Marist Liufau’s forced fumble against the New York Jets turned what could have been a tied game into a first-half statement for the Dallas Cowboys. The second-year linebacker punched the ball out of Breece Hall’s hands near the 10-yard line with 2:27 remaining in the second quarter, stopping a potential scoring drive and setting up a run that changed the game’s direction completely.

“I just saw the opportunity and I took advantage of it,” Liufau said. “He was running away from me… I saw the ball loose, just went after it.”

The play came late in the second quarter with the Cowboys holding a 10–3 lead. Linebacker Sam Williams recovered the fumble at the 9-yard line, and the offense quickly turned the stop into points. In the final minutes of the half, Dallas produced back-to-back touchdown drives to enter halftime ahead, 23–3.

Prescott: “That was the game right there.”

Quarterback Dak Prescott described the moment as the defining sequence of the game. “That was huge. I think that was the game right there,” he said. “They were going down there to essentially tie it up and [Marist] punches the fumble out… and we’re able to go get a touchdown and then get the ball back again.”

Prescott credited both sides of the ball for capitalizing on the momentum. “That turnover by Marist right there was huge and just the way that the offense responded, not only that but the defense coming right back out in… just over a minute and making him go three and out… that was impressive. That’s what it’s about, taking advantage of each opportunity because you don’t know which play is going to break the game open, and that was it for us.”

For Liufau, the play was a direct reflection of the team’s daily emphasis on creating turnovers. “It’s a focus every single play really,” he said. “It’s something we emphasize every play, every day… This is why we do it, so it can show up on game day.”

He credited training camp reps and the team’s attention to detail for preparing him to make that kind of play. “I wouldn’t say it’s very natural. I think it’s something that’s practiced… I can’t say enough how much it helped me to practice and be intentional with it every day.”

Liufau finished with four tackles and one forced fumble, but his impact stretched far beyond the box score. His effort set the tone for a defense that defined the Cowboys’ identity: fast, physical, and ready to seize every opportunity.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys LB Marist Liufau talks about his big play vs Jets