Cowboys' Secret Weapon? Young LB Liufau Gets His Primetime Shot!
A surprising turn of events before the Dallas Cowboys' Sunday night clash against the Green Bay Packers has thrust second-year linebacker Marist Liufau into the spotlight. Damone Clark's unexpected inactive status has created an opportunity for Liufau and rookie Shemar James to step up and contribute to Matt Eberflus's defense.
While Clark's absence is reportedly a healthy scratch, it signals a chance for Liufau to showcase his potential. James is also being activated for the first time this season, adding another layer of intrigue to the Cowboys' defensive strategy.
Liufau, despite limited playing time this season (just three tackles in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles), proved to be a valuable asset for the Cowboys as a rookie. He stepped up admirably when injuries plagued the team, earning nine starts in 2024.
His rookie season saw him amass an impressive 50 combined tackles (30 solo), placing him among the team's top tacklers. He also recorded four tackles for loss, tying for fifth-most on the team, along with 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. Liufau was drafted in the third round out of Notre Dame.
The Cowboys are hoping Liufau can fill the void left by Clark, who has accumulated 12 tackles in the first three games of the season. This primetime opportunity presents a significant test for the young linebacker and a chance to solidify his role within the Cowboys' defense.
What to Expect From Liufau
Cowboys fans will be eager to see how Liufau performs under the bright lights. His previous experience and solid rookie season suggest he's capable of making a significant impact. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring his performance, along with the debut of Shemar James, as they look to solidify the linebacker corps.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Liufau's ability to contain the Packers' running game.
- His effectiveness in pass coverage against tight ends and running backs.
- His overall communication and coordination with the rest of the defense.