ARLINGTON, Texas — One thing appeared somewhat 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 quick move supposed 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 top zone.
The play helped put the Cowboys forward 13-7 early within the second quarter, they usually by no means seemed again, defeating the Giants 27-20 on Thursday at AT&T Stadium.
“I used to be actually simply considering, ‘Simply blow up the play,’” Overshown mentioned. “It was a blitz with my quantity on it. I simply knew I wanted to make an affect play or no less than trigger some sort of confusion again there. When the operating again let me free, I used to be like, ‘There’s some BS happening.’ After which the quarterback threw the ball and I used to be like, ‘That is my play to make.’”
The quarterback was Drew Lock, enjoying rather than an injured Tommy DeVito. The operating again was Devin Singletary. On the Fox recreation broadcast, Tom Brady identified how the Giants known as a “low-risk play” with the display screen, definitely not anticipating a possible turnover.
“Lock isn’t even fascinated about an interception,” Brady mentioned. “You suppose I acquired a simple throw. However Overshown together with his size finally ends up making a game-changing play.”
An AT&T Stadium crowd that has understandably booed the house group 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.
📺: #NYGvsDAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/o9hC8Zduzw— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2024
“I used to be in a position to 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 this moment?’
“It couldn’t have come at a greater time. Thanksgiving, the world’s watching.”
The beginning of Thursday’s recreation seemed much like earlier Cowboys residence 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 residence. Dallas entered the sport having trailed considerably getting into the fourth quarter in its earlier 5 residence video games, all decisive losses. It’s been a wierd scenario for a group that had been using a 16-game residence successful streak over the earlier two seasons. The Cowboys led 27-10 on the finish of the third quarter.
GO DEEPER
Rico Dowdle will get first 100-yard recreation in Cowboys’ win, plus 6 extra vital performances
“That is our residence,” Overshown mentioned. “That is our fortress. Groups must 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 file to 5-7. However they’re removed from realistically discussing the playoffs. Beating the Washington Commanders and Giants is definitely not a motive to erase how this disappointing season has began. Even common glass-half-full group proprietor and common supervisor Jerry Jones didn’t wish to focus on playoff potentialities after the sport.
However Overshown’s play is a motive to be optimistic concerning the future. It additionally has a manner of constructing one surprise what might have been final season as his rookie 12 months led to Dallas’ second preseason recreation. Might a play just like the one he made Thursday have been a difference-maker through 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 move rusher Micah Parsons mentioned. “Earlier than the damage, I mentioned, ‘That can be an All-Professional, Professional Bowl-type participant. Now, he ain’t (No. 11) but, that’s Agent 0. He’s not attempting to be like me; he’s his personal particular specimen. He’s a wildcat on the sphere. Man, I like enjoying 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 collection 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.
DeMarvion Overshown’s interception return for a TD was a game-changer Thursday. (Andrew Dieb / Imagn Pictures)
“D-Mo is a superb participant,” Kendricks mentioned. “He’s among the best I’ve ever been round. His perspective 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 sphere.
“He’s getting higher each recreation. He is aware of he has issues to work on. He’s taking it severely. The sky is the restrict. I’m excited to see what he has in retailer. Anticipate extra large 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 indicate individuals my testimony. After I get again on the sphere, I’m going to indicate what God has actually put into me: to go on the market and encourage and play like I do.’ Simply being on the market on the sphere wholesome is all I can ask for.”
(Photograph: Andrew Dieb / Imagn Pictures)
