Fresh off an embarrassing defensive showing in front of a national audience on Monday night, the Cowboys aggressively addressed their deficiencies with two trades on Tuesday.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson are the newest wearers of the Star. At 27 and 29 years old, respectively, both are firmly in their prime. Both also represent renewed hope for the 3-5-1 Cowboys.
"It's exciting," Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said of Dallas' trades, via the team's official site. "Kudos to (owner) Jerry (Jones) and (EVP) Stephen (Jones), (VP of player personnel) Will (McClay), being aggressive but then smart. A couple of moves we made, you're getting guys not just for this year but beyond, which I think is great. ... I think it's two terrific players, but also terrific young men."
Williams is the more noteworthy of the two additions, adding a three-time Pro Bowler to a defensive front that ranks 29th against the run and 21st in sacks per pass attempt. Wilson, meanwhile, brings a veteran to a linebacking corps that could use another experienced player.
Both moves were made with the present in mind.
Dallas' decision to trade Micah Parsons before the start of the season kneecapped its pass rush, at least as its reputation was concerned. Instead of preparing extensively to stop or limit the game-wrecking edge rusher wearing No. 11, opponents could rest easily knowing their offensive operation wouldn't have to overcome the impact made by the two-time All-Pro.
Williams now rounds out a front four that includes veterans Kenny Clark and Dante Fowler, and gives opposing protection units another player to worry about on every snap, potentially freeing up lesser-known participants to make a larger impact for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' beleaguered unit.
"He's just a difference maker," Schottenheimer said of Williams. "The ability to affect the interior part of the pocket from a pass rush standpoint… very disruptive. For us, there's certain calls you make and you're aware of when he's in the game because he's just so disruptive."
The news (and resulting good vibes) reached beyond the defensive side of the locker room Tuesday.
"I'm f---ing pumped," quarterback Dak Prescott told reporters about the addition of Williams.
Prescott has reason to be excited, if not relieved. With the Cowboys defense struggling mightily to stop any offense they've faced, the onus has fallen on Prescott's shoulders to propel the offense toward explosive performances.
Truthfully, it's been their only viable path toward success. The Cowboys rank fourth in points scored per game (29.2), but have just three wins to their name. In those three triumphs, they've needed to score 37 or more points to get the job done, and they also tied a game in which they slapped 40 points on the board.
If they want to get back to the playoffs, they knew they couldn't continue without making some additions.
Statistically, the Cowboys have managed to remain competitive in some areas. They rank in the upper half in quarterback pressure rate, per Next Gen Stats. It's not all perfect, though: Dallas is tied for 22nd in sack percentage, painting a picture of a team that can get close enough to a passer to cause discomfort but can't finish the job consistently.
Clark, the compensatory headliner in the Parsons deal, has made a difference intermittently. That hasn't been enough to rescue this defense, a unit that ranks 31st in total yards allowed per game and points allowed per game, leading the Cowboys to swing two deals for the aforementioned defenders Tuesday.
"I think it's just going to add more playmaking ability to the D-line," defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa said. "Another bullet in the gun. Another bullet in the gun, another very strong and talented guy, so I think we'll be able to use him."
On paper, Williams' arrival means Odighizuwa will lose his starting job, an outcome that might upset most players. Not Odighizuwa, though; he understands the Cowboys need as many reinforcements as possible to rescue this unit.
"I'm excited," he said, "another guy that's going to help us win."
Tuesday's sentiment seemed to revolve around excitement for the Cowboys, a team that could certainly use an injection of positive energy after flopping Monday night. We'll see if the fresh optimism is justified in the weeks ahead.