Blogging The Boys
Some players who need a good showing on Saturday.
Tyler Booker: First-round pick Tyler Booker will make his NFL debut on Saturday night, a week after many expected him to play in the team’s first preseason game against the Rams. Brian Schottenheimer cited the lack of recovery time for Booker between the joint practice and preseason game as the reason he didn’t play, so Dallas should see a fresh Booker on Saturday. What does a fresh Booker look like when playing at best? Paving running lanes for the running backs behind him. Can he do it at a high level early in his career? Saturday’s our first sample size to find out. – (Tommy Yarrish)
Phil Mafah: Malik Davis’ production in limited duty against the Rams aside, it was the Mafah Show in LA. And seeing as fellow rookie Jaydon Blue is unlikely to take the field for his preseason debut against the Ravens, I’m keenly interested in seeing if Mafah can take another step forward in jumping off the tape this weekend. If he can, the discussion regarding the RBs room will get extremely spicy with only one preseason game remaining and roster cuts around the corner. Mafah is showing everything you’d need in an impact running back. – (Patrik Walker)
Many players had good training camps in California, but these guys stood out the most.
Offensive MVP: WR KaVontae Turpin
Don’t expect KaVontae Turpin to be a 700-yard receiver this season, but don’t be surprised if his offensive value sees a sharp uptick in the first year under Brian Schottenheimer.
With each practice, Turpin made a play in the receiving game that resulted in a big gain, from tunnel screens to quick drag routes and deep crossers to even getting snaps at running back. His increased knowledge of route concepts is starting to show as he enters his fourth season.
And while he has already cemented himself as one of the league’s best return threats with two Pro Bowl nods, he looks poised to add even further value to his name with an increased offensive role.
“No fear, that’s the kick return mentality,” Schottenheimer said of Turpin. “He doesn’t need a lot of space. … He’s just dynamic. He’s a weapon. This is a guy that can impact a game. … He’s just a guy we want to move all over the field.”
Defensive MVP: CB Kaiir Elam
There were a lot of questions surrounding the cornerback position going into camp — and, granted, there still are — but Kaiir Elam has been a breath of fresh air for a room that is waiting to get back multiple injured players.
After being acquired from the Buffalo Bills in...
