ARLINGTON, Texas — One thing appeared just a little off. DeMarvion Overshown was blitzing, and the operating again picked him up. However after the 2 collided, the again let the Dallas Cowboys linebacker go.
And that’s when Overshown modified the sport.
The second-year linebacker put up his proper arm, acquired a hand on the brief cross meant for the operating again and hauled it in close to the New York Giants’ 25-yard line. Overshown then completed the run, holding the ball within the air close to the 5-yard line as he bumped into the tip zone.
The play helped put the Cowboys forward 13-7 early within the second quarter, and so they by no means regarded again, defeating the Giants 27-20 on Thursday at AT&T Stadium.
“I used to be actually simply pondering, ‘Simply blow up the play,’” Overshown mentioned. “It was a blitz with my quantity on it. I simply knew I wanted to make an influence play or at the very least trigger some kind of confusion again there. When the operating again let me unfastened, I used to be like, ‘There’s some BS occurring.’ After which the quarterback threw the ball and I used to be like, ‘That is my play to make.’”
The quarterback was Drew Lock, taking part in instead of an injured Tommy DeVito. The operating again was Devin Singletary. On the Fox sport broadcast, Tom Brady identified how the Giants referred to as a “low-risk play” with the display screen, actually not anticipating a possible turnover.
“Lock isn’t even enthusiastic about an interception,” Brady mentioned. “You assume I acquired a simple throw. However Overshown along with his size finally ends up making a game-changing play.”
An AT&T Stadium crowd that has understandably booed the house staff a number of instances this season was about as loud because it’s been all season as Overshown completed the run.
WHAT A PLAY BY OVERSHOWN.
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“I used to be capable of kick in some Nitrous, and we had been dancing ultimately zone after that,” Overshown mentioned. “As quickly as I acquired the ball, I knew I used to be scoring. So it was like, ‘What dance am I becoming to deliver out right now?’
“It couldn’t have come at a greater time. Thanksgiving, the world’s watching.”
The beginning of Thursday’s sport regarded just like earlier Cowboys house video games this season. The offense was unimpressive, and the protection was struggling to close down a Giants offense that managed just one meaningless late landing in a 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
However after the Overshown play, there was a momentum that has been lacking at house. Dallas entered the sport having trailed considerably getting into the fourth quarter in its earlier 5 house video games, all decisive losses. It’s been an odd state of affairs for a staff that had been driving a 16-game house successful streak over the earlier two seasons. The Cowboys led 27-10 on the finish of the third quarter.
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“That is our house,” Overshown mentioned. “That is our citadel. Groups needs to be scared to play us after they come right here. Being on that shedding streak, it wasn’t good for us, both. It’s good to get this place rocking prefer it’s alleged to be. Now we acquired to maintain it going.”
The Cowboys have received two consecutive video games, enhancing their report to 5-7. However they’re removed from realistically discussing the playoffs. Beating the Washington Commanders and Giants is actually not a cause to erase how this disappointing season has began. Even normal glass-half-full staff proprietor and basic supervisor Jerry Jones didn’t wish to focus on playoff prospects after the sport.
However Overshown’s play is a cause to be optimistic in regards to the future. It additionally has a manner of creating one marvel what may have been final season as his rookie 12 months led to Dallas’ second preseason sport. Might a play just like the one he made Thursday have been a difference-maker throughout the season or possibly even the playoffs had he not suffered a torn ACL in his left knee?
“I instructed y’all from the start he was going to be a dude,” Cowboys All-Professional cross rusher Micah Parsons mentioned. “Earlier than the damage, I mentioned, ‘That shall be an All-Professional, Professional Bowl-type participant. Now, he ain’t (No. 11) but, that’s Agent 0. He’s not making an attempt to be like me; he’s his personal particular specimen. He’s a wildcat on the sector. Man, I like taking part in subsequent to him.”
Overshown turned in flash performs early within the season, however he’s been extra constant as this 12 months has unfolded. Taking part in subsequent to a veteran like Eric Kendricks has helped. The 2 linked on one other key defensive play Thursday.
On the opening sequence of the third quarter, Kendricks sacked Lock, stripping the ball within the course of. Overshown recovered. Dallas scored six performs later, making the rating 20-10.
“D-Mo is a good participant,” Kendricks mentioned. “He’s probably the greatest I’ve ever been round. His angle is simply pure. He loves the sport. I like to see it. And it motivates me, being in my tenth 12 months. It motivates me to see a Yr 2 man like him, particularly what he brings to the sector.
“He’s getting higher each sport. He is aware of he has issues to work on. He’s taking it significantly. The sky is the restrict. I’m excited to see what he has in retailer. Count on extra massive video games from him this 12 months.”
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy had comparable ideas after the sport, saying Overshown’s interception was one in every of Dallas’ spotlight performs of the season. He, too, sees even higher days forward for final 12 months’s third-round choose.
“I’m very grateful,” Overshown mentioned. “Simply earlier than the sport, I used to be telling myself, ‘Round this time final 12 months, I used to be simply ready to point out folks my testimony. Once I get again on the sector, I’m going to point out what God has really put into me: to go on the market and encourage and play like I do.’ Simply being on the market on the sector wholesome is all I can ask for.”
(Photograph: Andrew Dieb / Imagn Pictures)