FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys were hit hard by the injury bug against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday. Most notably, Dallas lost their starting three-technique Neville Gallimore for the foreseeable future. Gallimore sustained a left elbow dislocation and reports project he will miss 6-8 weeks. Luckily for Dallas, the second-year player avoided any structural damage, and the injury was not season-ending.
His absence ushers in the opportunity for other players to step up. Head coach Mike McCarthy gave some insight and stressed his confidence level on the current depth rotation in the interior of the defensive line.
“I love the young guys in there, Osa [Odighizuwa] and [Quinton] Bohanna. They’ve done very well with their opportunities. So, Brent [Urban] has a chance to bounce down in there. When [Tarell] Basham comes back, he can step in there on pass downs and some. The beauty of the veteran defensive line group, the veteran free agents that we signed, and the beauty of the rookie group is that they all have multiple technique and ability. So, I’m very confident we’ll be very fine with those guys.”
The Cowboys third-round draft pick, Osa Odighizuwa, has received increased reps and predominately practiced with the first team during Monday’s open practice inside the Ford Center in Frisco. The UCLA product has impressed throughout training camp with a lethal swim move, providing leverage to quickly get past blockers for would-be (no tackling) sacks. Odighizuwa has consistently been able to split blockers in order to reach the quarterback and collapse the pocket.
The added reps with the one’s will likely accelerate his growth process as the regular season approaches.
“I am getting more reps with the starters and the ones,” Odighizuwa described to media. “So that is going to help me progress. I have to hold it down … Be someone they can rely on. Be someone that can come in and hit the ground running to help us win.”
During the pre-draft process, Odighizuwa dominated in the Senior Bowl against some of the country’s best blockers, and now, he is continuing to develop as a first-year player donning a Star. He predominately played as a nose tackle in defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro’s 3-4 base scheme at UCLA but transitioned to a 4-3 in 2020. Both assistants, Johnny Nansen and defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Brian Norwood, installed a four-man front last season in base and nickel. Odighizuwa thrived in the new scheme amidst the shortened year due to the COVID pandemic and is once again in a similar system with Dan Quinn.
“I said from the beginning when we moved to a 4-3, I said ‘hey, I think we are running a system that is going to benefit this kid,’ Nansen recalled to D210Sports. “It obviously showed and the reason why he got drafted in the third round is because he was in more of that attack style instead of reacting.”
Odighizuwa is back in a one-gap, penetrating styled attack that is tailored to fit his strengths. Earlier during OTA’s, Quinn confirmed Odighizuwa would be used in the interior in nickel packages and featured in passing situations to combat the league’s use of 10 and 11 personnel. The former Bruin will have a larger role in Quinn’s bolstered front. What Odighizuwa may lack in size (282 pounds) for a prototypical NFL defensive tackle, he makes up for with his athleticism. His quickness lends to his ability to attack the backfield and separate from blocks.
The club’s two remaining preseason games will be crucial for Odighizuwa as the staff looks to finalize the roster and set starting roles. How he plays will be indicative of his position when the regular season begins. If Odighizuwa plays well and holds his own against NFL blockers and the speed of the game at the next level, he will downright earn the starting three-technique position. The Cowboys could make an outside signing, but the coaching staff has made it abundantly clear that they like their depth options and want to evaluate their in-house talent/numbers over the next couple of weeks.
Trysten Hill is currently on the Active/PUP list as he works his way back from an ACL injury, but Gallimore’s absence will not hurry up his return. Along with Odighizuwa, Dallas has veteran Brent Urban they can move to the inside along with Tarrell Basham when he returns.
As for now, Odighizuwa is the prime candidate to earn the role. His focus? Staying where his feet are and taking things day-by-day.
“I feel like I am taking steps in the right direction and making strides. I am not where I want to be. I am going to keep chipping at it and working on it.”
