Blogging The Boys
Saturday evening didn’t exactly go the Dallas Cowboys way when they took on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 of the preseason. They were clearly overmatched and out-physicaled throughout the game, ultimately leading to the 31-21 defeat. It’s important to remember Dallas kept the game plan pretty vanilla and chose to sit many of their key players in this matchup. Because of that, it’s still too early to panic.
We can all agree the Cowboys have lot to work on, and there was definitely more bad than good in the preseason opener, but things probably aren’t as bad as they seem. In fact, the Cowboys had several players flying under the radar on the roster bubble who helped their case for a roster spot with their play against the Rams.
With both Miles Sanders and Jaydon Blue sidelined with injuries, and Javonte Williams sitting out this Week 1 matchup against the Rams, Phil Mafah handled the bulk of the workload at RB for the Cowboys. The stat line shows he rushed for just 36 yards on 10 carries, averaging 3.6 yards per carry, but what it doesn’t show is the physicality and surprising juice he showcased. And if not for multiple penalties that negated several of his big gains, his day would’ve been even better.
Traeshon Holden has gone from an undrafted free agent to a fan-favorite in a short amount of time with the Cowboys. He was someone many of us were excited to watch in this preseason matchup with the LA Rams and he didn’t disappoint. He ended up catching both of the two targets in the passing game Saturday afternoon for 42 receiving yards, with a long 35. He outperformed the rest of his competition at WR and is getting closer to a roster spot.
The Cowboys CB depth right now is definitely still a major concern, but they may have found a hidden gem in undrafted free agent Zion Childress. He was already receiving some positive reviews in training camp and followed that up with a pretty solid showing in the preseason matchup with the Rams. With good tackling and physicality in run support, as well as good play recognition when in coverage, Childress could compete to replace Jourdan Lewis in the slot for the Cowboys this season if he can continue to play like he has.
Israel Mukuamu has a knack for making plays when given the opportunity and Saturday afternoon against the Rams was no exception. In the second half he made an impressive interception off of Stetson Bennett down the field. He showcased his body control and hands when securing the catch while diving to the ground vertically. With his size and versatility to play just about anywhere in the Cowboy secondary, he is a unique defensive back who could prove to be invaluable as a depth piece and possibly spot starter this season.
LB Shemar...
