2 Unsung Heroes From The Cowboys’ Wild Card Win

The Dallas Cowboys opened up their playoff run in style on Monday night.

After taking an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter, the Cowboys never looked back.

They were up as much as 25 points in the game and were great on both sides.

But, along with the star players on the Cowboys, they got plenty of outstanding games from some lesser-known players.

Here are the two unsung heroes of Dallas’ Wild Card victory.

1. Tyler Smith, Left Guard/Left Tackle

One player who has been excellent for the Cowboys this season is rookie first-round pick Tyler Smith.

Smith started the year as the team’s left tackle, where he played most of the snaps during his first year.

But, come playoff time, he was their starting left guard.

Smith has the versatility to play both tackle and guard at a high level.

So once Jason Peters left the game with an injury, Smith has to move from guard to tackle mid-game.

Cowboys rookie Tyler Smith seems to dump a defender like this every game. This time, Bucs LB Devin White on wrong end. Versatility to play both LG and LT shouldn’t be taken for granted. Youngest player in building seamlessly kicked outside in playoff win after Jason Peters’ exit. pic.twitter.com/DTmCmWfXe6

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 17, 2023

That was no issue for him though as the 21-year-old did not allow a pressure in the game.

He will once again be counted on against a stout 49ers pass rush in the Divisional Round.

2. Israel Mukuamu, Cornerback

The Cowboys came into Wild Card weekend with a problem at cornerback.

After weeks of trying to figure out who will play CB3, the Cowboys have seemingly found their man.

Israel Mukuamu was awesome for Dallas on Monday night.

Israel Mukuamu played 24 snaps in coverage from the slot against TB, and he allowed just 2 receptions from 5 targets for 16 yards and a 48.8 passer rating.

Looks like the #Cowboys have found CB3.

— John Owning (@JohnOwning) January 17, 2023

He set a season-high for snaps played with 37 in total and had two passes defended in that time.

As a whole, the Cowboys defense was great in this game.

But, Mukuamu and company will have their hands full against Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle this weekend.