Quinnen Williams Gets Candid About Cowboys’ Run-Defense Struggles

FRISCO, Texas — Quinnen Williams said Thursday at The Star that the Dallas Cowboys’ interior line has had a hard time stopping the run through two games. Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens are next, Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.

Dallas has allowed 347 rushing yards in two games. Henry has 212, second in the NFL.

“It’s been challenging for us the whole season, coming out and stopping the runs, especially as interior,” Williams said. “So we just really focus on the urgency level on being disruptive up front, playing with our hands, getting knockback and doing different things like that. So no matter who it is back there, man, we have to do our job up front to stop the run.”

Williams starts inside next to Kenny Clark and Otito Ogbonnia. On Washington’s opening series Sunday, he dropped running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt for a loss on second down.

“Just being intentional, being intentional, being detailed, and executing the way we know we can execute,” Williams explained.

Henry is in his 11th season. He moved into third place on the NFL’s career rushing touchdown list in Baltimore’s opener.

“Honestly, man, I just try to attack each and every week as a new challenge because it’s the NFL,” Williams said. “Every single team got great players. Every single team, you’re gonna have to stop them. So right now, I’m just really focused on executing, communicating and being a player I can be.”

Quinnen Williams On Mobile Quarterbacks And Next Man Up

Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart ran 11 times for 54 yards in the opener. Washington ran for 182 yards on Sunday, 69 of them from Jayden Daniels before he left with an elbow injury at halftime. Lamar Jackson has 74 rushing yards this season for Baltimore.

“We had a great learning experience, the last game especially,” Williams said. “And just definitely focus on it this week and learn from it. And definitely make it an emphasis.”

Dallas traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary in March and signed Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, P.J. Locke, and Ogbonnia in free agency. Durant and Locke were both hurt against Washington, and neither practiced Wednesday.

“It’s unbelievable,” Williams said. “Each and everybody on the defensive unit worked their tail off during training camp and during offseason. And the guys that they brought in was a phenomenal fit for this group. So it’s really next man up mentality.”

Quinnen Williams Makes First Trip To Brazil

Williams spent his first seven seasons with the New York Jets, who traded him to Dallas on Nov. 4, 2025, for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a defensive tackle. The Jets drafted him third overall in 2019. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and was a first-team All-Pro in 2022.

“It’s super exciting,” Williams said. “I’ve played across seas a bunch in my career in London. First time going to Brazil, but to win those games, you’ve got to be focused. You’ve got to be intentional, and the urgency has got to go up. So it’s super dope, but it’s a business trip.”

The Cowboys land in Rio on Friday and play Sunday.

“We’re not there for that long,” Williams said. “It’s one of those things we get around. It’s a business trip, focus on the game, focus on execution, and come out with a dub.”

Maracanã’s grass has drawn complaints from players on Flamengo, the Brazilian club that plays there.

“Just looking for traction,” Williams said. “Is my feet going to be able to slip or not and different things like that. So, yeah, I definitely check it out when I get there.”

Dallas plays at Lambeau Field in Week 6.

“No matter where you go, like when you play on grass, even like Green Bay, Chicago, those places like that, you got to kind of check the field to make sure your footwear doesn’t hinder you,” Williams said. “So anytime I play on grass, I have to check it out.”

Williams plans to watch a movie on the flight. He does not speak any Portuguese but said he would try to pick up a couple of words. Kickoff at Maracanã Stadium is 3:25 p.m. CT Sunday on CBS.