Cowboys vs. Raiders: Secondary faces big challenge against Aidan O'Connell

The Dallas Cowboys has one of the best secondaries in the NFL thanks to starting cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore and a loaded group of safeties. But in terms of depth, there's still a lot to figure out. The Cowboys have some solid rotational players in the defensive backfield but they've struggled at times […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer

Aug 25, 2023 11:53 AM EDT

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn against the Carolina Panthers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys has one of the best secondaries in the NFL thanks to starting cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore and a loaded group of safeties.

But in terms of depth, there's still a lot to figure out. The Cowboys have some solid rotational players in the defensive backfield but they've struggled at times in the preseason when the pass rush hasn't hit home.

As such, Saturday's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders is guaranteed to provide a fun challenge for the unit: Facing rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who's been one of the best preseason passers this year.

O'Connell, who the Cowboys worked out during the draft process, has been turning heads in training camp and his first two preseason games. So far, he boasts the second-highest PFF passing grade for any passer in August as he's completed 26 of 36 pass attempts (72%) for 304 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

He also has the second-highest NFL passer rating among qualifying QBs as he's done great in all situations. He's managed the blitz well and has pushed the ball downfield efficiently with 12 completions being thrown beyond 10 yards.

Cowboys DBs can step up vs. Aidan O'Connell

Facing a legit-looking quarterback is never a guarantee in the preseason, so this will be a fun development to watch on Saturday night.

The Cowboys have several battles going on in the defensive backfield and this provides an opportunity to impress the coaches. Rookie Eric Scott Jr. has had a rough preseason but has a shot at the 53-man roster spot considering the front office traded up for him in April.

Kelvin Joseph has done enough to convince many of us that he belongs on the secondary as a backup at nickel. Of course, there are more players we could include like UDFA rookie Myles Brooks.

Then there's the safety room, where Juanyeh Thomas needs a big game to earn a place on the team. While he's had a good offseason, a lack of depth at linebacker gives his teammate Markquese Bell an edge over him. Can Thomas make a statement this weekend to force the Cowboys to find a way to keep him on the 53?

One thing is for sure: These players will get the opportunity against O'Connell, who's been lights out this year. Will they do something with it?