Cowboys' five biggest winners from preseason opener headlined by Deuce Vaughn
The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-23 in their 2023 preseason opener on Saturday. Keyword: Preseason. Win or lose, the scoreboard is the least relevant element of any preseason game in the NFL. It's about player evaluation and getting to learn about players fighting for a role or spot on the team. With […]
The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-23 in their 2023 preseason opener on Saturday.
Keyword: Preseason. Win or lose, the scoreboard is the least relevant element of any preseason game in the NFL. It's about player evaluation and getting to learn about players fighting for a role or spot on the team.
With that being said, let's dive into the five players that most helped their stock rise this weekend as the team returns to Oxnard, California.
Biggest Cowboys' winners from the preseason opener
- RB Deuce Vaughn: Where else can you begin? The 5-foot-5 back went from getting his first attempt until the second half to putting himself in the running to be Tony Pollard's primary backup in Game 1. He juked defenders, broke tackles, and made leaping catches on his way to a 50-yard performance in eight carries. He also scored a touchdown.
- TE Jake Ferguson: Ferguson was supposed to be immersed in an all-out battle for the starting tight end role when the Cowboys drafted Luke Schoonmaker in the second round of the NFL Draft. He's firmly in a position to be TE1 now. By the end of the first quarter, Ferguson had three catches in three targets for 38 yards, including a great catch over his shoulder at the seam.
- LB Damone Clark: The second-year linebacker was one of the few projected starters to take the field on Saturday and it's safe to say he looked much more comfortable than he did as a rookie st year. With a full offseason of prep, Clark was smooth and explosive as he made four solo tackles and one assisted tackle in limited snaps.
- WR Jalen Tolbert: What a night for the guy who was viewed as a big disappointment during his rookie season. The anticipated turnaround got off to a great start on Saturday. His best play of the game was wiped out due to an OPI flag but his would've-been-catch on the sideline is exactly what the coaching staff wants to see from him. Tolbert went up in the air, high-pointed the football, and showed great body control by getting his feet down. He also caught a touchdown over the middle.
- LB DeMarvion Overshown: Okay, the kid looks fast. The coaching staff reportedly loves the third-round rookie and Saturday showed exactly why. He's shooting gaps and flying to the football. He finished the first half with six tackles.
Five Cowboys who saw their stock drop in preseason loss vs. Jags
The seat is getting hot for them.
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
