Hankins’s pass-rush efficiency is at its peak since 2014.

 

Texas’s Arlington Rightfully so, DaRon Bland owns the day as he became the NFL’s all-time leader in pick-sixes in a single season.

Still, despite his quiet demeanor, Jonathan Hankins had a pretty big (well, maybe a little pun intended) day himself on a Thanksgiving that saw the Dallas Cowboys defeat the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium, becoming their latest victim.

The important thing to keep in mind about Hankins, who scored two sacks for the Cowboys on Thursday afternoon, is that he is a nose tackle who is 6-foot-2 and weighs about 320 pounds.

Give that a minute to sink in.

After the game, a beaming Hankins remarked, “It feels amazing.” “It just goes to show you how much work I’ve put in, and I’m thankful.”

As befitting his position, however, after using Sam Howell as a pre-meal snack in Arlington, he was eager to get home and enjoy the holiday fare.

Saying, “Today is Thanksgiving,” he said. “And now I get a chance to actually eat so it’s gonna be a good night,”

For further context, consider how outstanding Hankins was as a pass rusher on Thanksgiving rather than just a premium run stopper who eats up double teams and clogs rushing lanes. This is the first time in nearly nine years that Hankins has recorded multiple sacks in a single game.

The last time he recorded multiple sacks was on December 14, 2014, against none other than the Washington Commanders—who, at the time, went by a different moniker.

Perhaps after all, time is a flat circle.

The Cowboys’ 13-game winning streak at home and their absurd 205-60 point differential—which is absurd in any situation—were made possible by Hankins’ contributions.

“It’s always huge to win at home, to defend at home, and it’s all a part of the process,” Hankins stated. “Every game has significance. Never able to focus on more than one team or game.”

The Cowboys’ already formidable defensive line will be thrown into even greater disarray if he keeps playing as well as he has in run defense and starts to contribute to sacks, quarterback hits, and pressures.

At this point, they may have to start handing out straightjackets during home games.