Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) blocks a punt by Arizona Cardinals punter Pat O'Donnell (39) in the first half at AT&T Stadium. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Cowboys score TD after Cardinals’ punt hits defender in the face

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 10:11 PM ET

Move over, helmet catch. The Dallas Cowboys scored off a helmet punt on Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cowboys were in desperate need of some positive mojo after a lethargic start to their Week 9 contest at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The home team trailed 10-0 after futile attempts to score on their opening two drives.

Apparently, all Dallas needed to do was quite literally to keep its head in the game. Arizona punter Pat O’Donnell had his punt from the Cardinals’ 34-yard line deflected off the helmet of defensive end Sam Williams. The ball ricocheted so violently that it ended up in the end zone. The Cowboys recovered it for a touchdown.

Cowboys block the punt and recover for a touchdown!

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The Cowboys needed all the help they could get in their ineffective first half, trailing the Cardinals, 17-7. The touchdown off the blocked punt turned out to be their only scoring play before the break.

Dallas’ offense seemed to tick off a checklist of failed drives. Its four possessions in order resulted in a turnover on downs, a punt, a fumble and a missed field goal.

In all fairness to Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, he was tasked with making a 68-yard field goal that would have tied the NFL record set just one day prior.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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