NFL Huskies: Budda Baker is MNF Terror against Dallas Cowboys

Former UW free safety had stellar performance for the Arizona Cardinals on the road in Texas.

America got a good look at the highest-paid safety in NFL history.

It liked what it saw.

Budda Baker put on a show, demonstrating why he's worthy of that four-year, $54 million contract.

On Monday Night Football, the former University of Washington defensive back was a disruptive force throughout as the Arizona Cardinals rolled to a 38-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the Lone Star state.

No. 32 was everywhere.

In the opening quarter, Baker hit Cowboys' tailback Ezekiel Elliott broadside on a screen pass, stripping him of the ball. The Cardinals recovered the fumble on their 46 and scored their first touchdown 11 plays later. 

Midway through the second quarter, Baker registered a incredibly speedy sack that left  Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton, Dak Prescott's injury replacement, splattered on the turf.

Lined up in an inside linebacker slot, the ex-Husky defender shot though the line untouched and dropped Dalton for a seven-yard loss at the Dallas 34. Dalton had zero chance to do anything.

Tim Heitman/USA TODAY sports

As the third quarter pulled to a close, Baker came blitzing off Dalton's left side and hit the quarterback as he tried to get rid of the ball. The pass went sideways.

A third-year NFL player, Baker toyed with the Cowboys. He threatened to blitz another half-dozen times, leaving Dallas always cognizant of where he was. He finished with seven tackles, all solo.

Early in the final period, Baker intercepted a Dalton pass and for a moment looked like he might go the distance. He stole the ball at his 12 and appeared to return it 49 yards to the Dallas 39. In the end, a replay review put him down at the spot of the interception. 

Baker wasn't the only former UW defensive back who made big things happen either. 

Byron Murphy, two years into the league after leaving the Huskies, recovered an Elliott fumble on the Dallas 30, setting up the Cardinals' second touchdown. He finished with eight tackles, seven solo. 

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