“I think we’re hitting our stride and it’s all coming together. Like I always say, one person can’t change everything, I can’t go out there and do everything on my own. No one can. It’s a team sport, and I think we’re all putting our heads together and executing as one.”
And they implemented it. After allowing three touchdowns on three opening drives to Philadelphia’s offense, the Cowboys defense put up eight consecutive stops the rest of the way, allowing their offense to score 24 unanswered points in an improbable victory.
“Any win is a big win, especially for this organization,” Williams said. “For me personally, no matter what the team is, no matter what the situation, after being down 21-0, to see the accountability we took in the locker room and the constructive criticism we took in the locker room, to be able to come out in the second half and perform to the best of our ability, it was amazing to see and amazing to be a part of.”
Was there any point in the game where Williams knew the game had turned?
“I just keep my head down and try to win every single rep, every single crowd, to be the best person and player I can be to help this team win,” Williams said. “I wasn’t really looking at the moments.”
The moment that finally came was Dallas’ only sack of the night, from Osa Odighizuwa, while the Eagles forced a third-and-2 at their own 37 with the sack driving them 12 yards and forcing a punt. Williams recalled the defensive line unit saying they were disappointed with how they started the game, and were pushing themselves to improve in the second half to make plays like that.
“The defense told each other that we’ve got to be playmakers in our room, and we’ve got to go out here and make plays,” Williams said. “In the run game, in the pass game, somebody in the defensive line room has to make a play. And then Osa made one of the game-changing plays that he made. A lot of guys in that room made game-changing plays. It’s super dope to be a part of the amazing group that we have.”
Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones has praised Williams since acquiring him at the trade deadline and called him an “integral” piece for Dallas in the present and future. The respect from Williams was mutual.
“It’s an honor, a guy like him who has been around great football players his entire life and his entire career in this industry,” Williams said. “The biggest thing I’m here to do is try my best to help this team win football games… He took a chance on me, this organization took a chance on me by trading for me, and the best I can do is give it my all.”
On one of Williams’ pass rushes, Eagles RB Saquon Barkley gave Williams a shot to the ribs while he dodged him in pass protection. Although he returned to the game and continued playing, Williams acknowledged that it was an injury that would need to heal this week.
“Yeah, Saquon I got it,” Williams said, laughing. “They’re pretty sore right now. I’m going to do some treatment and some rehab and things like that to get ready for Thursday.”
That said, Williams’ return to the game should be taken as evidence that he will likely be able to play in three days against the Chiefs, another big game for Dallas.
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