Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa has aimed for improvement every game since he was drafted in 2021. ... and expects it to come again along with what he calls his "grown-man strength.''
Odighizuwa collected 43 total tackles (eight for loss), finishing the season with a missed-tackle percentage of only 2.3. He also doubled his sack total from two sacks (in 2021) to four sacks in 2022.
Osa, who turns 25 on August. 13, was especially impressive at applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks. In addition to his four sacks, Odighizuwa concluded the regular season having logged 11 pressures and five quarterback knockdowns. Odighizuwa was named the Cowboys' most improved player for 2022 by Pro Football Focus for his efforts.
Odighizuwa stressed that he wants to continue enhancing his game heading into Year 3.
"My main goal is trying to improve from year-to-year," Odighizuwa said during a recent camp press conference. "I got to better than I was last year. If I can come at the end of the season and look at what I did this year against last year and I was able to improve on what I did, that's the ultimate goal."
Odighizuwa explained that the Super Bowl is "obviously the team goal" and the rest of the defense seems to share the dream.
"I feel like the energy is right, everyone is in alignment with our goals, we're just unified and we're ready to do what we need to do," Odighizuwa said.
Odighizuwa reflected on his first two NFL years and now he plans to make an impact on the Lombardi Trophy hopefuls this season.
"I'm definitely stronger than I was my rookie year," Odighizuwa said. "I'm coming into my prime as an athlete and I'm just getting my grown-man strength. (My strength) brings the technique to life."
Odighizuwa will attack the line of scrimmage with "Lion-backer'' Micah Parsons and with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence once again this season. OIsa broke down the three-time Pro Bowler Lawrence's technique and play style, hoping he can replicate it.
"The dude is always just a ball-seeking missile," Odighizuwa said. "He's always getting after the ball, taking a shot at it, punching it and creating turnovers for the team. Play-style more than anything, he's a dog."
As the season approaches, Odighizuwa is hoping others call him a "dog" as soon as possible. ... a dog with "grown-man strength.''
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