowboys lacked depth at the position.
That was until DeMarvion Overshown made his much anticipated season debut.
Overshown's Return Has Been Vital to the Cowboys' Recent Success
Overshown made his season debut against the Las Vegas Raiders and was one of the “additions” the Cowboys organization and fans were most excited about. The 2023 draftee missed the first half of the season recovering from a torn ACL/MCL. When healthy, Overshown’s talent is overwhelming. His ability to run sideline to sideline, blitz, and perhaps most impressive of all, open-field tackle. His performance Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles was the best example.
The Cowboys increased Overshown’s snap count from the previous week from 31 to 38. His presence was especially felt during the last Eagles drive. With the game tied at 21 and the game clock winding down, the Cowboys needed a stop to get the ball back to give the offense the chance to win the game. After giving up a first down to start the drive, Overshown made two huge tackles on Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley in the open field to force a key 3rd down. This, of course, led to the Cowboys’ only sack of the game by Osa Odighizuwa to force the punt.
It was a huge sequence, not only for the Cowboys' defense, but for Overshown. His ability to show off his instincts and defensive prowess at that moment was a huge sign for fans, and it shouldn’t go unnoticed.
As the run for the playoffs continues to heat up, the Cowboys need to increase Overshown’s playing time even more because he’s that valuable. The combination of him and Logan Wilson can be really good for the defense, especially on Thanksgiving against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Cowboys' defense has given fans a new outlook on the rest of the season. The man in the middle, Overshown, has a lot to do with it and, health willing, he can be a reason this team ends up making the postseason.