Blogging The Boys
Your Sunday morning Cowboys news.
Second-year linebacker is putting in the work.
Dallas Cowboys LB Marist Liufau has made significant strides this offseason, both physically and mentally, positioning himself as a strong contender for a starting role in the team’s competitive linebacker unit. After a promising rookie season where he recorded 50 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles across 17 games, Liufau has focused on enhancing his physicality to better meet the demands of the NFL.
Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 234 pounds, the Notre Dame product has been working diligently to add muscle mass, aiming to improve his strength and durability on the field. Liufau’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Dallas’ former DC Mike Zimmer also commended Liufau’s versatility and intelligence, noting his ability to play multiple linebacker positions and make necessary adjustments during games.
The Cowboys’ linebacker room is notably competitive this offseason. With the additions of veteran Kenneth Murray and free agent Jack Sanborn, along with the return of DeMarvion Overshown from injury, Liufau faces stiff competition. However, his 2024 performance has kept him in the conversation for a starting role.
Liufau’s ability to adapt and learn quickly has been instrumental in his ascent. He credits teammates like Damone Clark and Eric Kendricks for their mentorship, which has helped him understand the nuances of the game and improve his on-field decision-making.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, Liufau’s combination of physical development, football intelligence, and adaptability makes him a valuable asset in a linebacker corps filled with talent.
How ‘Bazooka’ Joe Milton helps the Cowboys solve their problems in the red zone.
It’s not common practice to develop a specialist role for a key position such as quarterback in today’s NFL. A starter is a starter and removing said player tips off intensions and frankly comes off as a little disrespectful. For the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott, replacing the QB in select goal-line packages could be seen as both, even if it seems like a smart course of action for all parties involved.
The Cowboys touchdown scoring percentage in the red zone was just 46 percent in 2024. That was second to last in the NFL, ranking only above the lowly Giants. The Cowboys’ inability to get into the endzone was a season-long issue, dating back before Prescott’s season-ending injury. It left points on the board and ultimately demoralized an already fragile unit.
Prescott is scheduled to return in 2025 with a full bill of health. In previous seasons, he’s been an assassin from the red zone, guiding the Cowboys to a No. 12 ranking in 2023 and to No. 1 overall ranking in 2022. Given his past proficiency, it’s not...
