A pair of Dallas Cowboys whose last 2 games are paying dividends
For all the criticisms the Dallas Cowboys (12-4) face this year, they are a resilient team. When one player goes down for an determined amount of time, another has stepped in to take his place. Whether it's been QB Cooper Rush filling for Dak Prescott, or Damone Clark filling in for Anthony Barr and Leighton […]
For all the criticisms the Dallas Cowboys (12-4) face this year, they are a resilient team. When one player goes down for an determined amount of time, another has stepped in to take his place.
Whether it's been QB Cooper Rush filling for Dak Prescott, or Damone Clark filling in for Anthony Barr and Leighton Vander Esch. This Cowboys team is embracing the concept of 'Next Man Up'.
Most recently, the Cowboys are seeing a couple of veteran players on offense and defense see their snap counts rise and their use become obvious.
Defensively, it's defensive tackle Carlos Watkins. His second season in Dallas, Watkins wasn't used near as much at nose. Seeing players like Quinton Bohanna, Neville Gallimore and Johnathan Hankins see most of the looks.
However, injuries to all three causing them to be in and out of the lineup is seeing Watkins take an uptick in snaps. His first start coming three games ago against Jacksonville, he is playing at least 40% of the defensive snaps in that time.
It's been the last two games that his effect is being felt. Playing like a true nose tackle, clogging the interior a-gap, making tackles.
While not stopping the run to the level that they had been doing prior, not having LVE has hurt the Cowboys run defense past the second level.
Inside however, Watkins is one of the Dallas Cowboys top run defenders the last two games. Holding both the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans, two of the top rushing offenses in the NFL, to under 100 yards on the ground.
Offensively, it's better late than never. The Dallas Cowboys were desperate for a second outside receiving threat.
Aside from WR CeeDee Lamb and TE Dalton Schultz, the Cowboys have been hopeful for one or both of Michael Gallup and Noah Brown to step up. Both have had moments, but neither have shown consistency. Or worse, have shown to be a liability at times.
While the attention was/is around Odell Beckham Jr, it's been 4-time Pro Bowl WR T.Y. Hilton who is here and making an enormous effect in just the two games he's played.
In his first game, he made two impact plays. Forcing a down-field defensive penalty and what is easily the play of the year so far for the Dallas Cowboys. In game two, his targets and plays increased.
Catching four of five targets for 50 yards. Converting a number of third downs during the game.
Next man up is old adage but something the Cowboys are utilizing. Watkins playing nose and Hilton at wide receiver are elevating the team in areas they struggled in.
Just in time for the post season. If it continues, the Dallas can be a lethal team in January. And potentially in February.
Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
