The Dallas Cowboys didn’t look so hot defensively in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles, but they completely turned things around in the second half by giving up just three points. However, despite the pretty good overall success as a defensive unit, second-year linebacker Marist Liufau wasn’t that involved in the game plan.
To lay it all out there, Liufau played just six snaps for the Cowboys. It was very surprising that this was the case considering the potential he showed as a rookie in 2024 and his performance in training camp and the preseason. As the Cowboys get set to take on the New York Giants, it appears that Liufau could potentially see more playing time in the Cowboys’ home opener.
Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus spoke on Liufau getting more snaps.
Everything is a competition, and it’s all about how you practice. Damone [Clark] did a really good job at camp, and so did Marist. Marist has practiced his tail off last week and this week and he’s earned his right for those reps.
Jack Sanborn, Kenneth Murray, and Damone Clark combined for 150 snaps versus the Eagles. Respectfully, it wasn’t a pretty sight when it came to reading and dissecting plays. They always looked a half step behind. Although Saquon Barkley was neutralized to just 60 rushing yards, quarterback Jalen Hurts killed Dallas with timely runs as he extended plays and moved the chains.
Liufau is a downhill type of player who can fill the gaps against the run and even rush the passer from the second level. He might have been useful for the Cowboys in Week 1 in helping to limit some of Hurts’ effectiveness on the ground.
In Week 2, the Cowboys will face quarterback Russell Wilson. Granted, he can’t move like he used to, but he can still make some plays with his feet. The aforementioned Hurts can be extremely effective with his legs and so can Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, and Dallas plays all of these guys twice a year. Also, the Cowboys play quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert this season who can make plays on the ground. That’s quite a menu of mobile quarterbacks that Dallas will face. The Cowboys need to see if Liufau can help stop mobile quarterbacks coming up on the schedule.
Hopefully, this ramping up of Liufau’s opportunities will lead to the second-year jump for him that many have anticipated.
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