Three Dallas Cowboys players who NEED to step up on Saturday
The Dallas Cowboys (10-4) go into Christmas Eve's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) with the NFC East still a possibility. Though the fifth-seed looks to be more realistic, they won't face QB Jalen Hurts in their rematch. Instead, the game will feature Dak Prescott vs Gardner Minshew. However, the Dallas Cowboys will also be […]
The Dallas Cowboys (10-4) go into Christmas Eve's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) with the NFC East still a possibility.
Though the fifth-seed looks to be more realistic, they won't face QB Jalen Hurts in their rematch. Instead, the game will feature Dak Prescott vs Gardner Minshew.
However, the Dallas Cowboys will also be without key players. LB Leighton Vander Esch will be given a week to recover from his shoulder issue. While edge rusher Sam Williams is recovering from a concussion, suffered in a slight car accident earlier this week.
In their stay will come a slew of players to take fill in.
For LVE, unless the Cowboys plan to use Micah Parsons more inside like he was at the start of the season, it means Anthony Barr and rookie Damone Clark will start inside. It also means an expanded role for Jabril Cox, who hasn't had much defensive exposure in 2022.
Despite his few defensive snaps, Cox adds a much better coverage element than the veteran Barr as well as speed to the edges near the line of scrimmage.
Speaking of edge's, Chauncey Golston is one of the Cowboys unsung heroes this season. Often playing right defensive end, or flexed inside as a tackle, Golston adds some much need physicality.
In fact, his best game that saw him with his most snaps was week six against this same Eagles team. With Williams out, it really hurts the run defense on the edge across from DeMarcus Lawrence. Expect Golston to see an increase in play with Williams out.
Aside from Golston and Cox, an area of concern is still the Cowboys CB2 across from Trevon Diggs.
The evaluation of Mackensie Alexander is an interesting move.
This far into their second season, both Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright were expected to have elevated their game.
Each has had moments that show promise. Neither shows consistency as a starting corner or in an expanded role.
It's entirely possible Dan Quinn might opt to move DaRon Bland outside, given his versatility across the secondary. Pushing Alexander into the nickel as he is the only other slot corner on the team.
Alexander has familiarity with defensive assistant George Edwards from their days in Minnesota and offers one of the more reliable veteran presences the Cowboys lack.
Depending how tight a leash Joseph and/or Wright have, Alexander might be the remedy to come into the slot.
Don't expect Cox, Golston or Alexander to start, but they will be asked to play expanded roles. Areas marred by injury and bad play. Once on the field, they realistically should provide enough of a boost to what's there currently.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
