The Dallas Cowboys have long prided themselves on tough, physical defenses built around relentless pass rushers and tone-setting leaders in the trenches. This week in the PML, that legacy may have gained its next big piece, as right end Marshawn Kneeland delivered a breakout performance in his first career start for the Cowboys.
Kneeland didn’t just play well—he played like someone who had been waiting for this moment and was determined to seize it. From the moment the whistle blew, he set the edge with authority, pressured the quarterback consistently, and made life miserable for the opposing offensive line. While the stat sheet only scratches the surface—tallied with multiple tackles for loss, a sack, and several quarterback hurries—it was the impact plays and the energy he brought that left the biggest impression on both coaches and teammates.
Earning the Job Through Practice and Leadership
Kneeland’s rise to the starting lineup was no accident. For weeks, the coaching staff had noticed a different level of intensity during practice. His hand placement was sharper, his get-off quicker, and his conditioning stronger. But more than that, he became a presence in the locker room.
“Marshawn really earned this,” Cowboys Head Coach said following the game. “He’s been stringing together practices where he just jumps off the tape. And what’s been just as impressive is his voice—he’s becoming a leader. Guys look to him now. When you see that combination of performance and leadership, you have no choice but to give him the opportunity.”
Teammates echoed that sentiment. Veteran defenders have reportedly taken note of Kneeland’s effort and commitment, with several commenting that his drive in practice has helped raise the standard for the entire defensive line unit.
A Spark for the Cowboys’ Defense
The Cowboys’ defense has had moments of brilliance this season, but consistency has been a question mark. Kneeland’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time. His ability to collapse the pocket on passing downs and hold firm against the run gives Dallas another dimension up front, forcing offenses to account for him in their protection schemes.
On one particular series, Kneeland showcased exactly why coaches are so excited about him. After blowing past a tackle for a run stop on first down, he followed it up with back-to-back pressures that forced the quarterback into an errant throw. Plays like that don’t just stall drives—they change the momentum of games.
The Road Ahead
With his first start behind him, the challenge now becomes maintaining and building upon that success. Coaches have made it clear that consistency is key, and Kneeland himself has voiced that he’s far from satisfied. “I just wanted to prove that I belong out there,” he said postgame. “But one game doesn’t mean I’ve made it. I’ve got to keep putting in the work, keep pushing my teammates, and keep growing.”
That kind of mindset is exactly why the Cowboys believe Kneeland can become a cornerstone player for years to come. The league has taken notice, and it seems clear Dallas has discovered a difference-maker.
As the Cowboys prepare for their next slate of PML matchups, one thing is certain—Marshawn Kneeland isn’t just filling a spot on the defensive line. He’s raising the standard, and if his debut start is any indication, he may be one of the biggest surprises of the season.
