As good as the Dallas Cowboys defense was last year, it sounds absurd to believe they will be even better this season.
The truth is they will be and for a good reason.
The acquisition of Stephon Gilmore solidified the unit’s back end, giving Trevon Diggs a partner on the boundaries.
A healthy Damone Clark and Jabril Cox, coupled with the selection of DeMarvion Overshown, gives the middle of the defense much more athleticism.
Finally, the front four, including All-Pro Linebacker Micah Parsons, welcomed 2023 first-round draft pick Mazi Smith from Michigan.
It’s debatable whether or not Dallas has ever had a defense this good on paper, at least.
One person will benefit from the wheeling and dealing the Cowboys did this offseason, and that person is Osa Odighizuwa.
Osa Odighizuwa is the Grady Jarrett in Dan Quinn’s defense
Playing the three technique within this Dan Quinn defense comes with its benefits.
In Quinn’s previous stop with Atlanta, he had Grady Jarrett playing that role, and to say he shined is an understatement.
Granted, the evolution of Jarrett wasn’t immediate, but you saw the instant flashes.
He made his first pro bowl when it was closer to the end of Dan’s tenure with the Atlanta Falcons.
You can make the case that Osa Odighizuwa is on that same trajectory.
Both players use leverage to win their one-on-one battles.
The hand fighting, they employ was a work in progress for Osa, but it is quickly becoming an attribute to win his pass-rush battles.
Here’s what is interesting.
Their pass-rushing numbers were almost identical in both players’ second year.
Jarrett had three sacks, eight hits, and 23 pressures in 2016.
Odighizuwa had four sacks, seven hits, and 20 pressures last season according to Pro Football Focus.
In Grady’s third year, his numbers across the board increased. His sacks rose, hits, pressures, and overall defensive grade all climbed.
Should we expect the same increase in production and player grades for the defensive tackle from UCLA?
It’s a safe bet.
Osa is in his third year of the defensive system. He will be considerably more comfortable in year three.
The Talent around OSA got much better
Dallas did an excellent job improving the overall talent across the defense.
Exhibit A is Jonathan Hankins. He is now here for an entire season.
Having an actual nose tackle versus lining up next to Neville Gallimore is a God send for Odighizuwa.
Secondly, and more importantly, Mazi Smith should develop throughout the season and ultimately be the space eater everyone thinks he’ll be.
At this point in their careers, Smith is a substantially better athlete than Hankins.
Dallas selected Mazi Smith because of his size, strength, and get-off.
Those three traits should open up the rushing lanes for Osa.
Should I throw in Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams, and Dorance Armstrong?
The outside penetration has to be respected. It is the defense’s calling card and somewhat overshadows the interior defensive line.
Odighizuwa made a living over the last two seasons lining up in the B-gap between the offensive guard and offensive tackle.
Last year, he logged 463 of his 616 snaps in that position.
That’s a whopping 75% clip. When Odighizuwa is on the field, we know where he will be.
Regardless of the offensive line strategy (angle blocks, zone blocking, or gap blocking), I like Osa’s chances of being a consistent disruptor in the backfield.
I would bet my last dollar that his sacks may increase by two or three, but the pressures will substantially increase.
If that happens, he may have an outside shot at a pro bowl nod and Dallas could be the top defense in the league.
That’s a win-win if I’ve ever seen one.
