Blogging The Boys
While the Dallas Cowboys did escape last week’s matchup against the New York Giants with a win, their performance left plenty to be desired on both sides of the ball. If the Cowboys want to earn a victory on the road in Chicago this Sunday, they’ll need to clean up some things.
With that in mind, today, we look at two players the Cowboys should use more this week if they want to play a better game than they did last week.
1) OT Nathan Thomas
It’s no secret that Dallas’ offensive line got their butt kicked last week. As a unit, the Cowboys’ offensive line allowed 20 total pressures, 14 QB hurries, four QB hits, and two sacks in the game. If it were not for Dak Prescott displaying some impressive pocket mobility for the second-straight week, those numbers would have been much higher.
With Cooper Beebe suffering a significant injury during the game, the Cowboys don’t have many places on their offensive line where they can make changes to improve the unit’s overall performance. If they do want to make a change, the one spot they likely could do so is at right tackle.
Veteran tackle Terence Steele has really struggled in pass protection this year, and the 28-year-old allowed a team-high four pressures and one sack last week against the Giants. Steele’s Pass-Blocking efficiency grade (via Pro Football Focus) was also tied for the lowest of all Dallas’ offensive linemen.
Steele’s issues in pass protection have caused some serious problems for Dallas’ offense, and it may be time for the Cowboys to see what other options they have. If the Cowboys do give another player a shot, it will be 24-year-old Nathan Thomas. The former seventh-round pick was fairly impressive during the preseason and seems to have some fans among Dallas’s offensive coaching staff.
If Steele comes out and struggles again in the first half against Chiago, the Cowboys may be forced to take a chance and see what the younger Thomas can offer.
2) CB Reddy Steward
Much like Dallas’ offensive line, the Cowboys’ secondary struggled mightily against the Giants. The Cowboys surrendered 450 passing yards, the most of any team in Week 2, and gave up multiple long touchdown passes where defenders were not even close to an offensive player.
Out of Dallas’ entire secondary, Reddy Steward, whom the Cowboys claimed via waivers back at the end of August, played the best. Playing in just the second game in his NFL career, Steward allowed just three catches for a total of 23 yards and recorded the highest coverage grade (74.1) of any Dallas defender.
With all of Dallas’ struggles in the secondary, Steward’s outstanding performance should certainly earn him even more playing time. While the Cowboys are in a bit of a tough spot with DaRon Bland out, if Kaiir Elam struggles again, Dallas may need to start giving Steward a chance to start outside.
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