Picture this: a rookie linebacker bursting onto the scene in his second NFL game, amassing an astonishing 15 tackles to lead his team. That's the electrifying reality for Dallas Cowboys' linebacker Shemar James, and it's sparking a wave of excitement around the team's defensive unit. But here's where it gets controversial – is this just beginner's luck, or the start of something legendary? Stick around as we dive into the heart of the Cowboys' linebacker revival, exploring how intentional preparation and relentless effort are turning the tide after a rocky start.
In Frisco, Texas, head coach Matt Eberflus has built his NFL reputation on nurturing standout linebackers, and the early season has been a bumpy ride for the Dallas Cowboys' defense. Through the first four games, things looked grim, but Week 5 flipped the script with a commanding victory over the New York Jets. At the center of that triumph were linebackers Shemar James and Marist Liufau, whose standout performances were pivotal in securing the win.
The drama unfolded when starting linebacker Jack Sanborn exited due to a concussion midway through the second quarter, thrusting James into the spotlight alongside Liufau and Kenneth Murray. For James, a rookie making his NFL debut just the week before, it was a whirlwind experience. He logged an impressive 60 defensive snaps – that's 73% of the plays – plus another 14 on special teams, accounting for nearly half of those opportunities.
And the results? James delivered a team-high 15 tackles, a feat unmatched by Cowboys linebackers in the last decade, except for elite talents like Leighton Vander Esch and Sean Lee. What's even more remarkable is that James achieved this in only his second game, despite being a fifth-round draft pick. For context, Vander Esch was a first-rounder and Lee a second-rounder – so James is defying expectations right out of the gate.
'I felt like I was in a dream,' James shared, reflecting on the moment. 'I was out there thinking, "Spot the ball, grab the ball," and that's exactly what happened – leading to those 15 tackles.' It was a euphoric high for the young player, who described himself as being 'on cloud nine.'
Not long after James entered the fray, Liufau seized his own moment of glory. He halted a dangerous Jets drive by pursuing running back Breece Hall and stripping the ball away – a move known as a forced fumble in football terms, where a defender punches or knocks the ball loose from the ball carrier. This shift in momentum was huge; teammate Sam Williams scooped up the loose ball, and star quarterback Dak Prescott, an All-Pro and MVP contender, marched the offense down the field for a touchdown. Instead of a potential 10-10 tie at halftime, the score ballooned to 17-3, giving the Cowboys an insurmountable lead.
Now, some might chalk this up to coincidence or sheer fortune, but that overlooks a crucial element: Liufau's deliberate approach. He practices punching at the football relentlessly, no matter who's holding it – even during walkthroughs or when team managers are nearby, much to their annoyance. 'I make it a point to be intentional,' Liufau explained. 'Whether in practice or casual settings, I'm always working to locate and secure the ball, gearing up for game day.'
As a fun aside, the Honolulu native is warming up to the nickname 'Hawaiian Punch,' calling it 'flattering and cool,' but he's holding off on fully embracing it until he checks with the locker room. It's like a play under review – exciting, but not official yet. And this is the part most people miss: intentionality isn't just a buzzword; it's the foundation of success, echoing timeless wisdom like 'practice makes perfect.' What you rehearse, you master; how you behave, you become. Liufau embodies this, while acknowledging there's always room for growth.
'It's about staying humble and asking, "How can I improve?"' he noted. 'I didn't play flawlessly, so I'm focusing on refining my game through solid practice sessions leading into the next matchup.'
This mindset resonates with younger players like James, who admires Liufau's talent and tenacity. As a product of Notre Dame, Liufau brings elite skills to the field, and James is eager to emulate his energy. 'Having Marist by your side is a game-changer,' James said. 'You know he'll give 100% every play, like that incredible strip where he broke free from a block and punched the ball out. We were grateful – who knows how far Hall might have run otherwise? Guys like him are invaluable to the team.'
James himself is fueled by the same drive to excel. Looking ahead to Week 6 and beyond, he's targeting improvements in his zone coverage, aiming to close gaps faster – turning potential eight-yard gains into four-yard stops. Better communication with the secondary is also on his list, ensuring the whole defense is synchronized for that tough, unyielding style of play.
After four weeks of defensive woes (though James wasn't involved in the early struggles), the Cowboys' linebacker group showed significant progress against the Jets, building a foundation for future success. And the plot thickens with the impending return of potential star DeMarvion Overshown, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2024. Reports suggest he's nearing a comeback, possibly right after the bye week, which could elevate this young, promising unit even further.
Pairing Overshown with Liufau and James might just create a powerhouse under Eberflus – like cooking with fish grease, a Hawaiian tradition where the oil from cooking fish adds rich flavor to dishes. After struggling to ignite the defensive fire in Dallas, this could be the secret ingredient for a sizzling turnaround.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is intentionality in practice overrated, or is it the key to unlocking greatness in sports? Some argue that raw talent trumps preparation, while others swear by deliberate habits. What about the nickname 'Hawaiian Punch' – does it unfairly stereotype based on Liufau's heritage, or is it a harmless nod to his style? And with rookies like James shining so brightly, does this challenge the idea that only high draft picks dominate early? We'd love to hear your take – do you believe practice truly makes perfect, or is there more to athletic success? Agree or disagree with these points, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
