How Xavier Woods' Absence Will Affect the Cowboys' Defense
With the Cowboys starting the season 2-0 following dominant victories over both the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, life has been good for Jerry Jones and Co.
However, the proverbial honeymoon appears to be over, as star safety Xavier Woods suffered a high ankle sprain in the victory against Washington and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. It's a tremendous loss for the defense.
While one player doesn't make or break a team, Woods has been a stud for the Cowboys. Last season he had a breakout year and was already off to a hot start in 2019, posting 17 total tackles and one fumble recovery. He has a nose for the ball, which makes him among the most trustworthy defenders for this team.
He's also not shy of reading the quarterback's eyes and recording an interception either. Last year, he and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch led the Cowboys with two picks each. With secondary strength being so important in this league, Woods missing any action is awful news for Dallas, especially with some moving pieces expected.
The good news is that the Cowboys will face the Dolphins, Jets, Saints (without Drew Brees) and Giants over that span, with the only two threatening opponents being the Eagles and Packers.
With Woods out, Darian Thompson appears ready to be inserted into the starting lineup, per insider Todd Archer. Thompson hasn't started a game since 2017 with the New York Giants. In his two years with the Cowboys, he's appeared in 11 games, but has yet to post a tackle.
To go from a playmaker like Woods to Thompson is a total 180. But let's not forget they may have a diamond in the rough waiting in Donovan Wilson.
For Dallas, they'll surely hope Woods can make a quick recovery and get back on the gridiron ASAP considering how integral he is both stopping the run and the pass.