Co-Defensive Player of the Game: Romeo Okwara
The New York Giants were given one week to find a way to replace the presence and production of star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. It’s hard to say New York has replaced him, but it came as close as possible to doing so against the Dallas Cowboys.
With the Giants in need of a defensive lineman to step up and make their presence felt, Romeo Okwara was dominant.
"You can't really replace JPP's caliber, so I just went out and did my job." - Romeo Okwara #DALvsNYG
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 12, 2016
Statistically, Okwara stepped up with eight tackles, 1.0 sack, one tackle for loss, a pass deflection, and three resonating hits on Dak Prescott. Beyond the numbers, Okwara kept Dallas’ vaunted offensive line busy by applying constant pressure and fighting like his career depended on it.
Okwara earned a grade of 80.3 from Pro Football Focus. That may have been No. 5 amongst New York’s defensive players, but it doesn’t change the fact he deserves a game ball.
Okwara was tasked with stepping in and replacing the best pass-rusher on the Giants’ roster. Olivier Vernon was outstanding against the Cowboys, but the pressure Okwara applied from the other side is why Prescott was so flustered in the pocket.
This may have been a breakout performance from an undrafted free agent with as much upside as any player on New York’s defensive line.