4 Dallas Cowboys X-factors for 2022 season
By Randy Gurzi
The Dallas Cowboys hope to find more success in 2022 than they did last season and if that’s going to happen, these 4 players will be key
After winning 12 games in 2021, the Dallas Cowboys were one-and-done in the playoffs. The loss to the San Francisco 49ers was disheartening and it continues to add to the belief that this team chokes in the playoffs.
Looking ahead to 2022, they’re going to be trying to turn the page — and it will be tough with some key players gone. That means they will have to lean heavily on their remaining stars, but will also need these three X-factors to step up.
Dallas Cowboys X-factor No. 4: Osa Odighizuwa, DT
Cowboys. Osa Odighizuwa. 4. 123. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DT. player
The Cowboys’ defensive line has a few players who can produce off the edge. The leader of the unit is DeMarcus Lawrence who recently signed an extension that might allow him to finish his career with the team.
Across from him is Dante Fowler, a veteran free agent who has spent time with several teams in his career. Dallas also has some rotational options in rookie Sam Williams, Dorrance Armstrong, and Chauncey Golston.
While they have a lot of talent at end, they need to get something figured out at defensive tackle. Dallas currently has a few guys who could play but they need someone to really step up and deliver some interior pass rush — and Osa Odighizuwa is the one they’re going to need to rely on.
As a rookie, Odighizuwa had 36 tackles and two sacks but delivered 14 total pressures. He also slowed down as the season went on, possibly due to hitting the dreaded “rookie wall.”
In year two, more will be expected of him and his development is going to help decide just how dangerous this defensive line is going to be.